Dog care to keep your pups warm this winter
With the fall already getting fairly chilly in some areas, it’s important to remember our furry pals who sleep outside. And it’s important to note that a dog’s body heat runs a little higher than a person’s, and for most breeds, particularly the bigger pooches, dogs tend to become far more active in the colder weather, so playtime is usually very awesome. But sleeping is another thing entirely.
Being outside
The first thing you should consider is that if you wouldn’t sleep on it, it’s probably not comfy for them either.
A dog house is a must for any pooch outdoors. But, there are a few characteristics to consider too. Dome shaped ones tend to be the best for keeping out the elements, including the snow, ice, and cold rain. They also trap warmth far more efficiently, similar to the well-known Igloo (and it’s reasons for use in the snowy tundra.)
There are certain situations where things can get way too hot though. So venting out the air is still important though. If all the air stays trapped, it can get stuffy and uncomfortable, leaving your pooch resorting to a “cool-down” outside in the middle of the night. Make sure your dog’s house has a good vent to allow some fresh air to flow inside regularly. And if you’re concerned about cold air blowing through, there is another solution for that.
Wind chill
The wind makes cold weather harsh and even meaner than usual. So an extra barrier from the north and eastern winds will help your furry friend exponentially. These are the winds that nip your nose and send you back inside shivering. But things are quite different when the wind isn’t there. A snowy day is way more fun, and you can move about even when the frost is thick. Cutting out the wind chill will help keep your pal’s sleeping quarters warmer and safer.
Under the bed
Insulation from the ground is definitely important. Anyone who’s been camping and forgot to pack a mat to sleep on can attest to the importance of keeping your distance from the cold hard ground when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep.
The answer is plenty of fluff. Fluff keeps the warmth inside, mainly because it traps air pockets. And while it may not seem very effective, air is actually one of the best insulations available, much like double-paned windows. Your dog’s fur does the same thing by trapping air molecules and creating a large barrier between the elements and their body. So a fluffy lining, like carpet or foam, will help keep an outdoors dog warm even when the temperature isn’t pleasant and even when a slight breeze tries to carry the trapped air away.
Extra warm
Extra heat sources are not usually necessary outside of harsh arctic freezes, particularly if you have more than one pooch and they cozy together. But if your pooch is getting ready to drop a litter of pups or they just happen to be a little young in the first place, you may want to add something extra to keep them warm and cozy.
Electricity has a natural ability to generate heat. And while a space heater is rarely safe around a dog who enjoys playthings or chewable items, a heat lamp will definitely warm things up a lot. But in these instances, you need to make sure the wires are nowhere near where your pup can get a hold of them. Dogs do chew, and puppies are particularly curious and don’t know any better. Also, make sure your pal can’t lick or sniff the bulb. It should be high up and out of any nosey noses reach.
A heating blanket is perhaps a far more efficient and safe idea. These can be inserted inside of bedding or beneath where your furry friend won’t notice it. Most also come with a setting adjustment so you can control the temperature more effectively for comfort. And since heat rises, it warms the area far more efficiently, cutting on your electric costs.
And remember that if it gets too dangerous out there, too cold, or even too lonely, you may have to resort to letting your pal sleep inside for the night. Remember, keep your pal safe, and it’s nice to spoil them every once in a while too.
