5 Ways To Keep Your Dog Warm This Winter

Sam, German Shepherd: Image by Martina Rathgens, Flickr

With the cold season quickly approaching, you may be wondering how to keep your dog warm this winter. The answer comes with recognizing how easily your dog gets cold and taking the proper precautions. Here are some ways to warm your dog up.

Warm Dog Tip #1: Know Your Dog

Every dog is susceptible to the cold to some degree, but some are more susceptible than others. Breed of dog can determine important things during the winter, such as how long he can stay outside, if he's safe as an outside dog during the winter, or if he needs to stay solely an inside dog. Things to consider include whether or not your pup has long, thick, thin, or short fur, if he's a tropical climate dog, and his age, health, and weight.

Warm Dog Tip #2: Warm Clothing

Some dogs will need some extra help keeping warm during the winter. Dog sweaters and dog coats work great for this purpose. A good dog sweater like Fashion Pet Bone Patch Cable Dog Sweater will help keep the average indoor dog warm during cold temperatures.

To help keep your dog warm outside in the snow, you'll need something warmer, and preferably waterproof. A good warm dog coat like Kakadu Pet Explorer Nylon Fleece Reflective Dog Coat should do the trick.

Warm Dog Tip #3: Keep His Paws Warm

To keep your dog warm during the winter, it's also important to keep his feet warm. Dogs regulate their temperature through their feet and tongue, so a covering to keep their feet warmer doesn't hurt. Coverings can also protect sensitive paws from salts and other harmful chemicals which are often used in the winter.

Good dog boots like Ultra Paws Durable Dog Boots will stay on your dogs feet and keep them dry and warm from the snow. If your dog won't wear boots, Musher's Secret paw wax is a good option which can help protect your dog's paws from ice and salt.

Warm Dog Tip #4: Insulated Shelter

Dog House: Image by Dbrulz123, Flickr

Insulating a shelter for your dog is particularly important if he's an outside dog, or if he spends a lot of time outside. Even if you have a dog that's designed to handle cold weather, it's a good idea to bring him inside during the night hours when it gets particularly cold.

To keep your dog warm outside, it's important to provide him with a warm dog house. This can be done with insulation. This can be done by attaching carpet to the bottom of the dog house, insulating it with straw, or adding a heat pad to the bottom of the dog house. Some owners also put heat lamps inside the dog house for added warmth and light. If you do anything electrical, be sure to set it up so the dog can't chew on any wires or get burnt.

Warm Dog Tip #5: Warm Bedding

If you have an inside dog, but a cool house, provide him with a nice warm dog bed. Consider raising the bed off of the floor, and place it somewhere that's free from drafts. Adding a hot water bottle or a heating pad to the bed can help to keep it extra warm during the cold season.

With these tips, you can keep your dog warm this winter season. Be sure to keep a close eye on your dog during extreme temperatures, and take precautions to prevent hypothermia, frost bite, and other winter ailments.

Sources to keep your dog warm this winter: Pet Place, Networx

Also Read: How To Tell If Your Dog Is Too Cold