Dogs are built differently than humans, with some breeds including Huskies perfectly built for winter weather. However, some of our four-legged friends don’t fare well during the colder months. Whether you define winter as snow falling or a slight drop in temperature, you need to take measures to ensure your best friend stays warm – continue reading below to find out more.
Create a Cozy Sleeping Space
Your pup’s bed should be inviting and comfy all year long, but why not throw a few more blankets down during the colder months? If your dog chooses to sleep in a cold part of the house, invest in a heat mat, which helps to maintain your dog’s body temperature.
Regardless of how you keep your dog’s bed warm, you need to put their safety needs first. If you’re unsure about any changes you make, you can ask your vet for advice. The most important thing is that they can get in and out of bed safely.
Manage Your Heating Properly
If you leave your dog alone for a length of time, make sure you heat the home to a suitable temperature. The average dog will feel uncomfortable at temperatures below 32°F. If you have an extra chilly dog, you’re looking at temperatures below 45°F. You can easily set the correct temperature by investing in a smart thermostat, which lets you control your home’s heating remotely.
Provide Shelter Outdoors
Even though it’s cold outside, your dog still needs to go into the yard to do its business. Plenty of fresh air is great for dogs, but if they’re left outside in the cold for too long, they’re likely to get frostbite. Therefore, you should ensure your dog has a proper means of shelter outdoors. Build a kennel that sits at least 4” off the ground. The roof should be slanted to allow rain to drain properly. Further, you can lay down hay during the winter for additional protection from the elements. All you need to do is monitor your pup when they’re outside and maintain the cleanliness of their shelter.
Get Them a Stylish Sweater
Some breeds of dogs don’t have the luxury of a large fluffy coat of hair, which means they feel the cold much more. If you have a whippet, chihuahua, miniature pinscher, or greyhound, they will benefit from a stylish sweater to get them through the winter. When fitting your dog’s new clothing, you need to ensure they’re not too tight around the chest and shoulders.
Keep in mind that every dog is different, meaning yours may not feel comfortable wearing a coat. This is perfectly fine, simply let them outside for less time during the winter.
Regularly Inspect Your Dog’s Paws
Your pup doesn’t have the luxury of wearing shoes, meaning their bare pads are exposed to freezing surfaces. During the cold months, examine their paws regularly for signs of abrasions, which can be a sign of frostbite.
Follow the advice above to keep your best friend warm and your loyal pet will thank you with plenty of cuddles this winter, which is a bonus for you.
