Special Care for Outdoor Pets during Cold Winter Months

Outdoor pets will need a little bit of special care during cold winter months.  Failure to provide them with the care they need can result in disaster.  Here are a few tips to ensure your pet is comfortable during the winter months.

Outdoor pets will need a little bit of special care during cold winter months.  Failure to provide them with the care they need can result in disaster.  Here are a few tips to ensure your pet is comfortable during the winter months.

It is important for you to take a few things into consideration when it comes to cold weather and your pets.  Smaller, younger, or older pets will be particularly susceptible to colder conditions outside.  Those with shorter hair will also have a harder time.  It is best for these pets to be kept indoors instead of trying to brave cold weather.

During the cold winter months it is vital for your pet to have appropriate shelter to stay in.  Ideally your dog house will be raised a few inches off the ground.  Dogs will have a harder time maintaining their body heat if they are lying directly on the ground. 

The interior should also be fitted with warm blankets.  Alternatively, you can put straw or cedar shavings inside the house to keep your pet warm.  Just make sure you change them out occasionally because they will get wet.

Owners should also consider putting a flap over the door to the house.  This will do a good job of keeping wind out of the interior.  Another option would be to turn the doghouse away from the direction of the wind.

In the winter there will probably be plenty of ice on the ground.  There will likely be plenty of salt on the ground too to negate the slippery effects of the ice.  Both of these substances can irritate your dog's paws since they are quite abrasive.  Therefore, you will need to clean your dog's paws off frequently to ensure they do not get damaged.

Cold weather also increases the risk of certain conditions developing; namely hypothermia and frostbite.  If your dog develops hypothermia, you will notice him shivering and not moving around much.  You will need to provide a warmer location and consult with a veterinarian.

Frostbite will cause tissues to turn pale or gray as they become damaged.  Certain areas of your dog's body will be particularly susceptible to frostbite; like the tail, paws, and ears.  Warming the areas up slowly and calling a vet is the best course of action.

You may also need to change your dog's diet somewhat during the winter.  Dogs that become less active should be provided with less food to keep obesity from becoming a problem.  If dogs remain active they will need a bit more food than they normally eat because they will burn more calories and energy.

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