Cold Weather Care for Dogs
Here are a few tips on cold weather care for your dog. Keep in mind the best policy is to leave them inside during cold weather. Dogs can cope with some cold, but just like human they suffer when it gets too cold. Their joints just like ours can become stiff and hurt.
First the dog house should be insulated and large enough for them to fit their entire body into as well as have plenty of blankets and covering to avoid the cold earth or snow. If it is not going to snow several feet then you may be able to let them stay outside depending on the provisions you are providing them and the temperature. Any temperature that is near freezing or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit is going to be too cold to leave your canine outside. Water will freeze if it gets too cold and then they want have part of the basic care a canine needs.
When the cold weather rolls in you are better off keeping the canine inside, no matter what it will be doing. It is rather cruel to withhold proper care just because the canine is a little too big or can get into trouble while inside. Your best option for cold weather care is coming home at least once during the day and letting them out for exercise and bathroom breaks.
We may think our canines are tough and they shouldn’t be in the house alone, especially when they are considered a large canine breed. Your pet does need regular exercise and plenty of room to grow, but you should also consider the type of weather you will be leaving them in. Cold weather is one of the most dangerous times of the year for your canine. Even when you have a Huskie or Akita they need to have protection from the harsh cold weather. As an owner you are going to be responsible for their care.
If you must leave your canine outside during cold weather check the weather forecast. You will need to know what temperature it will reach and whether it will be snowing or raining. Shelter will only help your canine so much when left outside in the cold. There are also many different types of caninehouses you can have to help keep your canine safe.
If you do have a fire going make sure you have the doors on the fireplace closed or that the screens are in place. You don’t want the canine to get too close just because of curiosity.
Cold weather can be just as harsh on your canines or canine as it is on you. Keep in mind that extra care needs to be taken even if you are just going for a little exercise out of doors. There are many things you can do such as canine sweaters, little booties, or just keeping up the pace to make sure your canine will not suffer in the cold.
We all like to turn down the temperature when we aren’t home, but consider what temperature the canine will need to be comfortable. If it is too cold inside you are doing no better by having them inside. So keep the thermostat up at a decent temperature while you are away for the day.
You may need to spend a little more playtime and exercise time with your canine once you get home, but it is important to see they are safe, warm, and happy during the day when you are at work. You can even leave them extra blankets around their bed during the night and when you are away just in case the house isn’t warm enough. Most canines love to cuddle when it gets cold. You will find them in front of fireplaces and heaters warming themselves.
Resources:
Gerry is dog expert from England, he writes for a number of website including dog collars and wireless headphones. He has two dogs himself and features regularly on television and radio to talk about dogs.
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