Posted on November 24, 2009 by Nancy Houser

The closer it gets to winter and cold days, getting dogs winterized is a top priority in preventing illness and death.  Dog breeds have a lot to do with what is needed done, as some dogs like our Miniature American Eskimos and Shiba Inus love the cold weather and don’t need a lot done…at least one would think. Meanwhile, smaller dogs and dogs with short hair cannot be left outside very long at all.

But all dogs, regardless who and what breed they are cannot be immune to the cold for long periods of time, even though you may think different as they are diving headfirst into deep snow piles and yipping with delight. For dogs who are outside dogs all the time or spend a fair amount of time outdoors, keeping the dog houses turned away from the wind and snow and filled over half-full with prairie hay or lots of bedding at all times should be a top priority.

If they are kept in a run, keeping it shoveled free of ice and snow will prevent their pads from freezing up and developing ice balls, which eventually can make it impossible for them to walk and damages their feet pads.

TYPES OF DOG HOUSES TO USE

We use igloo dog houses for our dogs, even though there are many types to choose from for dogs who are outside the majority of time. We were advised to use them by dog professionals and the USDA, as they provide the best insulation and have a turned entrance so the wind does not blow directly in.

You can place a doorway on them which is extra, but we turn them toward a solid fence or a solid building so they are totally protected from direction of wind regardless which direction it is coming from. You can use any time of dog house as long as they are highly insulated.

TYPES OF HAY FOR DOG HOUSES

We used to fill our igloo dog houses with straw until we got some bad straw with mildew and mites. For the remaining year we had to treat our dogs for mite bites—I didn’t think we would ever get them under control. We were advised to use prairie hay instead of straw, as it would not carry the mites. This type of bedding we have used every year since this “memorable year”.

We fill the dog houses over half full because the dogs will circle and circle and circle until everything feels JUST RIGHT… and then they will lie down on smashed bedding. If you don’t put in extra, there will be very little left by this time. Check it weekly as they will do this every time they lie down which eventually will shred it to little bits that gets dusty over time.

THE EARS AND FEET PADS OF DOGS DURING THE WINTER

When we first began working with dogs “a long time ago”, one area we knew very little about was the pads of dog’s feet and how sensitive they are for a dog. In fact, they are similar to a thermometer of the dog. If this pad gets too hot in the summer, they are unable to cool down. If they get too cold, they will be unable to warm themselves down and will form little ice balls which may ruin their feet eventually.

When they are in ice or snow, keep the hair trimmed off the underside of the dog’s feet on a regular schedule…especially the long-haired dogs like spaniels. Another sensitive area for dogs are the longer ears of long-haired dogs which will form ice balls and get very, very heavy if ice and snow are allowed to accumulate on them. Also, bacteria will grow inside the ears due to the dampnesss and warmth if left uncleaned.

WATER BOWLS IN THE WINTER

Keeping the water bowls fresh for outside dogs without ending up frozen every hour or so is a problem. If you have just one or two dogs, it is possible to purchase an electric waterer to keep the ice from developing. Keeping a bowl of water from freezing too much can be done by keeping the bowls inside buildings with heat lamps over them or simply checking them three times a day and breaking ice in-between.

Water is more important to dogs than food, so keeping fresh water for them is imperative during the winter. Many dog owners feel that the dogs can eat snow, which they do….but they require fresh water to drink at all times to prevent dehydration. If they get too thirsty and are loose, many have been known to drink antifreeze if they can get to it on the pavement from a leaking vehicle. This is sweet tasting and will kill them right away, so it is much easier to keep fresh water all day for them. If the weather is too bad and it is possible, bring them inside to prevent frost-bite, dehydration, and freezing.

Related posts:

• How to keep dogs warm in winter
• How to Bring an Outside Dog Safely Inside in the Winter
• Dog Fence DIY–Preparing Dogs For Winter
• Signs & Symptoms of Winter Hypothermia in Dogs
• Winter boots for dogs