The winter months can be a stressful time for dog owners concerned that their pets may not be warm enough when the temperature gets dangerously low, particularly those owners whose dogs spend a lot of time outdoors. Apart from a few breeds like St. Bernard`s and Husky`s dogs are not biologically equipped to deal with winter weather and intervention on the owner`s part is crucial. Acclimatise your dog during milder weather by ensuring it spends time outdoors to grow a thick enough coat. A responsible owner will keep their dog in good physical condition a healthy coat, skin and sufficient fat will go a long way to protecting your dog in harsh weather.

Puppies and older dogs are particularly susceptible to the cold and extra care should be taken during these life stages. Ensure the dog is well fed to maintain sufficient levels of fat. If food and water are kept outside ensure it does not freeze and protect it from spilling. A dog jacket is good for older dogs, dogs with short hair and smaller dogs. The dog should be kept dry and well groomed using a sturdy brush suitable for the type of hair the dog possesses. Although you might think they look odd working dogs, older dogs and smaller dogs will benefit from dog boots to protect their feet from snow and ice. If your dog can bear to have them on they are a good investment just ensure they are a good fit.

If your dog lives outside it is imperative that it is provided with shelter. Ideally the shelter should be raised off the ground to keep water out and be situated within another building. Its opening should just be large enough to allow entry and exit, face away from the wind and be positioned off centre to allow the dog to curl up away from any draughts. It should also be lined with straw and/ or bedding and blankets to help insulate the kennel. Remember it is important to change straw and wash bedding regularly. Many pet stores and online merchandisers make top quality kennels in a variety of styles to suit all sizes of dog and also sell heated beds that use a pad that can be heated in the microwave or filled with hot water in the same way as a hot water bottle. Ensure your dog has enough room to run around and generate body heat and in extremely harsh weather you should consider bringing an outdoor dog into your home.

If you and your dog are the outdoor type, don`t let the winter weather spoil your fun, you can still enjoy all the pleasures outdoor winter activities can provide just follow the advice above and if you are both going to be outdoors you will need to think carefully about what tent will keep both dog and owner warm on a winter night.

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