Cold weather brings unique challenges for dog owners. Although a long, cold winter can take its toll, certain precautions will ensure that your dog stays happy and healthy throughout these months, too. This in mind, here are some tips for caring for dogs through the winter months.

Water

Plenty of fresh clean water will keep your dog healthy in any season. However, specifically if your dog is an outside dog, it is extremely important to be sure to keep your dogs water from freezing throughout the winter months. If refilling a water dish several times a day isn't feasible for any reason, there are commercial water dishes and/or heaters available for this purpose, many at an affordable price.

Food

Adequate amounts of food will also help keep your dog warm and healthy in the winter months. An overly thin dog will not have its own ability to generate enough heat to survive, and an overly heavy dog will not keep active enough to keep from getting too cold.

Shelter

For an outside dog, an insulated shelter of some type is optimal. The height and weight of the dog will determine what size shelter it needs. A dog will generate enough heat in an insulated and enclosed area of the proper size to keep itself warm under nearly any conditions. Inside pets will have a different issue in that they are still accustomed to the warmer indoor temperatures. This being the case, an indoor pet that has not been acclimated to the cold is best only left outside for short amounts of time in the winter months.

Check Foot Pads and Other Areas

It is important to check your dogs footpads in the winter months. Salt from steps and sidewalks, along with standing and sitting on ice or snow can cause cracks in footpads that are painful and can lead to more serious issues. Also be sure to regularly check any other areas that would endure contact with ice or snow (such as elbows, etc.), for cracks or lesions of any type.

For many, a dog is as any member of the family, and is cared for as such. For others, a dog will have a specific function and be regarded as a working member of its household. Either way, these cold weather tips will help your dog be as healthy and happy throughout the cold winter months as any time of year.

Learn more about this author, Jennifer L. Thompson.
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