by Brenda Nelson

Created on: November 12, 2009   Last Updated: January 01, 2010

Every winter sees a set of problems for our outdoor pets. Even if you have been through several winters with your pet already, there are still many factors worth considering and remebering to make future winters more pleasant for your furry friend.

1. Veterinarian Care.

Before winter sets in have a veterinarian check your pets to make sure they are healthy and strong. Animals who are underweight will have a difficult time staying warm. Deworming prior to winter is also a good idea as this will help the pet to digest their food more efficiently than if they have worms. Have the veterinarian check the pets for signs of joint pain and arthritis which can be aggravated by colder temperatures.

2. Prepare to bring the pets indoors in extreme temperatures.

Common sense really, indoor pets are safe from the cold. Even if you only bring your pets in at night, since that is when it is coldest, you are doing them a huge favor.  Pay attention to temperatures in your area and bring your pet in accordingly. Know that smaller pets, younger pets, and older animals, have less tolerance of extreme temperatures. While you may not want them in your house, a garage or enclosed porch, will keep them out of the elements. Even healthy large dogs might appreciate spending the night in a garage in extreme weather conditions where their normal shelter may not be enough.

3. Provide regular shelter.

Dog houses should be well insulated. Straw can be purchased to use as bedding and will keep the floor of the dog house warm. Wooden dog houses keep the heat in far better than plastic ones. The shelter should have the door facing out of the direction of prevalent winds. Some dog houses come with the possibility of having a light inside, which will add heat, a low wattage bulb should be adequate. Outdoor cats should be allowed free access to some sort of shelter, be it a barn, garage (as mentioned above) or a covered deck. Horses and other large pets, need shelter from the winter too, this does not have to be a heated barn, but a three sided shelter with a roof will do. Pet goats and chickens, however, need full shelter in the winter as they cannot tolerate drafts.

4. Provide extra food.

Outdoor pets will benefit from an extra feeding, extra calories to keep them warm. Make sure the food is good quality for maximum benefit to the pet.

5. Provide fresh water.

Pets can eat snow but this is hard on their body and they must eat a lot of snow to get water. Try melting

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