Keeping your small dog warm in the cold weather should be relatively easy if your keep them indoors. Most people that consider small dogs, want them as perdominatly indoor dogs, but if yours goes outside as well then there are ways that you can keep him/her warm as well.

Keep in mind of course the breed of dog and their age. Older dogs may have health conditions that actually make their bones ache when they are cold, just like humans. It can be harder for certain breeds of dogs to take the cold then others.

Consider buying your small dog a cute little sweater to wear when they are outdoors. Especially if your dog is a short haired dog. I am sure that you have heard others say that a dog does not need clothes, but you know your dog best. If you notice that your dog is cold them protect them as much as you can from the cold.

Make a nice warm bed for your dog to sleep on that is away from drafts. Place an extras blanket on their bed for them to burrow in it for extra warmth if they desire.

When your dog goes outside make sure that you monitor the time that they are outdoors, especially in the snow. Many dogs do go missing in the snowy areas since they do lose their trace of smell in the snow. This makes it easy for them to get lost, so make sure that you watch out for them and have their ID tags on as well.

If you take your dog for walks in the snow make sure that once you return home that you wash your dogs paws off with warm water. Many places may have salt on roads and other areas for de-icing, and the salt can cause your dogs paw pads to become soar and cracked. You can also apply dog booties to your little dogs paws before he/she goes for a walk. If your dog however does not like to wear the dog booties you can rub baby oil on their paw pads to prevent salty build-up on them.

If you do keep your small dog outdoors in cold weather make sure that you provide a warm area for your dog to relax in. Try and place it in a draft free area of your yard to keep him/her nice and warm. Consider placing it in your garage if possible. You can also try using a little portable heater next to them, but not to close.

Make sure that you leave fresh clean water and food for them no matter were they are at all times! If your dog is active and wants to be outdoors regardless of the weather conditions then consider increasing his/her supply of food, mostly protein, to help keep his/her fur thick and healthy.

Treat your little dog as a family member. They are relying on you for everything and you should be a responsible pet owner!

Learn more about this author, N. A. Hernandez.
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