Keep your Dog Warm All Winter

Whether or not the ground hog saw his shadow in your neck of the woods, most of the country will still have several weeks of cold temperatures, especially at night.  Keep your furry friend safe, warm and happy this winter with these tips and heated dog products.

Body temperatures drop when your pet is subjected to prolonged exposure to cold conditions.  A wet coat loses its insulating properties so hypothermia is a potential complication in all dogs submerged in cold water.  Toy breeds, breeds with short coats, puppies and elderly dogs are most susceptible to hypothermia. Newborn puppies that get chilled because of inadequately heated whelping quarters are especially at risk.   Prolonged cold exposure quickly burns up stored energy and results in a low blood sugar.  This risk can be minimized by using the K&H Lectro-Kennel™ Warming Pad or the Deluxe Lectro-Kennel™.  Faux fleece covers These heated dog beds give added comfort for your pet.

Signs of hypothermia are violent shivering followed by listlessness, a rectal temperature below 95°F, weak pulse, lethargy and coma.

Make certain to provide proper shelter.  If you can’t keep your dog  indoors, provide an elevated structure with a door to protect pets from wind and weather.   Be sure your dogs house is large enough for him to stand up and turn around, but small enough to retain his body heat. Provide dry, clean bedding materials such as straw or blankets and replace bedding if it becomes damp or wet.  If your dog does sleep indoors, provide him with a warm sleeping area away from drafts.

Be careful around bodies of water.  Keep pets away from rivers, ponds & lakes, using caution even when the water appears to be completely frozen.

Protecting Dog’s Paws in Winter

Keep the hair around paw pads trimmed.  Less hair will help keep paws free of ice and snow which can quickly ball up between the pads and become very uncomfortable for your pet.  Periodically check the paw pads for small cuts and cracks.  If needed, provide your dog with dog boots when walking in ice & snow, especially if he’s reacted to snow removal products in the past. Musher’s Secret is an excellent product for all-season paw protection.  Protects dog’s feet against salt burn & snowballing in winter months, plus sand burn & hot asphalt in the summer.  Make sure to clean your dogs paws after walks to remove salt & snow removal chemicals which can be toxic dog dogs.

Always provide the proper type and amount of food for your dog.  Dogs that are housed outside and those that participate in strenuous outdoor activities may need extra food during colder weather.

Fresh, unfrozen water is a must in cold weather. Heated dog water bowls and heated dog buckets are a valuable investment for dogs that live outdoors.  For those of us that prefer to use stainless steel bowls, the Thermal-Bowl is a wonderful option.

Dogs will shiver in response to being chilled. Consider buying a sweater or coat for your dog, especially if he is a short-haired breed. To ensure a proper fit measure your dog from the base of his neck to the base of his tail. If in between sizes, go up to the next larger size.

Watch for leaking or spilled antifreeze and clean up immediately! Many dogs like the sweet smell and taste and even very small amounts can be lethal.  Consider using an animal friendly anti-freeze.

Keep a watchful eye on changing weather conditions.  If the temperature dips too far below freezing it’s too cold for any dog, even those being house outside.

Don’t leave pets alone in cars during cold weather.  When the car engine is off, the car can act as a refrigerator, holding in the cold.  Too Hot For Spot is a static cling window thermometer which provides you with real time information to help you make informed choices when traveling with your pets.  It’s perfect all climates and temperature fluctuations!

Best Time to Buy Heated Dog Products

If you’ve been waiting to buy some of these products most companies, including Jeffers, close out excess inventory at the end of the season in late February/ early March, making it a great time to purchase at great prices. Jeffers Dog Clearance section.  Jeffers heated cat clearance.