Taking Fido Outside in the Winter
My-Dog.info > Dog Care
Dogs do, as a general rule, love the great outdoors and the
winter is no exception. In fact many seem to prefer the colder
months and seem invigorated by it. Fortunately, dogs were born
with “fur coats” and a higher tolerance to colder
weather than their owners; but not all of them like to spend
extended periods of time outdoors.
To properly determine how long your pet should stay outside in
cold temperatures, a number of factors need to be taken into
account. These include breed, coat type, general health and age
of your dog; whether he/she has been acclimated to the colder
weather; the availability of shelter; as well as individual
differences in the desire to spend time outdoors. Smaller,
short-coated, ill, or geriatric dogs have less tolerance for the
cold and therefore are limited to the time they may be able to
spend outdoors.
Alternatively, one may want to consider purchasing a coat or
sweater: with many different styles and prices to choose from, it
should not be hard to find something that suits every budget and
pet personality. Conversely, certain breeds which are bred for
colder weather, such as the northern breeds (i.e. husky), may
actually prefer extended periods outside in the colder weather.
If this is done, ensure that adequate shelter is available and
only if they have been acclimated to the colder weather (ie.,
have spent longer periods of time outdoors during the change in
seasons to allow their coat and metabolism to accommodate the
temperature change).
Shelter should be an insulated dog house, off the ground with
the door protected or facing away from the prevailing wind and
some straw or a blanket for the dog to burrow into. As dogs rely
on their body heat to warm their immediate environment, an
appropriate shelter should only be large enough for them to lay
down comfortably – making the garage an unsuitable shelter
by itself. Ensuring a high quality diet and access to drinkable
(i.e., not frozen) water is essential as outdoor dogs burn more
calories to maintain their body heat. Also, pay attention and
head cold-weather warnings when they occur.
Perhaps the simplest way of ensuring that your pet's outdoor
time is enjoyable is to spend the time with them. This will allow
you to watch for any signs that they may be becoming cold such as
shivering, running towards and standing by the door, wanting to
be held, or loosing interest in the activities that you are
doing. Regardless, revel in your outdoor pursuits as it is a
wonderful way to enjoy your time together and a healthy activity
that you can both enjoy.
Reprinted with permission from www.animalhealthcare.ca
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