Keep Pets Safe in Cold Weather
My dogs love cold weather. This is their very favorite time of year. Hubby and I work hard to keep the heat off as much as possible to keep the house nice and cool. The few times that it snows the doggies love to go out on the deck and wallow in the white stuff.
But not all dogs (and other pets) are as furry and fluffy as my babies with their double layer coats. Cold weather can be dangerous to pets and owners need to make sure to take into consideration their animals’ special needs.
Many people over estimate their pet’s ability to tolerate the cold. They’re animals and so should be able to handle the lower temperatures. But that is not always true.
Reading this article, which supplies some basic common sense advice, I was shocked to read comments from people who seem to think that providing heat and shelter to pets is going overboard.
Yes, pets are animals. But many animals have been domesticated to the point that they have lost their ‘natural’ ability to survive in the elements (if they ever had such an ability).
Providing a heated space or a well insulated dog house does not seem to be an over the top action for pet owners to take. I’m sure that our house is seen as outrageous by some of the commenters on that site. Our dogs have their own beds and blankets and more toys than most kids.
I don’t think it is extravagant to ensure that animals have non-frozen water, healthy food, and shelter against the elements.
November 17th, 2008 at 6:51 pm
We have an indoor dog and her highness will not stay outside for very long. I think she may be spoiled rotten. I’m not sure how that happened. Bwahahahahahahaha.
Excellent advice. So many just put their dogs out back year round and never think of the weather. It’s a shame.
Have a great day.
November 18th, 2008 at 7:10 pm
Dogs would die out in the cold some nights here in North Dakota. They have to have heated shelter.
My Ace has such short hair he shakes if it’s anywhere below 35. But he still loves to be outside. He just would not do well as an outdoor dog.
November 20th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
One other thing to consider during winter, salt that is used. Regular salt, table or rock, to help ice to melt? Not good, not good at all for the pads of a dogs feet, nor their digestive tracks when they lick themselves clean of the stuff. Salt burns their pads and tongues, and disrupts their systems.
I’m not sure who makes it, but it is Road Runner brand that makes a very good ice-removal pellet. It works very very well, and is pet friendly. I highly reccomend it.
Thanks!