Dear Miss Paws: Since winter has arrived early and with a vengeance, how is the best way to keep our furry hunting dogs warm and safe outdoors in this bitter cold weather? A. It’s important that you used the word “furry”, as the density and length of a dog’s coat is essential if they are to survive when the temperature drops below freezing. Primarily outside dogs should first and foremost have good quality shelter. Pet supply stores and on-line manufacturers make great quality dog houses in a variety of sizes for every budget. You will want one that will help keep cold winds and rain away from your dog. If the house does not have a door, hang a small blanket or feed sack over the opening to keep cold winds from blowing in your dog’s face. The best houses have raised floors and it should be placed so it does not face the wind. You will want to lay down straw or provide a bed or several blankets to help protect your dog from the cold floor or ground. Change the straw or blankets periodically. If you wish to provide a heat source it is best not to use heating pads or space heaters with electrical cords. Your dog can chew through these cords causing a hazardous accident. If you choose this route, it is best to have it done professionally. Heated beds are available that contain a disk that is heated in the microwave or with hot water. When we had outdoor dogs, we built our own house and ran heavy duty wire through an underground conduit, up the outside of the house with large staples, through a hole at the roof line and had a heat lamp bulb in the roof. The house also had a raised floor and with blankets the dogs were warm and comfortable. The whole set up cost very little to construct. You want a house that is large enough for your dog to stand up and turn around in and lie down comfortably, but if it is too large it will be impossible to heat properly. A heated water bowl is the best but if you don’t have one, be sure and use a plastic bowl. A dog’s tongue and a frozen metal bowl do not mix! Outdoor dogs also require more food in cold weather. Watch for telltale signs that your dog is cold. Like us, pets will shiver in response to being chilled. Pay attention to the thermometer. If it dips too far below freezing, it’s too cold for any dog – even those accustomed to being outside. As I said in the beginning – don’t treat all dogs alike. While Alaskan malamutes or huskies may be able to spend long periods out doors in cold weather, short haired breeds without heavy undercoats such as greyhounds or Dobermans do not have the same protective fur and cannot endure the same low temperatures.
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