We’ve created a tip list on keeping your dog warm this winter. There are some things that, as a dog owner, you should be aware of. Here are a few things that we’ll cover: knowing when it is too cold for your dog, how to protect your dog’s paws, why you don’t want your dog sleeping outside in the cold, and many more common questions about caring for your dogs during the winter.
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Tips and Tricks for Keeping Your Dog Warm
Here are some of the tips and tricks we recommend for keeping your dog warm during the winter. This is not an exhaustive list of tips and tricks. However, it will hopefully give you a start in preparing for the cold temperatures that accompany winter. Keep your dog safe and warm this winter!
1. Know When It’s Cold
When the mercury hits 32˚ F, it could be getting too cold for some smaller, short-haired dogs. Twenty degrees is getting pretty cold for most dogs. There are a few dogs that can tolerate temperatures below 20˚ F., though, so if you have your dog outside during these cold temperatures, keep a close eye on them.
2. When Outside, Protect Your Dog’s Paws
The soft parts of your dog’s paws are very sensitive. If you are out walking on the sidewalk, some of the chemicals being spread to prevent icing can absorb into your dog’s paws. The chemicals can irritate the skin or even become ingested if your dog licks their paws when you get home.
Be sure to check their paws for cracks or bleeding before and after going out for a walk. Address these injuries appropriately.
3. Don’t Make Your Dog Sleep Outdoors (if they’re not in a kennel)
If you have a dog kennel, that is one thing, but don’t allow your dog to spend the night on your back patio or porch in freezing conditions. Instead, make a spot in your garage or home so that your dog can stay warm.
4. Keep Beds Away From Drafty Areas
Do you have your dog in the garage? Keep their bed away from a door or window that could potentially blow cold air over them during the day and night. Cold air isn’t good for your dog, just like it isn’t good for you.
5. Add Extra Bedding For Warmth
If you use a straw for bedding, use extra so that your dog has more insulation around them. If you use blankets, throw a few extra heavy blankets or old quilts in for your dog to curl up in. The goal is to keep your dog as warm and as comfortable as possible.
6. Get Your Dog Off the Ground
Do you have an outdoor dog kennel? If so, raise the kennel off the ground several inches. The ground can actually take heat away from the dog and make it even colder. Elevating the kennel several inches also helps prevent moisture from accumulating between the kennel and the dirt.
7. Make Sure They Have Plenty of Food
Once the weather starts getting cold, make sure your dog has enough food to eat. Dogs will stay warm by digesting food, so make sure they have plenty of food. You might even consider giving your dog more than their usual amount of food.
8. Winter Grooming Tips
There are many misconceptions about doggy care for winter weather. However, there are a few practices that you should consider. Your dog needs a clean coat to keep it properly insulated. If you bathe your dog, make sure to dry them thoroughly before letting them go outside. If your dog has long hair, do your best to keep it from getting wet and matted. Long, wet, and matted hair drops their body temperature faster.
9. Take them on Shorter Walks
It’s still important for your dog to get access to sunshine, but limit their exposure to cold temperatures. Aim for 15 to 30 minutes during the winter. If you notice them shivering, whining, or licking their paws, that’s your sign to turn around and go home.
10. Get an Insulated Kennel
If you plan to keep your dog outdoors, then the best thing to do is get an insulated kennel that keeps them warm and sheltered from the elements. We’ll go over how to build a kennel that keeps your dog warm during winter down below.
How to Keep A Dog Warm in An Outside Kennel
If you prefer to keep your dog outdoors, there are several things you can do to help them stay warm even as the temperatures drop to freezing levels. The most important thing is investing in the right dog kennel. One with heating features and bedding that will protect them from the elements.
As a dog kennel manufacturer, here are some tips and tricks for keeping your outdoor dog kennel warm all winter long:
How to Make a Dog Kennel Warmer
There are several things you can do to make your dog’s kennel warmer, including:
- Add insulation
- Minimize drafts
- Use appropriate bedding
- Install a safe heating source
Below, we’ll cover some of our recommendations for making your kennel warmer.
Adding Insulation
Putting insulation in your kennel locks in the heat and keeps cold air out. Here are some insulation options you can add to your kennel to keep it insulated:
- R-13 Spray Foam Insulation
- Vented Soffit
- Insulation Baffles
- Batten Insulation in Walls
Minimizing Drafts
If you want to minimize drafts inside your kennel, here are some things you can do:
- Raise your kennel off the ground
- Insulate floors and walls
- Add door flaps and curtains
- Make sure gaps are sealed
Adding Bedding
Adding warm bedding keeps your dog off the cold floor and provides them with an extra layer of protection from cold air. Here are some bedding options for your kennel:
How to Heat a Dog Kennel
Here are some climate control features you can add to your kennel to make sure your dogs stay cozy all winter long:
- LP Cozy Direct Vent Wall Furnace
- Wall Mount Thermostat Heater
- Mini Split Heater/AC Unit
- Heat/AC Unit
Building an Outdoor Kennel That Keeps Your Dog Warm During the Winter
If you need help building a kennel with all the features mentioned above, The Dog Kennel Collection can help. We specialize in creating custom residential dog kennels that will keep your dog warm throughout the winter. You can select any of the climate control and bedding features mentioned above, and we’ll assemble a kennel with all of them included.
If you have any questions about what should be included in a kennel to keep your dog warm, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Request a quote to get started building a kennel that will keep your dog warm all winter long.
The Takeaway
You can keep your dog quite comfortable during the cold temperatures by following some of the tips and tricks we’ve mentioned above. Above all, keep watching your dog and watch them for signs they are getting cold, then respond appropriately. Prioritize keeping your dog healthy this winter.
If you have questions about the cold symptoms of your dog, contact your local veterinarian. If you want to order an outdoor dog kennel from us for your puppy, ask about insulated options for wintertime.
