If you have pets that normally stay outdoors, then you know that when the cold of winter comes that they sometimes need a warm place to spend the night. That warm spot can be inside a mud room or the garage, but it protects your pet from the rain, snow and wind. Here are a few things to consider as you prepare a winter retreat for your dog.
When your pet comes inside, he will need a warm place to sleep. A dogs bed can be found at reasonable prices, but an old blanket or towels will work in a pinch. These will allow the pet to have some insulation form an otherwise cold floor that pulls the heat out of you poor pet’s body on those cold nights.
If it is still too cold even in the mudroom or garage for your pet, you may want to consider adding a portable space heater. Just be sure that it is away from anything combustible, and that the cord is not somewhere that you pet could chew into it or knock the heater over. Most of these heaters do have an emergency switch that will turn them off if they are tipped.
There are times the pets come into the house wet and muddy. If you have a wet muddy mess to clean up, try a hoover wet dry vacuum with a squeegee attachment to pick up the excess water and mud. You can use an old towel to complete the job. The vacuum is also an excellent tool to clean up any pet hair the dog may leave in the room.
If there is no place inside for the pet, then he will need a well built dog house. The house needs to be the right size to give adequate room for the pet but small enough to keep body heat inside. A waterproof flap over the door will help to keep heat in and wind, rain and snow outside of the house. Add some wood shavings or straw to give your pet dry materials for making his own bed and staying warm during the cold night.
Be sure that your pet has plenty of food for the cold winter days and nights. You should feed a larger portion than normal as the cold requires more calories for your pet to survive than would be needed on the warmer days.
When it becomes very cold and temperatures are under the freezing point, be sure that you pet has a fresh supply of water. Provide water that is not frozen two or three times every day and make sure that the pet has all that he will drink at the time.