Even dogs that are bred for winter conditions can benefit from some warm shelter.
Ideally dogs should be inside with their families, especially when the weather turns cold. However, for various reasons, some dogs spend all their time outside and need to be protected from the elements in winter. Some dogs may prefer to stay outside and can handle the elements well. Other dogs are not as well suited to extreme cold and if left outside without heat may get serious frostbite or even die of exposure.
Instructions
1. Purchase or build a sturdy, insulated dog house. The rounded "igloo" design is ideal, because it is shaped to allow your dog to conserve his body heat while curled up in the dog house. A dog house should be just big enough for the dog to sleep in comfortably without any wasted space, as this will best conserve heat.
2. Make sure the door of the doghouse is protected from wind. Very often, dog house doors are available as an accessory. It's also easy and cheap to make one using a piece of carpet stapled to the door. This allows the dog easy entry and exit, but protects him from cold wind and keeps the heat in.
3. Elevate the dog house so it doesn't get soaked inside with water or melting snow. A simple wood pallet will work just fine. For extra insulation, stuff loose straw under the pallet.
4. Don't use fabric blankets or beds in the dog house. When it snows, the dog will track in snow, then melt it as he lies down. It can quickly turn his bedding into a hard icy bed, which will be both uncomfortable and won't keep him warm. The best bedding is a thick layer of inexpensive straw, which can be changed periodically.
5. Consider a heated dog bed or dog house heater. These are inexpensive and don't cost much to run. Check the link below this article for inexpensive dog house heaters, or check with a farm and feed or pet store.
6. Be aware that some dogs simply are not equipped for very cold weather and if they don't get frostbite or even die, will be very miserable all winter. Toy breeds don't conserve body heat well and can get hypothermic quite quickly. Naturally thin dogs like Greyhounds have little body heat to keep them warm. Single and thin-coated dogs like pitbulls may look tough, but get frostbite easily. Elderly dogs will be more achy in the cold, especially if they have arthritis. If you cannot bring these dogs even into the garage, seriously consider a dog house heater.
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