When the temperatures drop, we want to be inside where it is safe and warm. Dogs and cats feel the same way! They may have fur coats, but it still feels like wearing a T-shirt and shorts in the snow. Indoors is best for all pets.
When pets must be outside in the cold, they need extra food because they burn lots of calories to keep warm.
They also need clean, ice-free water. This can be a challenge – you might need to put water out several times a day. There are also heated water dishes you can plug in. Snow is not enough. Your pet will burn a lot of energy to melt the snow. Each mouthful of snow melts down to a tiny amount of water.
And of course, they need a warm place to sleep and get out of the weather. A dog house needs to be big enough for the dog to stand up and turn around. It needs to be high and dry (not in a hollow where water can pool), insulated and have a flap to keep the wind out.
Want to build a dog house yourself – or build several to donate to families in need? Check out the world-famous “Hofer House” design at lakesanimalfriendship.ca/resources. Since Dirk Hofer made this design in 2012, hundreds of these houses have been built by animal lovers from Nunavut to Arkansas. In 2019, Lakes Animal Friendship teamed up with Northwest Animal Shelter to build 45 of them in a single day!
If you keep your pets indoors and out of the cold, meeting their needs is much easier. You will be able to spend more time with them and share the special love that pets bring to a household.
Keep pets safe with these “car smart” tips for winter
When it’s cold, animals may crawl under a vehicle to stay warm. Give the hood a “thump” before starting.
Make sure the antifreeze you use in your vehicles is “pet and kid friendly” propylene glycol, which is non-toxic.
And don’t forget, to help our animals in need, please support your local animal welfare groups this giving season!
