**How to Keep Dogs Warm Outside in Freezing Temperatures**

Winter can be a tough time for dogs, especially if they're not used to the cold. If you live in a cold climate, it's important to take steps to keep your dog warm outside.

Why it's Important to Keep Dogs Warm

Dogs can get hypothermia and frostbite just like humans. Hypothermia occurs when a dog's body temperature drops below 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Frostbite occurs when a dog's body tissues freeze. Both hypothermia and frostbite can be fatal.

Signs of Hypothermia and Frostbite

Hypothermia can be difficult to detect in dogs, but there are some signs that you can look for, including:

• Shivering
• Lethargy
• Weakness
• Confusion
• Slow heart rate
• Shallow breathing

Frostbite can cause the affected area to turn white or blue. The skin may also become hard and numb.

How to Keep Dogs Warm Outside

There are a number of things you can do to keep your dog warm outside, including:

• Provide a Warm Shelter

Your dog's shelter should be draft-free and well-insulated. You can use a dog house, a heated kennel, or even a cardboard box lined with blankets. If you're using a cardboard box, make sure to weigh it down so that it doesn't blow away.

• Raise the Shelter Off the Ground

This will help to keep the cold ground from leaching heat away from your dog. You can place the shelter on a platform or on a bed of straw.

• Add Bedding

Bedding will help to insulate your dog and keep it warm. You can use blankets, towels, or even straw.

• Use a Heat Source

If your dog's shelter is not heated, you can add a heat source, such as a heating pad or a hot water bottle. Make sure to place the heat source so that your dog can't come into direct contact with it.

• Cover Your Dog's Head and Ears

A dog's head and ears are particularly vulnerable to the cold. You can cover your dog's head with a hat or a scarf, and you can cover its ears with earmuffs or a headband.

• Avoid Overexertion

When it's cold outside, it's important to avoid overexerting your dog. This means keeping walks short and avoiding strenuous activity.

• Monitor Your Dog's Temperature

It's a good idea to monitor your dog's temperature when it's outside. You can use a rectal thermometer to take your dog's temperature. The normal temperature range for dogs is 101 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

There are a few common mistakes that people make when trying to keep their dogs warm outside. These mistakes include:

• Leaving your dog outside for too long

Even if your dog has a warm shelter, it's important to limit its time outside in the cold. Dogs can get hypothermia and frostbite even in short periods of time.

• Not providing enough bedding

Make sure to provide your dog with plenty of bedding to insulate it from the cold. A few blankets or towels are not enough.

• Using a heat source that is too hot

Never place a heat source directly against your dog's skin. This can cause burns.

• Ignoring your dog's behavior

Pay attention to your dog's behavior and watch for signs of hypothermia or frostbite. If you notice any changes, bring your dog inside immediately.

FAQs

Q: How long can a dog stay outside in the cold?

A: The amount of time that a dog can stay outside in the cold depends on a number of factors, such as the temperature, the dog's size, and the dog's health. As a general rule, small dogs and dogs with short coats are more susceptible to the cold than large dogs and dogs with thick coats. Puppies and senior dogs are also more vulnerable to the cold.

Q: What should I do if my dog gets hypothermia or frostbite?

A: If you think your dog has hypothermia or frostbite, bring it inside immediately. Wrap your dog in a warm blanket and call your veterinarian.

Q: How can I prevent my dog from getting hypothermia or frostbite?

A: The best way to prevent your dog from getting hypothermia or frostbite is to take steps to keep it warm outside. This includes providing a warm shelter, raising the shelter off the ground, adding bedding, using a heat source, and covering your dog's head and ears.

Call to Action

If you live in a cold climate, it's important to take steps to keep your dog warm outside. By following the tips in this article, you can help to keep your dog safe and comfortable during the winter months.

Stories and What We Learn

Story 1:

A few winters ago, my dog Max got hypothermia. We were out for a walk when the temperature suddenly dropped and Max started shivering. I didn't think much of it at first, but then he started to get lethargic and weak. I knew something was wrong, so I brought him inside and wrapped him in a warm blanket. I called my veterinarian and she told me that Max had hypothermia. She said that I had caught it just in time and that if I had waited any longer, he could have died.

What we learn: Hypothermia can be difficult to detect in dogs, but it's important to be aware of the signs. If you think your dog has hypothermia, bring it inside immediately and call your veterinarian.

Story 2:

My friend's dog Bella got frostbite on her ears a few years ago. We were out for a walk when the temperature dropped suddenly and Bella's ears started to turn white. I didn't think much of it at first, but then she started to lick her ears and they started to bleed. I knew something was wrong, so I brought her inside and called my veterinarian. She told me that Bella had frostbite. She said that I had caught it just in time and that if I had waited any longer, she could have lost her ears.

What we learn: Frostbite can be serious, so it's important to be aware of the signs. If you think your dog has frostbite, bring it inside immediately and call your veterinarian.

Story 3:

My neighbor's dog Buddy died from hypothermia a few years ago. Buddy was a small dog with a short coat, and he was left outside in the cold for too long. By the time my neighbor found him, it was too late.

What we learn: It's important to never leave your dog outside in the cold for too long. Even small dogs with short coats can get hypothermia quickly.

Useful Tables

Table 1: Signs of Hypothermia and Frostbite