illustration by Jeremy Say

Keep your outside pet cozy, warm and dry

more resources

Share This:

The first cold snaps of winter let us know it’s time to take inventory of our winter prep. Panhandle folks have learned to be four season folks. We know you can have a blizzard in May and a 90 degree day in January, but we still need to take the steps to ensure that our pets can “weather” the Panhandle microclimates as well.

Of course cold is our primary concern with a combination of wet and cold being even more critical. The primary challenge for an outdoor pet is to have a structure or a place in the yard where they are protected from rain and of course our gentle Panhandle breezes. The pet abode needs to be well insulated with just enough room where they can curl up to maintain body heat. If the structure is too large, you may need to add extra padding so your fuzzy companion can wallow out a bed. Wheat straw makes nice insulation. You will need to periodically check any bedding you use. If it gets wet, it will not be as warm for your pet and it can grow mold. Be sure the opening of the structure is positioned to avoid wind and rain blowing into it. Having a dog house on the inside corner of a patio is ideal.

Remember, a pet always needs access to fresh water. In the winter, this means constant vigilance against freezing. Check their water supply at least twice daily to ensure that it is available. Keeping bowls close to the wall can help. You can also use a heater to warm the water and avoid freezing. If your pet is trained to use them, there are also devices that attach to your outside faucet that your pet “bumps” to get water at anytime. They are somewhat reminiscent of water bottles that hamsters use.

A properly placed doggie door can solve all these challenges. These doors can lead into the house itself or to a garage or storage building. Bedding and water can then be left in these areas. If it is a non-heated building, your pet will still need a spot where he can curl up in some bedding.

Inventory your yard as well. You should make sure that there are no hazards for your pet to get into. Pay particular attention to your fence and gates. Recall those gentle Panhandle breezes - they can wreak havoc with your security. The worst time for your pet to escape is during one of our infamous white outs. Winter motto: repair, replace, strengthen!

Most importantly, take time to inventory your pet. Not all of our little ones can weather our winters. If your dog is very small, very young or old, or suffering from an illness, inside is the best place for them. Dogs with sparse coats or those who are extremely thin can’t keep their body temperature up for long periods of time. Arthritic dogs suffer more in the cold and it is more painful for them to curl up. Physically or mentally challenged dogs need supervision and the security of a home. Keep your dog in the best physical condition possible. Add sweaters if needed. My poodle has her own personal ensemble, and my golden loves to curl up on the snow drifts for a nap. Know your dog.

One final tip: Thump your car hood before you turn the key. Cats love to crawl up in engines on cold days for warmth. Cats + engines are not a good equation.

by Dr. Laveta Bryan

Dr. Laveta Bryan lives in the wilds of a Panhandle canyon where she has many adventures with an assortment of critters, great and small. She has been a practicing veterinarian in the Amarillo area for way too long to support these adventures.

blog comments powered by Disqus