AKC is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to akc.org. If you purchase a product through this article, we may receive a portion of the sale.
Winter weather can be unpredictable. If you lose power this winter, what is the best way to make sure your dog stays warm and healthy?
Keeping Your Dog Warm Indoors
Your dog should always stay indoors with you during extreme weather, and limit outdoor trips to quick potty breaks. Here are some other tips to keep your dog warm without power.
- Close off unused rooms. If there are any rooms in your house that you won’t need to access, such as a home office, refrain from accessing those spaces and keep doors closed. By minimizing the areas of the house you use, you can better keep heat entrapped in the spaces where you’ll be spending time.
- Keep appropriate dog gear and clothing on hand. If you lose power or have to take your dog on walks in extreme temperatures, it is good to have extra layers on hand to help keep your dog warm. Buy items like dog booties, sweaters, and a winter coat ahead of time. Be sure your dog is already comfortable wearing clothing, too.
- Provide extra bedding. Give your dog plenty of blankets and layers to curl up in. Dogs will use their own body heat to warm the bedding, keeping the area warmer. You can purchase dog-specific blankets and bedding, or use ones you already have at home. It can be helpful to insulate your dog’s crate with blankets over the top so they have a warm, enclosed area to retreat to. You can also provide them with a heated dog bed or dog-safe heating pad.
Health and Safety Considerations
Colder weather means more calories will be burned to keep warm. Make sure your dog has access to plenty of food and extra water, and ensure you have enough on hand ahead of any bad weather.
It’s also important to ensure your home is adequately set up to keep you and your dog safe during cold temperatures. For example, you should have both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors installed in your home. Check these devices often to ensure that the batteries are working, and have extra batteries on hand, if necessary.
Where possible, install weather stripping and insulation. Foam board insulation in between the interior and exterior wall holds up better and helps with noise reduction. And does your home have an active fireplace? If so, have your fireplace and chimney cleaned and inspected before using them. Always have a safety screen in place for pets and children.
When to Get Help for Cold Dogs
If you notice any dramatic changes in your dog’s behavior or appearance, contact your veterinarian immediately. Know the signs of frostbite in dogs and the signs of hypothermia in dogs.
Look for resources and warming centers in your area that accept pets. There may be an AKC Reunite Pet Disaster Relief Trailer in your area. Call local pet-friendly hotels and see if they have power.
When in doubt about your pet’s health or safety, contact your veterinarian. Not sure whether or not your dog’s symptoms warrant a trip to the vet? AKC Vetline can help. This live, 24/7 service is staffed by licensed veterinary staff to give you answers.