Ways You Can Prepare Your Pet for Winter

AC Dog Heaters and Other Ways to Prepare Your Pet For Winter
By Tonya Kerniva

As much as he enjoys playing the snow, winter is a dangerous time for dogs, especially those that stay outside. An A/C dog house unit isn't just for keeping pets cooler in the summer; they also keep them cozier in winter. But it doesn't stop there; there are plenty of things you and your dog can do to prepare for the coming cold.

A/C Dog Heaters

These lightweight, portable units are box-shaped and take up little room. Made from durable, weather-resistant materials, you can keep it outside without worrying about it shorting out. How it works is that it pumped air directly in your dog's house through a hose connected to the unit. And it's very energy efficient. Most models come with the tools and instructions on how to cut a hole in your dog house for the hose, which means that these units work with essentially any dog house. Then, set the temperature using the controlled thermostat and your worries are over. The A/C dog heater doesn't just keep the temperature at a comfortable level; it also acts as a dehumidifier and regularly circulates air, which can become stale and stuffy in winter.

Bedding

Another way to improve upon the A/C unit and the dog house itself is to look for adequately warm bedding. Though fleece and other natural fibers are ultra plush and great for inside your home, they won't work as well outdoors. Stick to weather-resistant, waterproof bedding specifically manufactured for outdoor use. They're made with a poly filling and have easy to wash nylon covers. If you don't have adequate fabric bedding, straw is a good natural insulator and bedding material that's cheap and easy to come by, especially if you own a farm. Just be sure to regularly change the straw out for cleanliness and so there aren't insect infestations.

Heated Mat

In addition to bedding, you can even buy your pet a heated mat to lie on. These convenient units are perfect for crates and when you're on the go. Simply plug it into your car's cigarette lighter and you're powered up.

Jackets

You might only think to dress up your dog on Halloween and other holidays, but pet clothing in the winter has a very functional purpose. It's especially beneficial to short-haired breeds and small dogs.Many companies specialize in dog outerwear, including sweaters and jackets, so you can find one that suits you and your pup. If your dog isn't used to wearing clothes, it might be difficult getting them to wear it the first time around. Try it out for regular, short intervals and use treats as a distraction.

Boots

Pet booties are great for a variety of reasons. The bottom of your dog's paws isn't as thick as you think.They can suffer from frostbite and other irritants after long walks or from just running around in the yard. Dog booties keep paws warm and dry, provide more traction on icy surfaces, and keep salt off of their paws, which can irritate and crack the pads.

Prepare your dog

In addition to A/C dog units, heating pads, and clothing, you can also help your dog out getting his body acclimated. Leave your pet outside for short intervals that gradually get longer so they can naturally ease into the weather. You can also feed them a diet rich in proteins and fish oils to build up and thicken their coats. As a side note, most outdoor pets require more food overall in winter to maintain the same energy levels. As far as grooming, keep your pet's coat longer than you would in the summer so it can provide better natural insulation.

Tonya Kerniva is an experienced research and free lance writing professional. She writes actively about AC Dog and Dog Coolers.