Exposing our pets to the cold weather in winter is unavoidable.
Taking some simple precautions will ensure that your dog and other pets do not suffer from the cold.
Pets use energy to keep their body warm on cold days and any steps taken by a conscientious pet owner to help conserve their pets energy will result in a happy dog.

Pets exposed to winter

Winter and cold weather snaps require a greater effort by the pet owner to keep your dog and pets warm.

Heating for dogs in winter and winter pets care can be achieved by fitting a small pet heater to the dogs house or kennel and pets home. A good heater for small pets can be found at this web site for heaters.
The heaters are low voltage and water proof.

Hypothermia and frostbite can affect your dog or pet if it does not have adequate protection during the cold months. A warm dogs enclosure should be as close to your pets size as possible so that the natural body warmth of your pet will help heat the inside of the dogs house. The pet should always have free access to an outside run. Prevent the dogs run from building up with a layer of snow or ice.

Dogs exposed to winter

Frozen drinking water during winter or cold periods should be avoided. A pet owner should never rely on snow or ice to provide the pet with liquids during winter.
winter and dogs

Program the exposure of your pet to outside weather during the last warmer months of Autumn so your pet has a good period of exposure to the cold of winter.
The same period of time should be used for your pet if an alteration to its sleeping area has been created before the winter months. If a dogs door has been added to the dogs kennel or any other alteration, then a training program should be initiated in the warmer months to ensure that your pet will access the dogs house with confidence.
Preparing your dog for exposure to winter involves any pet that is kept in an outdoors enclosure or dog house and kennel. A shelter that is properly constructed to protect the pet against harsh weather is required.
Setting the dog house or pets enclosure off the ground will make the kennel more efficient in temperature control. This will control and keep the rising damp from making the dog house too cold.
Dogs exposed to winter preparation should involve positioning any entrance or exposed opening of a dogs house and pets enclosure away from the prevailing winds and by installing insulation to the inside or outside of the dogs house will enhance the kennels capacity to retain heat.

Pets exposure to the cold

To ensure that your pets exposure to the cold is not to traumatic a shock you should increase the calories supplied in the dogs food during the winter period. The pet will use a great deal of energy in maintaining a correct body temperature.
Some foods are helpful in producing protection against the cold and these should be included in the dogs diet.
Winter pets care involves feeding your dog or pet twice a day in the winter months instead of one large meal. This will allow the pet owner to keep a regular check on the pets water bowl to ensure that the water has not frozen.
The abundance of snow and ice in some areas in is not to be used as an alternative source of water for your dog. It must have access to a regular supply of water.
Frozen food can be avoided if smaller serves of food are supplied to your pet throughout the day. During winter a pets appetite is stronger and this will allow the pet to finish its meal at a quicker pace.

Dogs exposure to the cold

Dogs that have a long exposure to the cold should have regular visits by their owner.
The visits to your pet will also enhance the bonding and comfort level for both you and your pet and will give an opportunity for a close inspection of your pets condition to ensure that it is handling the colder weather.

Winter pets care can be a time when the dog or pet stays indoors for long periods.Pets that are kept indoors must be prevented from sitting over any heat ducts or directly in the path of any forced heat source as this may dehydrate them.
Under no circumstance leave pets alone in an area with a heating source that is accessible to your pet and can burn if the heater is touched.

A vet site that may help for pet owners is www.vetmedicine.about.com Winter pets care and dogs winter exposure care sheets have been provided free for your personal use.
The vetnary care sheets have come from a variety of professional sources but they should only be used as a general guide to help you understand your dogs health.
They should not be used as a substitute for proper veterinarian advice