How cold is too cold?

We are often asked, "What temperature is too cold for my outdoor dog?". That is a very good question. The most important protection an outdoor dog needs is shelter from wind and rain. If he can remain dry and stay out of the wind he will usually be fine in cold weather. We usually recommend moving your dogs into the house if the temperature approaches the 20's. Now many dogs will be OK at these temperatures, especially those with thick coats who are acclimated to cold weather. But they will definitely be uncomfortable when the temperature drops below freezing. It certainly helps to keep clean, dry bedding in the dog house. If you use a heat lamp or heated bed make sure to use one specifically designed for that purpose. Follow all of the manufacturer's recommendations to prevent harm to your dog and insure peak performance.

If your dogs are outdoors in the winter, don't forget to check the water bowl daily to make sure it isn't frozen. Most dogs won't need any dietary adjustments in the winter unless they are underweight. Don't hesitate to contact us if we can answer any questions on this subject.