As the nights draw in and the weather gets colder, you'll want to make sure your dog is kept warm during the winter. Whether they have short hair or long, there's nothing a dog likes more than to snuggle up in a warm place. Don't forget that walk out in the cold either, some dogs don't mind the chilly weather but others need an additional thermal layer just like us humans.
Pajamas
There are many options available when it comes to dog pajamas and they are becoming more popular. This is because they not only look good, but offer an additional layer of warmth depending on the fabric type. Typically, a cotton pajama will provide a thin layer for warmer months and a fleece outfit will offer more warmth in the colder months. Both will have options to cover the front and top of the back and some will also have an all in one or jumpsuit options.
Just make sure that you test products on your pet first to see if they like wearing them. Some dogs will not enjoy the experience of wearing outer garments, so check for signs that your pet is uncomfortable or is trying to remove clothing. If it stresses them out, don't put clothes on them.
Remember that some dogs are not genetically equipped for cold weather and may need an additional layer. However, you need to assess whether it is necessary to add clothing when they are indoors. Try to monitor the temperature of the room where your dog sleeps at night, taking into account the lowest reading. If you feel this reaches an uncomfortable level, then take the necessary action.
Padded and Waterproof Coats
Whether it's cold outside or the heavens open, dogs like to have protection from the elements. Investing in a padded or waterproof coat for your dog can make their daily walk far more enjoyable and stop you spending loads of time drying them off when you get back home.
Warm, waterproof coats are easy to put on and are usually fitted with Velcro attachments and straps that keep the garment snuggly in place. Coats come in a variety of different colors and designs, which can give your dog a stylish look around town.
Some waterproof coats will also have a fleece lining, which has great thermal properties and, combined with a waterproof outer layer, should keep your dog both warm and dry. Also look for coats that have some protection around the belly and chest area as this reduces splash backs from wet pavements and grass.
Wherever possible, you should also choose a coat that has some reflective piping or strips on the body so other pedestrians and passing traffic can see you more easily. Additional options include LED lit or flashing garments which offer higher visibility.
To find the best fit for any dog coat, you will usually measure your dog from the base of the neck down to the top of the tail and also the chest girth. Most garment suppliers will show these measurements in a size guide - you can then choose accordingly.
These warm waterproof coats for dogs can be very useful because they help protect them from harsher weather and helps to keep them warm. Most garments these days are also easy to clean in a washing machine or by hand. Always monitor your dog during the walk to make sure that it is not getting too warm. If there are signs of heavy panting or discomfort, simply remove the coat.
Warm Bedding
We all like a comfy corner to bed down in and there are plenty of choices out there for your dog. A lot of dogs will stick to standard rest and sleep routines at certain times of the day or night. This could be on your lap after tea, a bed next to the radiator after a walk or their own bed if there is easy access to that area. Wherever they decide to rest and sleep, you can make a big difference to the comfort of your dog by introducing a heated pet pad when it turns colder.
This is basically an electric blanket for animals and they provide a safe and comfortable level of heat to the sleeping area and are very economical to run. You just place them under the normal bedding, blanket or sheet and plug them into the nearest socket. When the weather warms up the heat mat can be removed and stored away.
Of course, if your dog is big on chewing and tearing things up then you need to make sure that the electric blanket is securely placed under the bedding or stored out of reach. If your dog chews excessively and there is a real danger that he or she will find and destroy the mat then you should look at other heating options.
Check regularly for signs of chewing as this can damage the inner coils designed to heat the vinyl fabric. As the dog or cat heat pad is powered by a low 12 volt, it is very unlikely that any chewing through the 12 volt part of the supply would result in a major injury or fatality when there is power flowing through it. A heated dog bed can make a big difference to the comfort of your pet and can also make sure that it sleeps through the night without getting cold at any time. It is a bit like giving your pet a bedmate to cuddle up to and they will usually have an output of between 12 and 24 watts and around 90 - 108 degrees Fahrenheit.
There are also 240 volt products available for both indoor and outdoor use. These can be solid metal heaters that are basically a more solid and higher voltage equivalent to the 12 volt heated mats. There are also underfloor heating products on the market as well as heater boxes which work in the same way as an egg incubator. Which one you choose will depend on a number of different factors and circumstances, including the associated costs and logistics of incorporating different systems into your home or outdoor space.
From a financial perspective, it is relatively cheap to buy products like these. You are then safe in the knowledge that your pet will be warm and comfortable in a number of different environments.
Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?How-Do-I-Keep-My-Dog-Warm-in-the-Winter?&id=9275274
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