Importance of Knowing How to Keep Outside Dogs Warm in the Wintertime  

Wintertime with your pup can be tons of fun. Nothing beats the cuteness of a dog going nuts over some fresh snow, but winter conditions can be extremely harmful if you don’t take the proper precautions, especially with an outside dog. Now, just to clarify, when we say “outside dogs,” we mean working dogs and barn dogs. A lot of dogs, like golden retrievers, love to be outside in nature but also want the warmth and closeness of the indoors. Certain breeds, on the other hand — like Great Pyrenees and Bernese Mountain dogs — make for great barn dogs. They thrive outdoors and in barns due to their large frame, thick coat, and protective instincts. But even with their natural protective layer, extreme conditions can be a major threat to their health. Even if your barn dog was bred to withstand the cold, you should still know how to keep outside dogs warm in the wintertime.  

Tips for How to Keep Your Outside Dogs Warm in the Wintertime  

There are many steps you can take to ensure your barn dog’s safety, comfort, and happiness in the winter weather. Knowing how to keep outside dogs warm in the wintertime can also prepare you and your pup for a variety of fun winter activities, like skiing and hiking! Keep in mind that smaller dogs with less fur and fat will likely need more protection, and certain breeds can handle the cold better than others.  

  • Booties: Booties are great for protecting your dog’s paws; however, it can take some time for your dog to get used to them (we’re sure you have seen the videos of dogs walking like they’re stuck in molasses when trying booties for the first time). 
  • Jackets and Vests: Jackets and vests provide an extra layer of warmth and protection. They’re great for outside dogs with less fur and body fat.  
  • Musher’s Secret: Musher’s is a natural, food-grade wax that protects your dog’s paws from ice and snow. You can also use it to protect their nose from harsh weather and to alleviate dry skin.  
  • A Proper Doghouse: If your outside dog sleeps in a doghouse, it is crucial that you have a properly insulated shelter with dry bedding. Hay or straw is optimum for insulating your doghouse and keeping your dogs protected from the cold.  
  • Designated Warm Spot in the Barn: If your dog lives in a barn, create a designated warm spot for them, especially during colder nights. This could be a corner with extra bedding, a heat lamp (used with extreme caution and secured safely), or a heated dog bed. Ensure this area is protected from drafts and is easily accessible and consider elevating the bed off of the cold floor of the barn. 
  • Increased Food and Water: Because dogs burn more calories to stay warm, increase their food intake (consulting your vet for recommendations) and provide constant access to fresh, unfrozen water, possibly in a heated bowl to prevent freezing. 
  • Regular Paw Checks: Regularly check your dog’s paws for ice buildup, cracks, or injuries, and wipe them clean after being outside to remove salt and other irritants. 
  • Limit Exposure in Extreme Cold: Even hardy breeds should not be left outside for extended periods in extreme cold, so shorten walks and playtime when temperatures plummet. 
  • Monitor for Signs of Hypothermia: Be aware of the signs of hypothermia, such as shivering, lethargy, and pale gums, and if you suspect your dog is hypothermic, bring them inside immediately and contact your veterinarian. 
  • Grooming Considerations: Avoid shaving your dog’s coat in the winter, as it provides insulation, but keep their coat clean and free of mats, which can reduce its insulating properties. 
white dog following farmer into barn outside

How Winter Weather Can Harm Your Outside Dog  

Prolonged exposure to cold winter conditions can have some serious effects on your outside dog. Yes, they have a fur coat to keep them warm to some degree, but their nose, ears, and paws are vulnerable. With a barn dog, always pay close attention to see if the cold weather is negatively affecting them. Your dog’s breed, size, age, length and type of fur, and medical status can affect risk levels. If you’re wondering how to keep outside dogs warm in the wintertime, it’s crucial to be able to recognize, 

Hypothermia 

Hypothermia can occur when your dog’s body temperature drops below normal, which is around 101 degrees Fahrenheit, give or take. If your dog’s temperature falls below 98 or 99 degrees, that’s when you have a problem. Symptoms of mild hypothermia include shivering, fatigue, muscle stiffness, trouble walking, disorientation, and pale, blue-ish gums. With more severe hypothermia cases, additional symptoms will arise. Eventually, your dog’s muscle cells will run out of energy, causing them to stop shivering and their body temperature to fall. Other symptoms may include dilated pupils, slow and irregular breathing patterns and heart rate, collapsing, becoming comatose, and in extreme cases, death.  

If your dog gets hypothermia, get them to a warm and dry space. Wrap them in blankets or towels to gradually warm them up; you can also use a blow dryer or warm bottles of water to help raise body temperature. Most importantly, take your pup to the nearest vet for further treatment and evaluation.  

Frostbite 

Frostbite is when extreme cold causes serious damage to tissue. Exposed tissue, like the nose, ears, and paws are especially vulnerable to frostbite. Symptoms may include pale, blueish skin in the affected area, pain and swelling in the affected area, skin blisters, and black or dead skin. Over time, the frostbitten tissue will thaw, causing pain and redness. If your dog displays any of these symptoms, move them to a warm space and call a vet immediately. Do not touch or rub the affected area or use direct heat.   

Joint Stiffness  

Some people experience stiff joints during the wintertime, the same can happen with dogs. Cold weather can thicken the fluid in your dog’s joints, making them stiff and limiting their movement. 

Keep Winters with your furry friend fun and safe!   

Now that you know the tips on how to keep outside dogs warm in the wintertime and the risks that come along with the cold weather, you and your barn dog can have a safe, fun time in the winter snow! Contact BlackPaw Dog Training today to learn more about keeping your outside dog happy in the winter or to enroll your pup in a winter training program!