How To Keep Dogs Warm in Winter

The low temperatures in winter present challenges for both humans and pets. Keeping your dog outside in freezing temperatures is not advisable.

If your pup loves going out, you will need to learn how to keep dogs warm in winter to preserve their health.

Here’s what we recommend to keep your dog comfortable during those cold winter temperatures.

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Our Winter Dog Care Advice

Cold temperatures make it difficult for dogs to stay warm when they need to. Short-haired breeds, puppies, seniors, and dogs with certain conditions are susceptible to cold stress.

Pet owners need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of cold-weather dangers such as frostbite and hypothermia, which can occur more quickly than most owners realize.

Wetness and wind also play a factor in making cold temperatures more dangerous. Wet fur loses its insulating value, and a brisk breeze can rob a dog of body heat in minutes.

Dogs who spend time outdoors also have to deal with drafty doghouses and shelters that provide little or no insulation against the cold.

Pet owners who plan to keep dogs warm with appropriate shelter, clothing, and outdoor time in cold weather will spare their pets from unwanted stress.

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7 Signs Your Dog Is Feeling Cold

The following are some common signs that your dog is feeling the effects of a winter cold. Please note that this may vary from one pup to another.

1. A trembling or shivering dog is often the first and most obvious sign that they are feeling cold.

2. A crouched posture and tucked tail indicate that a dog is trying to conserve heat.

3. Cold dogs lift paws off the ice, indicating their discomfort with freezing surfaces.

4. Slowing down, stopping, or refusing to walk can also be a signal that a cold dog is struggling with the freezing temperatures.

5. Whining, barking, or general agitation can occur when the cold stresses a dog.

6. Dogs can often exhibit cold ears, noses, or tails. This can be due to a constriction of blood vessels in these exposed appendages, in an effort to maintain their core temperature.

7. Pet owners should also watch for dogs that seek shelter or burrow down in bedding, an apparent attempt by dogs to increase the amount of warmth that they have access to in the winter.

When your pup exhibits the above signs and doesn’t have access to a source of warmth, they can quickly become hypothermic. This can be fatal.

Here are some of the signs of a hypothermic dog:

• Weakness
• Stiff muscles
• Decreased heart rate
• Dilated pupils
• Unsteady walk
• Overall lethargy
• Pale or blue mucous membranes
• Unconsciousness or coma

If the condition progresses, your dog may appear confused or experience a significant decrease in mental alertness. In extreme cases, your dog can pass out.

Hypothermia can be dangerous and can quickly progress, so it’s vital to intervene as soon as you notice your dog is too cold.

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How To Keep Dogs Warm in Winter

There are many easy things you can do to help your dog stay warm and toasty as temperatures outside start to plunge.

The first and most obvious solution is their dog bed. Thermal or heated dog beds can help retain body heat, allowing your dog to nap and sleep comfortably.

Another way to create an extra source of heat is to allow your dog to use a heated blanket under supervision.

If you have your dog curled up on your lap or on the couch during those cold winter nights and days, a heated blanket is the thing to help them stay warm.

If your dog stays inside during the colder months, it’s essential to maintain a consistent indoor temperature.

For quick outdoor trips or walks, putting a dog sweater on your furry friend is an easy way to give then that extra warmth.

Cold dog boots can also be a nice topper to keep their paws from becoming ice cold.

Booties prevent your dog from coming into contact with de-icing salts and deicers. These elements can cause skin reactions.

If your dog has a fenced-in yard, it’s always wise to supervise them when they’re outside. That way, you can look for early signs of your dog becoming chilled.

When your dog comes back inside, make sure they have a blanket to snuggle up to and a nice warm bowl of water.

For dogs that spend time outdoors in the winter, make sure their water bowl is not frozen. Dehydration makes it easier for your dog to suffer from the effects of colder temperatures.

You can also warm your dog’s food before giving it to them and add some low-sodium, fat-free chicken broth to make it more enticing.

Just a reminder about car travel in the winter. Do not leave your dog alone in a car during the winter months, even for a brief period.

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Should I Keep My Dog Outside During Winter?

Temperature alone doesn’t dictate how long you can leave your dog outside in winter. Wind, falling snow, or freezing rain, as well as activity levels, also play a role.

A blustery, icy day will be much more severe than a calm, sunny day, even if they’re the same temperature.

Activity level also plays a role in how long a dog can be left outside in winter. A dog playing fetch and romping around will have more body heat than a dog sitting on a porch.

Regardless of the breed of dog, though, no dog should be outside for extended periods in freezing temperatures.

Dogs like huskies and other breeds developed for life in cold climates are hardier and more used to being outside in freezing temperatures.

Dogs not bred for cold weather can quickly become uncomfortable and face risks, such as hypothermia, from prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures.

The risk of frostbite is another significant factor, particularly in sensitive areas such as the ears, tail, and paw pads.

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How To Keep Outside Dogs Warm in Winter

If you must keep your dog outside during winter, then there are several things you can do to guarantee their comfort.

In addition to what we have covered on how to keep pets warm in cold weather, the best ideas here are to invest in or DIY a climate-controlled dog kennel.

Building a heated dog kennel in your backyard will provide the comfort your dog needs to stay fit in the chilly weather.

The following are some of the heated dog kennel ideas for outdoor use that can serve as inspiration for building something similar for your furry friend.

Outdoor Dog Kennel Ideas

1. Insulated Outdoor Dog House

What You Need

Materials:

• Pressure-treated 2×4 lumber
• Plywood panels
• Beadboard siding
• Rigid foam insulation sheets (foil-backed)
• Pocket hole screws and wood glue
• Piano hinges
• Trim boards
• Exterior-grade paint and sealant

Tools:

• Table saw and miter saw
• Drill/driver with pocket hole jig
• Track saw or circular saw
• Router or jigsaw
• Tape measure and level
• Clamps and a brad nailer
• Paintbrush, roller, or sprayer
• Safety gear (gloves, goggles, dust mask)

Instructions

1. Cut the 2x4s in half lengthwise on a table saw. Then square the edges of the 2x4s with a table saw.
2. Cut all the pieces needed for the side frames on a miter saw. Cut them slightly longer to make raised feet.
3. Assemble the side panels with pocket holes and screws so they are square. Leave the sides slightly raised off the ground for drainage and airflow.
4. Assemble the front and back panels to the height and width of the frames. Cut an opening for the entry. Ensure your dog can fit in, as it will be difficult to enlarge the space once everything is put together.
5. Cut the floor joists and lay them on the floor. Insert cut-to-size rigid foam insulation panels and cover them with plywood decking. Ensure all seams align with a joist for added strength.
6. Fit the wall insulation panels and cut them to size. Fit them snugly between the studs, and glue and fasten the beadboard siding to them with brad nails. Nail the siding to the side panels, overlapping them to achieve clean edges.
7. Attach the siding to the top of the opening, drill a pilot hole for the edge of the opening, and cut out the doorway with a router, jigsaw, or reciprocating saw for a clean edge.
8. Assemble the roof panels from leftover siding scraps. Insulate the back side and attach it to the shelter using piano hinges, allowing you to lift the roof off when needed to access or clean it.
9. Paint or seal all exterior surfaces with exterior paint or sealant. Let it dry completely before painting or installing the trim boards. Attach and paint or seal the trim boards to cover all of the seams and add strength.
10. Insulate the entire interior or cover it with metal if your dog tends to chew insulation. Edge protect with a thin sheet of a suitable material for safety, if needed.

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2.    DIY Outdoor Dog Kennel for Winter

What You Need

Materials:

• Pressure-treated lumber for base and framing
• Cedar fence boards for siding
• Rigid foam insulation panels
• Plywood panel for the roof base
• Composite roofing panel with foam fillers
• Roofing screws with washers
• Pocket hole screws
• Straw bedding

Tools:

• Tape measure and level
• Drill/driver with pocket hole jig
• Circular saw or miter saw
• Utility knife
• Clamps
• Paintbrush and exterior paint
• Safety gear (gloves, goggles, dust mask)

Instructions

1. Build a base and rectangular frame from treated lumber. Cut the framing pieces inside the garage, then take the cut pieces to the building area for final assembly, using pocket screws.
2. Verify the placement on the ground or patio is level, add risers as necessary, and brace the frame to prevent it from shifting on slopes or uneven terrain.
3. Secure the sides and back walls by attaching cedar fence boards to the wood frame, with no spacing to achieve a tight fit and a weathered appearance.
4. Measure and cut the rigid foam insulation to fit into each frame cavity, then compress the insulation panels together with no gaps, and install the wall insulation.
5. Add the plywood base for the roof, then place the composite roof panel over the foam and cut it to fit with a utility knife. Secure the roof with roofing screws and washers.
6. Paint the exposed roofline and trim areas with exterior-grade paint, allow it to dry, then reassemble and fill the inside with straw bedding.

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3. DIY Heated Winter Dog House

What You Need

Materials

• 2 x 4 lumber
• Cedar deck boards
• Plywood sheets
• Rigid foam insulation boards
• Spray foam and silicone sealant
• Asphalt shingles with roofing underlayment
• Shed siding panels

Tools

• Circular saw or miter saw
• Drill/driver with bits
• Measuring tape and carpenter’s square
• Utility knife
• Caulking gun

Instructions

1. Frame the cedar deck with blocking, screw the deck boards in place, and insulate the base with rigid foam sealed with spray foam.
2. Frame the four walls with 2x4s and a sloped roofline, cut an entry, and fasten the walls square to the deck base.
3. Install junction boxes and run exterior-rated wiring for the heated floor, thermostat, and future lighting.
4. Lay the heated floor, install underlayment and vinyl plank flooring, and seal the entry edges with silicone.
5. Line the inside with plywood, stuff the wall cavities with rigid foam insulation, and seal the seams.
6. Wrap the structure with home wrap, apply shed siding, and cut an opening for the marine-grade window. Seal the window with silicone.
7. Add rafters and an interior ceiling panel, then finish the soffits with tongue-and-groove cedar for added strength and appearance.
8. Prepare the roof with drip edge and underlayment, install asphalt shingles in rows, and top it off with aluminum fascia and flashing.
9. Mount LED deck and soffit lights, wire the low-voltage strips to smart switches, and double-check all wiring in the junction boxes.
10. Stain and seal any exposed cedar, attach vinyl flaps to the doorway to keep it warmer in winter, and test the heating, sealing, and lighting systems.

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How To Heat an Outdoor Dog House

If you already have a kennel, you can make a few modifications to create a DIY heated dog house outdoor. This will save you time and keep dogs warm outside.

Insulation is one of the first dog house heating ideas to consider. The ability to retain heat is as important as the ability to produce it.

Some measures you can use to keep generated heat inside the doghouse are by elevating it off the ground, using foam insulating panels, and weather-stripping the openings.

For a continuous source of heat, consider using pet-safe mats, low-wattage kennel heaters with automatic shut-off, and solar panels.

A simple homemade setup could include a flap door and a thermostatic heating mat to maintain a constant temperature and provide warmth for pets in winter.

When considering how to heat a dog house, avoid using open flames, space heaters, or uncovered lamps.

These methods may be easy, but they carry serious fire hazards and should never be used around pets.

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Conclusion

And that’s how to keep dogs warm in winter! We hope you have learned the proper way to warm your dog during freezing weather.

As you implement these ideas, always be on the lookout for the common signs of hypothermia in dogs.

It shouldn’t get there. However, if it reaches that point, be sure to contact your veterinarian immediately for prompt diagnosis and treatment.

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