A dog’s kennel is a home for our pets. Especially pets adapted to the outdoors spend a considerable amount of time there. Therefore, every pet would like to have a place that is suitably adapted to the weather conditions. When building a kennel for your dog, you should not only consider its size or material but also how it will be insulated to adequately protect your pet from rain or cold. We suggest how to prepare it properly so that our beloved pet does not have to freeze during winter frosts!
A dog in a kennel in winter – what should you know?
If we are the guardians of a dog whose breed is adapted to outdoor life, we should certainly familiarise ourselves with some basic standards so that our pooch, despite being outside, enjoys good health and condition. This is influenced by having the right dog accessories that your dog needs. First and foremost, a decent kennel should be provided, which should be dimensionally adapted to our pet and provide adequate protection from the cold. It is also important to provide him with nutritious dog food and water, but also toys that make his time pleasant.
What can be done to keep your dog warm in the kennel?
The cheapest option to protect the floor is to line it with hay or straw, because this is the place where the cold is felt most. Since the floor is the closest to the cold ground and where our pet lies and steps, good floor insulation is so important. If we choose to do so, it is worth remembering to stock up on more of this padding, as it will need to be replaced regularly. What’s more, this form of protection will certainly not keep your garden tidy, as the dog will, willingly or not, spread this straw everywhere. Unfortunately, some dogs may also be allergic to straw or hay. In this case, it is essential to give it up and replace it with another, non-allergenic material. The most durable and versatile solution is to use a polystyrene board. To protect it from damage, simply cover it with a carpet. It is also a good idea to waterproof its elements and maintain it annually, especially before the coming autumn/winter season. As is often the case with structures, the most important consideration is good quality material. When building or buying a dog kennel, care should be taken to ensure that the walls are particularly airtight. If you have doubts about this, you can use a double layer of material or place a special thermal insulation material between the wooden boards. As with the floor, it is a good idea to use polystyrene foam. This way, no unpleasant wind, rain or frost will certainly get into your pooch’s house.
How do you look after your dog in winter?
If we are talking about dogs that live together with us at home, the matter of protecting them from the cold concerns walks. These are usually small-sized dogs with a sparse coat. Their hairiness is not able to provide them with the insulation that, for example, a husky dog has. Small dogs are adapted to living indoors, where the heating is running in winter and they often take up space on a warm sofa or cushion. Winter clothes and boots for the dog then seem essential. It is important to realise that such a dog is simply cold. You can lubricate your dog’s paws with special lotion or simply cosmetic petroleum jelly. In the case of dogs living outdoors, in addition to the aforementioned proper insulation of the kennel itself, special care should be taken during the winter days to ensure that the dog is properly fed. A well-balanced wet dog food will ensure that your dog has the right amount of energy resources to survive the harsher conditions. Certainly, small extra snacks, dog superfoods and other accessories will help your dog to stay healthy and fit during the cold weather. A properly nourished dog that is provided with a well-insulated kennel will survive the winter time without any problems, and breeds such as huskies and malamutes will even be delighted!
