While pets are a part of the family, many spend most of their lives outside. If you live in an area where it can become very cold during the winter, consider providing a warm place for your pet to spend the nights outside of the cold of the winter weather. Consider allowing the pet inside a mud room or garage where they can have a break from the bad weather.

When your pet comes inside, he will need a warm place to sleep. A dogs bed can be found at reasonable prices, but an old blanket or towels will work in a pinch. These will allow the pet to have some insulation form an otherwise cold floor that pulls the heat out of you poor pet’s body on those cold nights.

You might consider adding a portable space heater on low if it can be done safely. Just be sure that it is out of the reach of the dog and away from any flammable materials. Make sure that the cord cannot be reached by the pet to chew it. You should keep an eye on the room and be sure that your pet is safe at all times he is inside the house.

Sometimes, despite your best efforts to keep the room clean and your pet dry when they come inside the house, there will be wet muddy messes in the room. A hoover wet dry vacuum is the perfect tool to clean up the mess. Once most of the water and mud are picked up, you can use an old towel to completely remove the remainder of the mess. The vacuum can also be used to pick up excess pet hair that may be left in the room.

If there is no place inside for the pet, then he will need a well built dog house. The house needs to be the right size to give adequate room for the pet but small enough to keep body heat inside. A waterproof flap over the door will help to keep heat in and wind, rain and snow outside of the house. Add some wood shavings or straw to give your pet dry materials for making his own bed and staying warm during the cold night.

Pets that stay outside during the cold will need an extra portion of food for these very cold days. Their bodies require the food in order to provide the heat that is needed for them to keep warm.

When water is freezing outside, you pet still needs to have water to drink. Provide fresh water three to four times every day. Cold windy weather can lead to dehydration in pets, so for their health, be sure that you provide the water that is needed.