Well, the weather outside may be frightful, but that doesn’t mean that your pets are necessarily coming indoors. Along with providing your outdoor dog or cat adequate nutrition and a fresh, non-frozen water supply, it is vital that a good shelter providing protection from the wind and cold be supplied. Use the following guidelines to be sure that your pet stays toasty during the hard winter months:
- Be sure your pet is up for the challenge. Young, old, sickly, or small pets such as cats are best brought inside or into a heated area during the coldest months.
- Be sure your shelter is waterproof as well as windproof.
- Check frequently to be sure that there are no leaks, damage, or wet bedding.
- If possible place your shelter in a sunny, south-facing area.
- The entrance to the shelter should be placed away from any wind or drafts. An “L” shaped entrance can be very helpful to prevent wind from blowing in.
- Be sure that the shelter is well insulated. The floor should be several inches off the ground. Using heavy blankets to cover the roof can add insulation.
- Do not use blankets or rugs for bedding as they will accumulate moisture. Straw or hardwood shavings make the best bedding.
- Make sure that the roof is angled so that snow and rain cannot collect.
