By Mary Jane Anderson

As we approach the winter season, we winterize our cars and homes, but did you ever think about winterizing your dog? For a good healthy dog, he is dependent upon good housing, a proper diet, exercise and a health check. Whether your dog lives inside or outside, proper housing is essential to his health and happiness.

OUTDOOR DOGS – A doghouse must be wind-tight, watertight, and adequately insulated. The house should face the south. A curtain should be nailed over the opening to keep out rain and snow. A good bedding of shredded newspaper or cedar shavings provides warmth. The newspaper or shavings are cleaner than blankets since blankets retain moisture and invites fleas, ticks, and other parasites. The doghouse should be cleaned frequently to prevent infections from unsanitary living quarters.

INDOOR DOGS – Dogs beds in the home should be away from heat. Heat dries out the dog’s coat, which can cause skin problems. Dogs that live in a house do not develop a thick coat from the winter and therefore if they are outdoors for long periods of time, they should be protected from the cold.

DIET – During the winter months, your dog should be given an increase of fats or oils for protection against dry skin. This also provides more heat and energy for resistance against the cold. According to the size of the dog, a teaspoon or tablespoon of vegetable oil should be used. Dogs living outdoors should be given warm water rather than cold water because the cold will chill the stomach and upset the bowels. Water in the home should be room temperature and water should be fresh.

EXERCISE – All dogs need daily exercise throughout the winter months. Small dogs need a brisk walk 3 times a day while larger dogs require frequent runs. An under-exercised dog can easily become overweight especially in the winter. Overfeeding and insufficient exercise are the main cause for fat, lazy puppies and adult dogs. Lack of exercise brings on digestive disorders and physical and mental sluggishness. Long walks are beneficial to both the owner and the dog. Brisk walks slowly increasing onto long walks. This is the beginning of training your dog to walk on a leash. Outdoor pens or fenced-in areas are desirable so that your dog can have some freedom of his own.

BATHING – Outside dogs should not be given a bath except in an emergency. Indoor dogs should be given a bath less frequently. If they are given a bath, they should remain indoors 3 to 4 hours after the bath so that they are thoroughly dry before they go out into the cold. Brushing can be sufficient during the winter months. There are dry shampoos on the market but common cornmeal or cornstarch does a good job removing dust and dirt in short- or medium-haired breeds.

FEET – During the period of ice and snow, special attention should be paid to your dog’s feet. Snow and ice collect in the webbing between their toes. Defrosting agents such as sand and salt irritate the sensitive pads. These agents can be harmful to your dog as he licks his feet or clean them. Always rinse their feet immediately after walking in ice and snow.