Thank you for this really helpful post Catherine.
All our pets feel the cold. Some animals have higher body temperatures, but that doesn't mean they don't feel cold! Dogs should not be kept outside even in a kennel in severe weather. Even if they are dogs who usually stay outside, or even prefer to be outside! They also die of hypothermia, just as we do. They need to come in to some sheltered place even if some may not like heat.
People should be aware that in ice and snow their dogs can also get very damaged feet. Snow collects between the pads, and the toes, then freezes, and this cuts their feet. In harsh winter weather dogs need to wear little boots! No matter how silly this may sound, those boots are often worn by dogs in severe ice and snow.
All animals need reliable shelter in winter weather.
All our pets feel the cold. Some animals have higher body temperatures, but that doesn't mean they don't feel cold! Dogs should not be kept outside even in a kennel in severe weather. Even if they are dogs who usually stay outside, or even prefer to be outside! They also die of hypothermia, just as we do. They need to come in to some sheltered place even if some may not like heat.
People should be aware that in ice and snow their dogs can also get very damaged feet. Snow collects between the pads, and the toes, then freezes, and this cuts their feet. In harsh winter weather dogs need to wear little boots! No matter how silly this may sound, those boots are often worn by dogs in severe ice and snow.
All animals need reliable shelter in winter weather.
