Layer coats and sweaters on tiny toy breeds, puppies, elderly dogs, dogs that are ill or recovering from an illness, and dogs of any size with very short hair or a very short hair cut. Put a sweater under your dog's coat or jacket for extra warmth. Use boots if a dog is used to wearing them.

In deep snow, a few inches for a Chihuahua, always shovel a path for your dog's potty area. Allow only a few minutes outdoors during wet or snowy winter weather.

Even at temperatures that are normally tolerable, being wet can cause rapid chilling. Even Arctic breeds and other dogs with heavy undercoats are vulnerable to hypothermia if they get wet down to their skin. Very young dogs and very old dogs are at greatest risk. If your pet has been out in a winter storm, dry him with towels that have been warmed in a dryer, then wrap him in warm blankets. For more information about hypothermia, see the links below this article.

A severe wind chill increases the chances for frostbite. The tips of thin ears, tips of tails and toes are especially vulnerable. "Frost bitten" body tissue actually freezes. It may look pale and feel cold. Unless measures are quickly taken to warm a frost bitten area, that tissue will die. Apply moist, comfortably warm towels. Handle with care...Do not massage the affected area or let the dog scratch or chew around it. After it thaws, the skin will be red, swollen, and possibly blistered. If your dog has frostbitten areas or possible hypothermia contact your veterinarian immediately.

In dangerously low temperatures, all pets should be brought inside. The Humane Society of the United States and many other humane organizations strongly advise against keeping dogs outside any time of the year, especially in winter. If bringing an "outside dog" in your house is absolutely not possible, move it into a garage or basement. If the garage is unheated, buy a crate and except for the opening, cover it with blankets or some kind of insulation.

If, for whatever reason a dog must live outside -
Do not use metal water dishes. A dog’s tongue can stick to the frozen metal. When it's cold enough to for water to freeze, give lukewarm water at least twice a day or get a self-heated water dish. Feed a good quality dog food and increase the daily amount. Staying warm burns alot of calories.

A dog should NEVER live outside, chained to a dog house. Every "outside" dog's house should open into a chain link or heavy wire kennel. A dog house must be sturdy & leak-free. It should have a raised floor, have just enough room for a dog to be to comfortable and be able to turn around, but small enough to stay warm from the dog's body heat. The opening should be covered with a rug or other heavy flap to block the wind. It should open away from the wind. Line the floor with pieces of carpet or blankets and fill the house with straw for bedding. Remove any wet bedding daily. Change bedding frequently.

Depending on where you live, there may now be laws that either prohibit chaining a dog outside or set a limit to the number of hours per day that a dog may be chained. For more information see Living As Prisoners ... Longing to be Pets.

Household Poisons... An Indoor Winter Hazard
If your pets will spend any time in the garage or basement, remember to move all toxic substances out of their reach.

Make sure your car's radiator does not leak. Antifreeze is one of the most dangerous winter hazards. Most commercial antifreeze contains a sweet tasting, but highly toxic chemical called ethylene glycol. Consuming as little as one teaspoon of antifreeze can be deadly to a small dog. If a cat walks through a puddle of antifreeze, then licks it's paws, that can be fatal. If you think a pet has eaten anti-freeze, seek immediate veterinary care. Treatment within two to four hours can sometimes save a pet who has ingested antifreeze.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is another danger for pets in a garage during the winter. If you have a pet in your garage, do not start your car to let it warm up inside the garage.

For more information on household poisons see Household Poisons Help Sheet

Do you know what a Three Dog Night is? It's a COLD night! It's the kind of night when you need 3 of us to keep you warm!!! We're always happy to do that for people we love. The phrase "Three Dog Night" came from Australian Aborigines. Sometimes, on really cold nights, they needed three Dingo dogs to keep from freezing. They called that kind of night a Three Dog Night. When the rock group "Three Dog Night" started out and needed a name, one of the band member's girlfriends suggested that name after she read a magazine article about the Australian Aborigines, who on cold nights, would sleep beside their dogs for warmth. The very coldest weather was called a "Three Dog Night". Please bring all your dogs in the house and stay warm together!