While the borzoi are outside soaking up the below freezing weather, hairless little Flash has to get dressed to go out. Here are some cold weather tips!

If you have a short haired or small breed dog..Go outside with them! If you are too cold, so are they! They are also more likely to go out and do their business when you are there. Once they are done eliminating you can both come in out of the cold! (Flash would just jump on the door if I did not go out.) You can also consider training them to a litter box so they don't have to go outside at all. Many small dogs or short haired dogs benefit from a coat or jacket with this severe cold. (Flash wore jammies AND a coat outside this morning...so did I!)

Get exercise at the pet stores! Take your dog for a walk at the pet store. Just be sure you keep walking to get them exercise and there is plenty of mental stimulation at the pet store. You can also sign up for an obedience class to help you get out, excercise and get some mental stimulation every week! (Both Flash and Eric will take the basic class at the WDTC this Jan)

For dogs that stay outdoors. Their dog house should only be a little larger than them so they can keep it warm with their own body heat. Bedding should be checked regularly to be sure it is clean and dry. Small amounts of water should be added to their bowl 3-4 times a day so they have fresh water and not just ice. I usually start with a half bucket of water and than add a little throughout the day. However, the borzoi are forced to stay inside when I am not at home when it is below freezing.

While outdoor dogs may need a slight increase in calories to help keep them warm. Inside dogs may need to decrease thier calories because they are not exercising as much.

Beware of winter time hazards such as antifreeze, rat poison, and faulty heating equipment.

Happy cold days! Me, I will be walking at the WSC and the Y during the week. But Sunday mornings we'll have on the winter gear and walk at the dog park! (Flash will have to stay behind if it is below freezing this Sun!)

For more information on winter pet care tips check out the AAHA article:

http://www.healthypet.com/library_view.aspx?ID=59&sid=1