Hey Woofa’s,

I can’t ignore it any longer Winter is almost here.  : (  This weekend the temperatures have dropped (for Australia) and I’m not happy.

As I type this it’s 7 degrees outside, its raining and the wind is howling.  Billy is curled up in his ‘computer room bed’ with a nice warm blanket over him.  I’ve declared a pajama day!!

Every year I try and psych myself into accepting Winter but it doesn’t work.  It’s inevitable the only thing I can do is change my reaction to it.  But as soon as that cold wind hits me or the air is so cold you feel like you could cut it……..it just makes me want to hide under my blankets and stay there til it’s warm again.

I believe, in a previous life I must’ve been either a Reptile or a Bear.  Any animal that hibernates during the cold months and then reappears in the warmer months is definitely my kindred spirit.

People are always saying, ‘oh I love Winter, you can always warm up with an extra layer’!  My response to that is, NOT WHEN YOU’VE ALREADY GOT 6 LAYERS ON AND YOU’RE STILL COLD!

The cold right through to my bones!  I feel like my blood reacts to the outside temperature and I’m left to deal with it lol.

When it’s cold outside, there’s nothing better than being inside by a log fire in your pj’s with a hot chocolate all snuggly with your family and fur babies close by.  Now that’s what I’m talking about!!!

If I could spend every day of Winter like that I’d be a happy girl.

Billy is a snuggle bunny as well, if you’re sitting on the lounge he comes up and sits on you or beside you with part of himself on you.  If you have a blanket he snuggles in and moves his head as if to go under the blanket.  When you lift it up he crawls under and settles in.

Dean says I’ve made him lazy, I say I’ve made him a snuggle bunny : )

So with Winter rearing it’s ugly head here are some ways to keep your fur baby happy and warm this winter.

HOW TO KEEP YOUR FUR BABY HAPPY THIS WINTER!

OUTDOOR FUR BABIES

1. Make sure they have a kennel/s or a closed in sheltered area away from the harsh weather.
2. Some dogs like to snuggle in together, if this is the case supply them with an area or kennel big enough for them to fit.
3. Supply them with a bed and blankets.
4. Also, check to make sure the kennel or sheltered area is maintained, i.e doesn’t leak and let rain through, no draughts to let cold wind in etc.
5. See if your fur baby will wear a doggy jacket to bed.
6. If it’s snowing, seriously bring them inside either to the laundry or the garage area, put newspaper down for them to go to the toilet on.
7. Always keep an eye on what the overnight temperatures are going to drop down to and use that as a guide as to whether you’d want to spend the night outside in that weather, then bring your fur kids inside.
8. When Billy was outside as a puppy with Isabel, I bought them a heat mattress each for their kennels.  They were very low voltage and plugged in so when they laid down on it it would warm up.
9. You can also warm their food as you would for a child, so their bellies are warm for bed.
10. I have seen dogs wearing shoes while out walking in the cold weather.  Just be aware that not all dogs like them or take to wearing them too favourably.

INDOOR FUR BABIES

1. These fur babies have it the best.
2. Whether they have their own indoor beds or sleep with their humans, they’re going to be warm.
3. The house is usually warm and if not, there’s always blankets to crawl under with their humans.
4. One thing I do differently with Billy in Winter, is when I take his dinner out of the fridge, I warm it up in the microwave so it’s nice and warm for him.
5. You can still use Pj’s and jackets for indoor fur babies, they probably don’t need to be as thick as those for outdoor fur babies.
6. Also watch your fur babies around heaters and indoor fires, we don’t want to over heat them either.
7. Always make sure there’s water available for them to drink.

WINTER EXERCISE TIME FOR FUR BABIES

1. Obviously if the weather is too dangerous to be out in, don’t take your dog for a walk.
2. I’m aware that some dogs need their daily doses of walks, so if it’s a light rain and your dog is protected from the rain (has a rain coat) then by all means.  But if it’s hailing or snowing then don’t go out.
3. If your dog needs exercise and the weather doesn’t allow for a walk, find exercises for them to do safely inside.
4. Billy does zooms up and down our hallway, when we know his doing them we steer clear.  He starts at one end of the house and bolts down the hallway to the other end of the house and jumps on the spare bed.  He does this 6-8 times and he’s content after that.  He might do it 2-3 times but he’s gotten that energy out.
5. Some dogs are trained to walk on walking machines.
6. You could find mind exercises for them, hide their favourite toy and tell them to find it.
7. Hide treats in places they’re allowed to go around the house.
8. Play games with them to exercise both their mind and bodies.
9. Then when the weather is safe to go out in, head outdoors again.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

Use common sense when it comes to harsh weather and your fur babies being outside.

Yes your dog’s natural hair will keep them warm but it doesn’t mean they don’t feel any cold at all.

If in doubt as to whether your dog is warm or not, feel their belly.  I use to get the guilts leaving Billy and Isabel outside to sleep (just while Billy was in his chewing stage).

I would go out and find them snuggled together. I’d place my hand between them and their bellies were toasty as, and I knew together they would be fine.

What are your Winter Stories with your fur kids?  Do you live somewhere where it snows?  We’d love to hear your Winter Stories.

Are you a fan of Winter or hate it as much as I do?

Please Share your views in the comments below.

Billy and I would love to hear from you.

Cheers