When a polar vortex hits, the extreme cold can pose serious risks to our furry friends. Ensuring your dog stays safe and warm during these frigid conditions is crucial. However, dog owners have options to explore to protect your dog from the harsh elements, from bringing them indoors to providing proper shelter, clothing, and footwear. By following these guidelines, you can help your dog weather the storm and stay comfortable, no matter how low the temperatures drop
- Bring them indoors
It goes without saying that when temperatures plummet and become dangerous, our animals need to be brought inside. If you have the means to bring your dog inside, this is the first and foremost thing you should do to protect your dog from the weather. All living situations vary, so if you are unable to bring your dog inside from the elements, consider finding a friend or another source who can house the dog indoors until temperatures are no longer threatening. This is the only true way to guarantee your dog is safe from the polar elements. - Provide shelter and food
Some breeds of dogs are well adapted to cold weather. Despite this, all dogs should be provided a form of shelter to escape the cold. This can be an insulated dog house or run in, access to an open garage or another form of shelter. In this shelter you should stock it with blankets, maybe even waterproof, as well as food and water. Food will keep your dog’s metabolism up which will better allow them to generate and maintain body heat. - Layer them with clothes
There’s a lot of pet parents who love dressing up their dogs – and it’s your time to shine during a polar vortex. Bundling your dog up in sweaters and hats is a highly recommended method to keep them warm in the frigid temperatures – especially when on potty breaks. Feel free to break out the entire wardrobe and layer up as much is needed. If your dog doesn’t like clothes or you don’t own a sweater for him, consider purchasing one for moments like that. There are dog “blankets” and vests that are easy to velcro onto your dog and still give them plenty of movement – making them tolerable by any the staunches of sweater hating dogs.
Footwear
To go along with the clothes, your pup might need to rock to fresh kicks. The dangerously low temperatures of a polar vortex put your dog’s feet at incredible risk. It doesn’t take much time for those paw pads to freeze and become frost bitten. There’s also the added risk of salt burns thanks to ice and snow that often accompany a polar vortex. It may be difficult to find a pair of shoes your dog doesn’t dance around awkwardly in, but ot’s well worth protecting those feet.