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A timely warning, Catherine. Here in France quite a few people keep their dogs in kennels outside all year, but when temperatures plummet a wooden box with an open door doesn't give enough protection, IMHO. When I lived in the UK (traditionally regarded as animal loving), I saw quite a few dogs kept outside in kennels, too. Dogs need warmth - and company, too....
Toby, looks like Sally Cat has gone from one extreme to the other, LOL!
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Those oil heaters are great. They are really safe. I have one for my unheated storage/work area. They keep a small space warm.
It would be perfect for sally. I can picture her with her nose near the heat. I don't know if they can get hot enough to burn her nose. Putting a rug in front of it was a good idea. Sally doesn't like anything different. The heater will be enough to keep her room warm. She does seem to like comfort this winter.
It is too cold for most dogs to be out. I know a big Newfoundland dog that probably doesn't know it is winter yet. Penny and your collie friend are the exceptions. The rest of the dogs need to be protected from the cold.
You wouldn't think we need to remind people every year, but it is like the dogs in hot cars problem. Every year people leave dogs where they suffer from cold or heat and sometimes die. We make a big deal out of warning people and next year they will act as if they have never heard of the problem.
During a power outage that happened in -20C weather, some people with reptiles went to work and left their reptiles to take their chances. They died from the cold. I stayed home in the cold with my reptiles and when I could no longer keep them warm enough, I evacuated them to a place with heat. All our pets need to be cared for during weather extremes.
Dog houses can be heated or better insulated. I am sure there are lots of things that can be done.
Better than that why not bring the dog into the home where it should be in the first place.
Catherine
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I don't take Suzy out when it's frigid out there. I have pee pads laid down for her on place holders for them. She uses them, too. I used to take her out when it was frigid out there but she would start limping because ice got stuck in her paw pads. She loves to jump in the snow though so I may take her out for a romp in the snow once it gets warmer. I just have to tend to her paw pads right away and I do.
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A lot of people are using pee pads for small dogs. The cold is too much for them. Ice in the paws can really hurt and even do damage. The salt can make the pads dry out and crack.
It is much better to keep Suzy in when it is bad and let her use the pads.
It is safer for you too. You don't want to risk slipping on the ice.
Spring will cone and we can all go outside again and feel warm.
Until then, keep warm.
Catherine