Winter Care for Dogs That Sleep Outside

People underestimate South African winters because the days are mild. A Johannesburg or Bloemfontein night in July drops to freezing or below, and the Karoo and the Drakensberg go well under. A dog sleeping on concrete in that is suffering.

A kennel that actually works

Raised off the ground on bricks or legs, so cold and damp do not conduct straight through the floor.
Small enough that the dog's body heat warms the interior. A huge kennel is a cold kennel. The dog should be able to stand, turn and lie stretched, and not much more.
Offset doorway or a baffle wall inside so wind does not blow straight onto the sleeping area, with a flap over the entrance.
Facing away from prevailing wind — north-facing in most of South Africa gives winter sun.
Waterproof roof with an overhang, and no leaks. A wet dog in winter is in serious trouble.
Deep bedding — straw is better than blankets because it does not hold moisture and the dog can burrow into it. Change it when it gets damp or flat.

Which dogs should not be outside

Puppies, seniors, thin-coated breeds like greyhounds, whippets, staffies, ridgebacks and dobermanns, small breeds, sick dogs and any dog with arthritis. Arthritic joints stiffen badly in cold and a hard cold surface makes an old dog's night miserable. Bring them in, even if it is only into a garage or a scullery.

Water and food

Water freezes overnight in much of the country. Check it first thing every morning; a dog that cannot drink is a dog getting dehydrated. Use a deeper, wider bowl, which freezes more slowly, and never a metal bowl in freezing conditions. Dogs sleeping outside burn more calories keeping warm and may need slightly more food in winter.

The honest version

Dogs are social animals and most would rather be inside with their family than in the best kennel ever built. If your dog sleeps outside for security reasons, consider whether a compromise works — inside at night, in the yard during the day, or access to a garage. The security benefit of a dog that alerts is not lost by letting it sleep in a passage.

Small things that help

A jersey for thin-coated and old dogs, taken off when they come inside so they do not overheat. A hot water bottle wrapped in a towel, well away from chewing reach. And a check of the paws — cold, dry winter conditions crack pads.