Cozy

I have made it no secret that winter is not my favorite time of year.

I have tried to like it.  Honestly, I have.  I even bought snow shoes last year so that I could get out in the white stuff instead of just clean it off the walks and dog patio.

But, after two major snow falls this year, cleaning snow balls out of dog paw pads and underbellies, wiping 20 paws with dog towels, and watching my dogs WISH they could be lounging around outside instead of staying in due to freezing temps, winter can't be over fast enough for me.

Dogs Get Cozy

One thing about our dogs, though...when it's cold out, they know how to hunker down and acknowledge that fact.

Favorite photo of Lilah hunkering down on a snow day.

We have many pet bed options for them, and have tried many pet beds, but here are two that we really like, that have moved to the top of the list.  (P.S.  The dogs like them too!)

1.  The Coolaroo Elevated Dog Bed

These beds are wonderful, as they allow air to circulate in both summer and winter.  We have several and use them outdoors in summer, as we have a few dogs who do not like to lay on the patio surface or the grass.  You can buy relatively inexpensive topper beds for added cushioning for older dogs.  CLICK HERE for more information on these great beds.  I also keep a few extra woven covers stored, in case there is a need for replacement, however, we have four of these beds and in the past two years, have only had to replace one cover and this is from constant use.  They hold up to weather, wear and tear and even dogs trying to chew them. 

2.  Best Friends Shag Donut Dog Bed

The Donut Dog Bed is coveted by every animal in our house, whether dog or cat.  You can almost hear them say "ahhhhhhhhhh" when they snuggle into one of these fluffy beds.  We have one small, two medium and one large donut.  We tend to use these in our bedroom, for dogs who are older and no longer want to jump on the bed.  While we love them beyond measure, they do tend to lose their shaggy-ness, but never their comfort, over many washings.  We throw ours in the washer and dry them on low heat air dry.  For more info on the Best Friends version of this bed, CLICK HERE.

​You can find versions of these products on other retail sites as well.  Chewy does carry the Coolaroo, as well as the donut dog bed.

Luke and Lilah share a Coolaroo and fluffy topper in the sun.

Keep Them Cozy Outside Too!

If you have your dog groomed down in the winter, remember to keep them warm and cozy outside as well.  Our wire-haired terrier, Billie, does get a winter groom which removes a lot of excess coat, so we have a cozy little sweater she can wear to keep her upper body warm.

Billie in her cozy sweater.

She is pretty stylish, don't you think?

There are many doggy coats on the market today.  As we are horse owners, we tend to look for coats that have the same durability and wear as our horse turnout sheets and blankets.

I can highly recommend the Dura-Tech Insulated Waterproof High-Neck Dog Coat from Schneiders.  Not only is it durable, but both the neck and tail have size adjustment abilities, and the lining allows the dog's fur to lie flat and remain sleek and unmatted.  The cut allows for great shoulder movement and runs from sizes X-Small to XX-Large.

Schneiders is RIGHT NOW having their winter sale on these dog coats.  If you are interested, head on over to check them out.

Talley in a Dura-Tech Insulated High Neck doggy coat.

There's still more winter to go here in the Endless Mountains of Pennsylvania.  I think I will grab a dog and find myself a cozy spot on the couch...at least for tonight.

​Stay safe and warm out there!

This Week's Shelter Pet

Meet Molly.  Molly is located at the Bucks County SPCA and would like to find a cozy spot in a forever home.  Molly is a bit over a year old, is spayed, and can be visited at the SPCA's Lahaska facility.  Here's some additional information about Molly.

Molly (Photo courtesy of Bucks County SPCA)