How to improve your working dog kennels!
By Jennifer Katona, Veterinarian, Anexa Vets MorrinsvilleWhat happens when it drops under 20oC?
Dogs in temperatures below 20-25oC will require more energy to increase and maintain a normal body temperature. If they are not provided extra energy in the form of a high quality food, they will burn off their body fat and lose condition. In terms of how much extra energy, consider that dogs can burn 5 kcals per kg more for each degree under their critical temperature. So, a 30kg dog in 15oC may be burning 750kcal more just to keep themselves warm!Kiwi’s love a DIY so here are some recommendations for stepping up your working dog kennels:
- Provide weather protection: Plastic is easy to clean and will keep the kennel dry.
- Keep the kennels dry: Raise the kennels off the ground and provide draining
- Add insulation to the kennel walls: You have many options but avoid toxic and flammable materials.
- Provide a wind break: Angle the kennels or place them behind a shed or wall.
- Provide comfortable, clean bedding: fresh straw, foam beds or old duvets. Keep them in plastic covering or you will need to wash them to avoid growing mold.
Have a perfect kennel already? Awesome, consider these additions as well:
- Feed more high-quality food to give your dogs the extra energy they need to keep warm.
- Check to make sure water is always available and not frozen!
- Make sure dogs have enough room to stand up and turn completely around.
- Put on a coat! A weather-proof, insulated dog coat can make all the difference.
Date Added: Friday, 5th June 2020
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