Winter Is Coming
We’re expecting a winter storm to move into Mountainair 1/23/2026, bringing frigid temperatures and harsh conditions. This kind of weather can be dangerous for our pets, especially dogs who are left outdoors.
At Friends of the Mountainair Animal Shelter (FOMAS), we believe dogs are family. In a perfect world, every dog would sleep indoors in a cozy warm bed. We also understand that, for many families in our community, keeping dogs outside is a reality due to housing, space, or other circumstances.
Because of that reality, it’s critical to ensure that dogs who live outdoors are given the protection they need to stay safe, warm, and healthy during the winter months (especially when temperatures drop to dangerous levels).
Why Cold Weather Is So Dangerous for Dogs
Dogs can suffer from hypothermia and frostbite just like humans. Puppies, seniors, small dogs, short-haired breeds, and dogs who are sick or underweight are especially vulnerable. Even thick-coated dogs need proper shelter and bedding to retain body heat during frigid nights, wind, snow, and freezing rain.
Why Straw Is Best for Warmth
One of the most effective and affordable ways to keep an outdoor dog warm is straw bedding.
Straw is different from hay or blankets. Straw is hollow and traps warm air, creating natural insulation that helps dogs retain their body heat. It also repels moisture, which is crucial—wet bedding can quickly lead to dangerous heat loss.
Blankets, towels, and hay tend to absorb moisture from snow, rain, or a dog’s body. Once wet, they freeze and actually make dogs colder. Straw, when kept dry, stays insulating even in freezing temperatures.
We strongly recommend filling doghouses generously with straw and replacing it regularly throughout the winter.
Proper Shelter Matters
A doghouse should be:
- Dry and waterproof
- Wind-blocking, especially at the entrance
- Raised off the ground to prevent cold and moisture from seeping in
- Small enough to trap body heat (oversized shelters are harder to keep warm)
If possible, the entrance should face away from prevailing winds, and a flap or partial barrier can help keep cold air out.
Other Ways to Help Outdoor Dogs Stay Warm
In addition to straw bedding and proper shelter:
- Ensure dogs always have access to unfrozen water
- Increase food portions slightly during cold weather, as dogs burn more calories staying warm
- Check paws regularly for cracking or injury from ice and frozen ground
- Bring dogs inside during extreme cold whenever possible, even temporarily
- Monitor closely for signs of hypothermia such as shivering, lethargy, weakness, or pale gums
We’re Here to Help
If you or someone you know is struggling to provide proper winter shelter for a dog, please reach out. FOMAS can help with straw, guidance, or connecting dogs in need with appropriate structures to keep them safe from the cold.
📧 Email us at: woof@fomas.org
No dog should suffer simply because winter is harsh. By working together as a community, we can ensure that every dog—inside or outside—has a fighting chance to stay warm, healthy, and safe this winter.