There are several ways to keep dogs water from freezing, along with your other pets and livestock. Read on to learn the best tricks we know.
This past week North Carolina, and really, much of the nation, experienced the coldest temperatures ever recorded. Mt. Mitchell, the tallest point east of the Mississippi, reported -28! While this temperature may be standard in the Midwest, we’re not used to it at all! My chickens and goats had ice for water each morning, so I had to do something quickly.
Keep Dogs Water From Freezing
One of the best things you can do is to get a heated water bowl.
Heated Water Bowl
A heated water bowl is wrapped in heating coils. They usually encase them in heavy plastic or metal. The temperature never gets very high, but it’s enough to keep water from freezing.
Heated Plate
Another type is the one that is like a heating plate. You set a metal water bowl or pail on top of it and it keeps the water from freezing.
Tank Heater
You can also get a tank heater to keep dogs water from freezing. There are a few types, one of which is a long, thin device that looks like an aquarium heater. You could also use an aquarium heater, but be sure to get the metal type. Glass-encased heaters can crack very easily, especially in cold weather. The other type looks more like a horseshoe and sits down in the water to keep it from freezing.
Heating Pad Wrap
In a pinch, wrap a heating pad around the bowl, just be sure you use one that can be gotten wet. Animals tend to splash water whether they mean to or not.
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Wrap With Blankets
You can also wrap blankets around the outside of the bucket or bowl to help keep it warm, at least warm enough to keep the water from freezing.
How to Thaw Frozen Dogs Water Quickly
And if the weather is very cold, sometimes you need to thaw it out. Don’t rely on snow to supply enough water for your pets. It takes a lot of energy from the body to heat the snow to the point where the body can use it.
Black Rubber Bowls
I have black rubber bowls that I use outside in frigid weather to keep dogs water from freezing. These won’t crack like regular plastic in extreme cold. Turn the ice out of them and replace it with fresh water. I get warm water from the house. Alternatively, you can pour warm or hot water on the ice to help thaw it out. Don’t use hot water directly with livestock if it’s very cold. I’ve heard horror stories about people with horses that thought they’d do them a favor by giving them hot water. The changes in temperature can cause heart rhythm failure. It’s better to use warm to cool water and be safe.
Use The Sun!
You can also try moving the water to a more sunny location. Sun in itself is a powerful heater.
Move Bowls Inside
Try placing the water bowl or bucket inside the barn or coop to keep dogs water from freezing. The body heat from the animals can help warm it up enough to be drinkable.
Keep It From Freezing Without Electricity
Some of these ideas rely on electricity. If you have a power source close to where your pets are, that’s great. But if not, you may need to try one of the other ideas. Remember that goats and other animals are chewers, and the cords inside the barn or coop need to be protected. Many people use PVC pipes to run the cords through to protect them.
These are just a few ideas to keep dogs water from freezing. Do you have any favorite ideas?
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Source: DIY Natural
