Back Inside Bliss

What’s Wrong With Your Dog?

Last time we talked about frozen paws, frostbite worries, and that heroic winter potty mission nobody asked for, but every dog owner lives through. This week, let’s imagine the cold decides to level up. The snow is falling, the wind is howling, and then… silence. The house clicks off, the furnace stops, and suddenly you and your dog are starring in your own winter survival episode without even leaving the couch.

Power outages in cold weather are sneaky because the temperature drop is faster than most people expect. Dogs lose heat quicker than we think too, especially seniors, short-haired pups, and any dog that already curls up like a cinnamon roll at 65 degrees. This is where being prepared doesn’t just keep you comfortable. It genuinely helps keep everyone safer.

If you use a smart thermostat like Ecobee, it becomes more than a convenience during moments like this. When power returns or when paired with backup setups, many smart thermostats allow you to manage temperature recovery, receive status alerts, and monitor conditions even if you’re not right next to the unit. Instead of panicking, you can actually make a plan.

Now let’s talk about the unsung hero of winter emergencies: a reliable backup power source. If you own something like an EcoFlow portable power station, that’s a game changer. Instead of trying to power your entire furnace, focus on “comfort islands.” Plug in a low-wattage heated dog bed or an electric blanket designed for pets, and now you’ve created a warm, cozy zone your dog can snuggle into while the house cools around you. You can do the same for yourself with a small heater or blanket, and suddenly the night feels a lot less dramatic.

And if the power goes out while you’re sleeping? An EcoFlow or similar product can quietly carry the load for the things that make a dark, cold night feel a little more normal again. You can power a heated blanket, a small lamp so you aren’t fumbling around in the dark, your sound machine so your routine doesn’t vanish with the electricity (and you can actually rest and your dog doesn’t hear every bloody sound), and your phone so you can still check weather alerts, outage updates, and yes… endless videos of dogs doing ridiculous things to keep your spirits up. Yeah, I see you.

A few smart reminders: if you’re using electric heating products, choose pet-safe heated beds or low-voltage devices when possible, follow all manufacturer safety instructions, keep cords protected, and avoid leaving blankets directly on your dog for long unattended periods. Don’t have a dedicated heated blanket just for your dog? No worries - try yours on low and put another blanket over it to reduce the heat for your dog. Warmth is wonderful. Safety is non-negotiable. Another option to try is a GCI sleeping bag meant to keep warm in frigid temps - just make sure you pup doesn’t suffocate! Stuff blankets or extra sheets to occupy the extra space so your dog guarantees to have air and can only lay at the top of it.

Winter is unpredictable, but preparation turns chaos into control. With a smart thermostat helping you manage what comes next and an EcoFlow acting as your backup winter sidekick, you and your furry best friend can stay warm, calm, and maybe even a little smug knowing you planned ahead. I keep an EcoFlow on the floor next to my bed so when (not if) the power goes out, I can instantly hit a button to turn it on and then plug my items into it to fall back asleep. Magical.

Suds up: Thank goodness my dog loves baths
Decor isn’t just decor: Choosing the right rug is everything
Lose your sh&t: Technically….

Environment

You did it. The snow mountain has been conquered, the driveway is visible again, and you’ve heroically cleared a path worthy of applause from neighbors and your dog alike. Now you walk back inside afraid to view the weather forecast for the next storm and proceed to thaw like a human popsicle… and your body suddenly files a very loud complaint. Your forearms ache from gripping the shovel, your back feels like it negotiated with gravity and lost, and your legs are quietly humming, “Hey, remember us?”

This is the hidden chapter of winter: the recovery phase. And it matters more than most people think.

Start with warmth, but do it thoughtfully. Instead of jumping straight into the hottest shower on Earth, warm your body gradually. Trade wet clothes for dry layers first so your body stops losing heat. Then go for a warm (not scalding) shower or bath to loosen muscles and improve circulation without shocking them. You’ll feel more human again in minutes.

Your forearms and hands deserve special attention. They did nonstop work gripping, pushing, lifting, and stabilizing. Gentle stretching helps, but this is also where a forearm massager can feel magical. These devices increase blood flow, release muscle tension, and can help reduce the stiffness that sneaks in hours later. If you do not have one, holding a warm mug and doing slow, controlled squeezes is a surprisingly good substitute.

Your back is probably carrying the biggest complaint letter. Before collapsing on the couch in a crooked position, try lying flat for a minute with your calves resting up on a chair to unload the lower back. Then treat yourself to an air-compression back massager or massage cushion if you own one. The rhythmic pressure helps muscles relax while improving circulation, which may reduce that next-day “what the heck, I can’t move” effect.

Your legs also worked overtime. If you have a foam roller, now is its moment to shine. No roller? A rolling pin or slightly thawed frozen water bottle genuinely works. Roll gently, breathe, and thank your muscles for their service.

Then there’s your mood. Winter chores can drain emotional energy right along with physical energy, so reset the atmosphere around you. Turn on a couple lamps or go one step further with a SAD lamp (light therapy lamp) to brighten your environment and lift your brain out of the “cold gray funk” mode. Play music you actually enjoy, turn on your sound machine if you like calming background noise, and let your nervous system settle. If your dog happens to be curling up next to you, that counts as a medical-grade happiness booster.

Hydrate. Cold tricks people into thinking they didn’t sweat, but your muscles absolutely did the work. Water and electrolytes help with recovery more than people realize.

And finally, give yourself emotional credit. Shoveling isn’t glamorous (to say the least) and no one hands out medals for it (but I should receive some), but it’s physically demanding, time-stealing, and often done when you’d rather be doing literally anything else. Write down one thing you’re proud of or laugh about the whole ordeal. Seriously. That mental reset matters. Not your thing? Ok, just make another hot cocoa.

Warm up. Stretch. Take care of your muscles. Recharge your mood. And maybe enjoy the cozy reward of knowing you just handled something tough (although who are we kidding). Meanwhile, your dog is just thrilled the backyard bathroom re-opened for business.

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Chuckle

The fib is B. When power comes back on after a widespread outage, the voltage can sometimes fluctuate briefly, which is why sensitive electronics like computers and TVs are easiest to protect with a surge protector or power station instead of plugging them straight into the wall.

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