weathering the winter
cold weather tips for your pet
On Groundhog Day 2015, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow,
predicting that winter is going to hang on a bit longer.
We could debate the practicality of planning our lives by the solar obstruction of a member of the rodent family, but, in any case,
warm temperatures are still a little ways off.
To help your dog weather the winter happy and healthy,
consider these suggestions recommended by the ASPCA.
Want to go for a ride? - Never leave your dog (or cat) alone in a car in winter temperatures. Similar to how summer temperatures build in a car, winter temperatures are held in and can cause frostbite or death.
NOT “off da chain” - Be sure to keep your dog on a leash and that it has current ID tags. In snowy conditions, especially during a snowstorm, dogs can become disoriented and become lost. Leave ‘em a little fuzzy - If your dog requires grooming, consider keeping her coat a little longer in the winter for some extra warmth. They all look so cute a little fluffy anyway. After bathing, make sure her coat is completely dry before a jaunt outdoors. It’s the latest fashion! - Short-haired breeds, smaller breeds, and puppies can have difficulty regulating their body heat in cold temperatures. Consider adorning your pup with a suitably sized coat or sweater for winter excursions. It will help them remain warm and look stylish, too! Pause for the paws - When returning from your winter outings with your dog, be sure to wipe off his paws and belly. Deicing salts and antifreeze can accumulate on Fido’s feet, which can be ingested or cause cuts to the paws. Beatin’ Feet! Dog Walking routinely wipes your dogs paws after a walk with pet grooming wipes. Not only does this help reduce paw prints through your home but protects your pup’s health as well. |