Saturday, January 29, 2011

Winter Weather Dog Tips

Global warming is in full effect and snow storms are hitting us left and right. Temperatures are near freezing and our grass is growing little icicles. For many, its beautiful but for our pets it could be extremely dangerous. There are tons of ways to prevent safe conditions for our pets such as boots or sweaters but there may still be tons of hazards present. Your pet's safety is PetTastics number one priority. Don't let Jack Frost nip at your pooch's nose!

  •  Never let your dog off their leash or roam free in ice or snow. Dogs can lose their scents and easily become lost. Statistics show that more dogs are lost during the winter than any other season. If your dog happens to be trained off the leash, make sure he/she wears their id tag at all times. 
  • After your dog comes from outside, wipe off their legs and stomach. Antifreeze, salt and other cold weather products are dangerous chemicals that could potentially harm your dog. Also, paw pads are prone to bleeding from snow or encrusted ice. 
  • Giving your dog a short haircut isn't the best idea for the winter. A longer coat provides them more warmth. When grooming your pet make sure to completely dry them before letting them outdoors. Dogs can get sick as well! If you happen to own a short haired breed invest in a coat or sweater to keep them warm. 
  • If you have a puppy understand that cold weather may be a little rough for them. If your puppy is afraid of the winter weather, try to paper-train it inside until it warms up a little. 
  •  Does your dog engage in several outdoor activities? If so, make sure to increase their supply of food. Particularly focusing on protein.
  • Often times someones home can be quite cold during the night. Make sure your dog has a warm place to sleep. Lay a few covers on the floor or make a bed. Either way, ensure they are as warm as you are!
  • If your dog is an outside dog be sure to invest in a heated bowl which can be found at most pet stores. Water is extremely important and can easily freeze in frigid temperatures. 
  • NEVER leave your dog alone in a vehicle. If the engine is off, he/she can die from hypothermia. If the engine is left running, he can be overcome with carbon monoxide fumes. 
Please keep all these tips in mind during the winter season. Accidents can be prevented with adamant planning. As always, if you have any questions or concerns about any of our blog posts feel free to leave a comment or email PetTastics at questions@fayettevillepetservices.com and we will try our hardest to provide you with an efficient answer. Always remember that YOUR pet is OUR pet. 

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