6 Safety Tips for Dogs During Winter

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As the colder weather approaches, it’s important to remember to take extra care of our dogs.

While dogs may have a thick coat of fur to keep them warm, they are still susceptible to the dangers of winter weather. From frostbite and hypothermia to icy sidewalks and toxic antifreeze, there are many potential hazards that pet owners need to be aware of.

Here are some tips for keeping your dog safe and comfortable during the winter months:

 

 

    • Keep your dog warm and dry

It’s important to keep your dog warm and dry during the winter months. This means providing them with a warm and dry place to sleep, such as a cozy bed or crate with a blanket or heating pad. It’s also a good idea to invest in a waterproof and insulated dog coat to help keep your pet warm and dry when they’re outside.

 

    • Limit your dog’s time outside

While it’s important for your dog to get plenty of exercise, it’s also important to limit their time outside in cold weather. Short bursts of exercise are fine, but prolonged exposure to the cold can be dangerous for dogs. If you do need to take your dog outside, try to do so during the warmer parts of the day and be sure to bundle them up in a warm coat or sweater.

 

    • Protect your dog’s paws

Your dog’s paws are vulnerable to the harsh winter elements, and can become dry, cracked, and painful if not properly protected. To protect your dog’s paws, consider using booties or paw wax to keep their paws moisturized and prevent cracking. It’s also a good idea to regularly check your dog’s paws for any cuts, abrasions, or foreign objects that may have gotten stuck in between their toes.

    • Keep an eye out for signs of hypothermia and frostbite

Dogs are susceptible to hypothermia and frostbite just like humans. Signs of hypothermia in dogs include shivering, lethargy, weakness, and difficulty breathing. If you suspect your dog is suffering from hypothermia, bring them inside immediately and warm them up slowly with a blanket or heating pad.

Frostbite is another concern in cold weather. Frostbite occurs when the skin and underlying tissues freeze due to exposure to cold temperatures. Signs of frostbite in dogs include pale or gray skin, coldness to the touch, and stiffness. If you suspect your dog has frostbite, bring them inside and warm them up slowly using warm water (not hot). Do not try to thaw frostbitten areas if they are still frozen, as this can cause additional damage.

 

    • Watch out for toxic substances

During the winter months, there are a number of toxic substances that can be dangerous for dogs. These include antifreeze, which has a sweet taste that dogs find appealing, but can be lethal if ingested. Keep all toxic substances out of reach of your dog and be sure to clean up any spills immediately.

 

    • Keep your dog’s fur trimmed

While a thick coat of fur can be a natural way for dogs to stay warm, it’s important to keep their fur trimmed to prevent matting and tangles. A matted coat can actually trap moisture against the skin, making your dog more susceptible to hypothermia. Regular grooming will help keep your dog’s coat healthy and free of tangles, and can also help prevent other winter-related health issues such as dry, itchy skin.

 

 

 

Dog Flu | How to keep your dog safe – and alive!

New highly contagious Dog flu is spreading like a wild fire.

Many animal hospitals are at capacity and asking their clients to delay non-emergency visits.

Many doggy daycares are voluntarily closing their doors -taking a direct financial hit- Just to help slow down the spread of this deadly disease.

We asked Dr. Samantha Stanley from Good-Vets Charlotte to educate our listeners about Dog flu and help spread the word about 

  • Safety of our dog population during this viral outbreak
  • How to prevent our dogs from getting sick
  • How to limit exposure
  • When to seek veterinary care… and much much more.

 

LINKS MENTIONED

Good-Vets Charlotte

NC Dept. of Agriculture 

VEG Charlotte

 

Zen of Dog Ownership Podcast

by Dog Owner’s Academy

Be the owner your dog deserves™

Dogs Safety During The Holiday Season

Holiday season is approaching faster than my dog 7 can steal a food from a baby.

As far as your dog is concerned Holiday season is insane time.  More people are in and out of the house,  family’s energy is out of whack.  Not to mention lots of strange boxes & plants are being placed in the house.  In fact as far as our dogs are concerned all the human energy is insanely abnormal.

Your dog will enjoy the holiday season right along with you if you consider 2 areas. Dog Safety and dog sanity.

 Safety

If you’re going to have a live tree in a home with dogs. Remember the tree water at the base of live trees can be harmful. Often preservative chemicals are added to prolong the life of the tree. Keep your dog from drinking the water. You can cover the tree basin with foil or a tree skirt.  You can also use this as a Dog Training Opportunity. To practice your “Off” and “Boundaries” exercises.

To prevent your dog from knocking over your holiday tree(s), anchor your tree with cord or wire to the ceiling directly above the tree’s trunk.  Not a good idea to attach it with wire to a wall behind the tree. Your dog could get caught in the wire if he is behind the tree.

Always hang your ornaments with ribbons rather than hooks. This will keep your dog from accidentally swallowing something that could get lodged in his throat.

If you’re going to have a party try not to use toothpicks for hors d’oeuvres. The smell of food on a toothpick will attract dogs. If your dog swallows a tooth pick, it can get stuck in his throat or puncture internal organs.

Electrical cords are the enemy of puppies. Always, always, always secure the electrical cords. If a new dog enters into your house, or if you are at someone else’s house with your dog, have eyes on your dog for about 5 minutes. See where your dog is exploring. If it’s near electrical cords, then good time to practice your “Leave It.”

Next is

Sanity

1 Enjoy the season

Stay calm. We all get stressed out during the holidays, and our dog picks up on our stress. She looks to you as the leader. If you are calm, she is calm.  If you also try to spend a little quiet time with her every day – it will help too.

One thing you can do is to freshen up on your dog’s basic obedience exercises.  Don’t teach her something new during this stressful time, but practice what she already knows & reinforce yourself as a leader and someone she can trust.

2 Keep the routine with your dog

Keep your dog’s regular daily routine. Feed and walk her at the same times as you usually do. Changing her routine can make her stressful, and she can seek attention by misbehaving. According to your dog, any attention, even if you are screaming at her, is better than no attention.

3 Play with your dog before your party.

If you tire her out, she’ll be too tired to get into any mischief when guests arrive. If that is not possible, hire a dog walker or take him to doggie daycare.

EMERGENCIES HAPPEN

Find out the location of the nearest emergency vet in your area NOW. Don’t lose precious moments during an emergency.

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