Some tips to make the inclement weather bearable with our four-legged friends:
- Booties will protect against cold, salted and sanded roadways and walkways. A dog will lick to clean his paws, as well as ingest the chemicals found in the salt and sand. The booties will offer paw and digestive protection.
- Paw wax offers another layer of protection from the frigid surfaces. A thin layer will protect against pad dryness and ice buildup between the paws.
- Coats allow and added layer of warmth, especially for the very young and very old. Puppies and elderly dogs can have difficulty maintaining a safe body temperature. Short haired dogs could also benefit from the added layer of warmth. A coat will also help minimize the "snowballs" long haired breeds accumulate after a romp in the snow.
- Use pet safe ice melt on your drive and walkways. These products do not create the burning effects that come with commercial salt used on the roadways. They are very effective and leave no residue.
- Shoveling paths through sections of your yard is a kind thing to do, especially for the smaller breeds. We don't want to discourage them from going out there and doing their "business".
- Beware of icy patches on walkways and driveways. Dogs are as susceptible to slipping on ice as we are. Older dogs are not as stable so will have an even more difficult time keeping their balance on the slippery surfaces. If you're at the other end of the leash, a slip or sudden move by your dog could knock you off your balance, creating injuries for you, and possibly a runaway animal.
- The cold can magnify problems for pets that suffer from arthritic conditions. Try to minimize the amount of time an arthritic animal is out in the cold, and continue with glucosamine supplements.
- When walking on the roads with your pet, be sure to walk on the side of the road facing traffic. With snow buildup there is less space on the shoulder to walk, so be very careful which roads you decide to take. Try to keep your dog between you and the shoulder of the road, always being wary of your dog darting in front of the oncoming traffic. Take all precautions to make sure you and your dog are clearly visible at all times.
- If your dog and you are not inclined to spend a lot of time outdoors when the temperatures dip well below freezing, substitute your outdoor time with indoor activities. Learning new tricks or playing hide & seek are good mental exercises.
- Village Critter Outfitter has all your snow bound needs. Stop by for anything you need.
