The Weather Outside Is Frightful! Bring In Those Pets!

This post is a replication of the Dec 21, 2008 posting on PetSource.Org. We don't normally use material from other blogs, but this is so important that we are reproducing it here for you. Read on!

Traditionally dogs and cats have been considered mostly outdoor pets (especially larger dogs), but the Humane Society is telling pet lovers that when it comes to cold temps everyone needs to seek shelter. Not only can the animals tongue become stuck to numerous things outside, but the freezing temps will most definitely freeze their water bowl and leave them without anything to drink. Per the Humane Society's Tips On Dealing Winter Woes "Pets who spend a lot of time outdoors need more food in the winter because keeping warm depletes energy.

Routinely check your pet's water dish to make certain the water is fresh and unfrozen. Use plastic food and water bowls rather than metal; when the temperature is low, your pet's tongue can stick and freeze to metal." Furthermore even if the temps in your area don't get below the freezing mark, a low wind-chill factor can also be deadly.

The dangers of leaving your pet out to fend for itself in the cold range from being exposed to salt and other chemicals used to melt the ice, to seeking shelter in recently parked vehicles, to simple not having enough food to keep them warm. However if you simply have no place to keep your pet during the winter months the organization recommends "If your dog is an outdoor dog, however, he/she must be protected by a dry, draft-free doghouse that is large enough to allow the dog to sit and lie down comfortably, but small enough to hold in his/her body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The house should be turned to face away from the wind, and the doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic."

So there ya go, folks... Be careful out there! And really be mindful of what your pet is experiencing during these cold days!

And very happy holidays to all!
Best wishes,
Dr Adelia

Protect your pet from cold weather hazards!

Now that winter has settled in most everywhere, there are some things you should consider when letting your dog or cat outside in the snow and ice.

In the great Pacific Northwest, our climate is usually pretty mild around Seattle, and we usually get mostly rain all winter long. But almost everywhere else, there’s snow and ice to deal with and 

often very cold temperatures. 

Here’s what can happen with your pet, what to watch for, and how to prevent or repair any cold-weather damage:

• Suit up! A little jacket, sweater or fleece coat will really help prevent the skin from becoming dry, flaky and itchy from low humidity and cold temps.

• Keep them dry! Rain combined with cold temperatures is a dangerous combination if your pet is left outside. If he gets wet from an outdoor potty break in the rain, do him a favor by toweling him off immediately when he comes in. My dogs love a big thirsty towel thrown over them, and then a mini-rubdown, paying special attention to the legs, feet and between the toes.

• This also gives you another opportunity to make sure his feet and pads are in good shape. Check for any cracks in the pads or any redness between the toes. Put cotton socks on him!

• A dog nose should be wet, but not necessarily cold. If it’s dry, keep an eye on it for a little while. If it stays dry, moisturize it for him with a little dab of DERMagic Cell Restoration Crème. If it’s cracked or chapped from frosty air, do this a few times a day until it returns to normal.

• Exfoliate! Alternating from frigid air to overheated and dry indoor air is brutal on a dog’s skin (and the same applies to humans). Your dog’s skin can become very dry, leading to flakiness and itchiness and a vulnerability to all kinds of skin ailments. Nip this in the bud at the first sign of a flake! These usually appear on the rump near the tail, and can be spotted when brushing the fur backwards along the spine. Get rid of it instantly with a single treatment with DERMagic Aromatherapy Dead Sea Bath Salts! Wet your dog down and massage the salt crystals into his fur until they dissolve. Keep massaging a little while just to give your dog a treat (they love this!), then rinse and shampoo normally! Like magic, the flakes are gone, the pH of your dog’s skin is restored, and no more itchiness!

So, here in the Pacific Northwest, where the weather is always mild, this is what we are experiencing!  Lots of snow, very cold, traffic accidents everywhere, and an outing with the dogs takes planning, little coats and sweaters, a hair dryer to get the little snow clumps off, and lots of time.  Our dogs love the snow!  Tell us about yours!  We'd love to hear from you and see your Snow Pix!  

Very Happy Holidays to all!!!

Dr Adelia

© Daniel Kriman www.JerusalemShots.com

www.JerusalemShots.com