keep da dog safe dis winter

[Lee Borgersen]

Cold-weather tips to keep your dog safe this winter


By American Kennel Club
Dec 15, 2016 

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Temperatures have already started to drop, and chances are if you're feeling the climate change, so is your dog.

As responsible pet owners, it's important to take special care of our dogs the same way we do ourselves. The American Kennel Club offers the following tips for a safe winter season with your dog.

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• Keep your dog away from drafts. Tiled and uncarpeted floors can become very cold in the winter. Make sure to cover any uncarpeted floors in your home with blankets or pads to keep the surface warm for your pet.

• Don't leave your dog alone outside. Even if you're letting your dog out in the backyard, it's not safe to leave him alone in cold temps. Always accompany him to make sure he doesn't have snow and ice stuck in between his paws. This can cause cuts and cracked pads. If your dog does get cracked paws, rubbing them with a small amount of petroleum jelly may help soften and soothe paw pads.

• Limit time spent outside. Just like humans, if dogs spend too much time outdoors in frigid weather, they can get frostbite or hypothermia.

• Buy smaller and less active dogs a coat. Small, hairless and short-haired dogs are more likely to feel colder as temperatures drop. If you own a Chihuahua or miniature Pinscher, for example, it's important to invest in a winter coat for them.

• Don't leave your dog alone in the car. It may seem like this rule only applies in the summer, but the cold can be as harmful to your pet as heat can be. Always have your dog supervised in a car even if you're running a quick errand.

• Make sure to rinse and dry your dog's paws after a walk. Rock salt that is used to melt ice on sidewalks tends to irritate paw pads. Make sure to thoroughly cleanse your dog's paws after each walk.

• Watch out for spilled antifreeze on driveways. Some dogs are drawn to the taste and smell of antifreeze, but it's deadly if ingested. Be aware of possible antifreeze spillage on driveways and the streets when out with your dog.


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[glenn57]

Yea my hounddogs are really abused and neglected in the winter. Ones laying on my pillow in my bed, the other is sprawled out on da couch!
Wouldn't think of keeping my hounds outside any more!

Nice read there Mr. Lee!!!

[lovebigbluegills]

Ya, poor Marv is snoring on the couch. I bet Remi is in similar distress.

[Bobberineyes]

You got that right lbbg, last I saw he was licking his boys on my kids bed.

[LPS]

Ya I can't believe I used to keep my first dog outside all winter.  He had a nice dog house but man I can't hardly think about it now.  Would never do that again.  Us too have to fight for a spot in the bed.  No actually Buddy sleeps between us by our feet.  Sammy makes it into bed once in awhile but can't jump like he used to so he sleeps beside the bed.  Bob (the female cat) goes all over and lays down wherever she damn well pleases.  Right now the wife is watching Hallmark Porn with a blanket on her so Buddy is laying on her left side and Bob is on the right.  Sammy is laying in the sun shining in the patio door.  All is well here in paradise.  Except I have to talk to you guys since I can't watch my hunting and fishing shows.  lol  That's ok.  I like you guys and the wife deserves to watch what she wants too.