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Protect Your Dogs in Cold Weather

It’s so cold it’s tough to go outside. But you know you must. While you bring out your thermals, add layers and make certain not one inch of skin is exposed, what are you doing for your dogs on their walk? Many of your pets are pretty much indoor dogs spending more time inside that outside. Their coats and paws aren’t ready for cold or snowy weather. Short coated breeds, very small dogs and senior pets don’t tolerate the cold very well. Maybe its time to buy a sweater or go for shorter walks and spend more time playing indoors.

Beware of Salt, Ice and Antifreeze!

Some people use antifreeze or other de-icing products to clear their driveways. Stay away! Many of those products are extremely toxic. Unfortunately, animals are attracted to them and even a little bit can kill. Clean up any antifreeze spill right away. Salt is another problem and it is very irritating to dog’s feet. If you walk on salted sidewalks or cross salted streets, be sure and wash the dog’s paws after your walk. If your dog stops and lifts his paw or bites at his paws, you can gently rub the salt off with your hand. Snow and ice are another hazard for pets as they can quickly form iceballs between the pads and toes of the feet. This will cause the dog a pain – think of your own feet walking on rocks! Keep the fur on your dogs feet trimmed.  

One solution to helping you dogs cope with the ice, snow and salt are boots. They are available in all sizes. Another tip is to “apply a small amount of Vaseline, cooking oil or Pam spray to the dogs’ feet before the walk. Make sure you use oil that can be eaten since most dogs lick their paws.” Thank you to University of Minnesota for that great, low cost tip.

Just remember to use common sense. If it is cold enough for your ears to get frostbitten, it is cold enough for the tip of a dog’s ear to suffer frostbite as well. 

Contact Gail

Contact Gail to discuss how she can assist you with your pet care needs.

Call: 630.933.9443

Email: gailspamperedpets@gmail.com

Serving:

Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, parts of Naperville, Lombard, Downers Grove

Reliable service you can trust.

Fully Insured and Member of PSI Pet Sitters Internatonal

*There will be an additional $6 fee applied to the regular visit fee for services on major holidays including:New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.