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Commonsense Tips to Keep Your Dog Healthy During the Winter

Written by AMI MOORE

Thursday, 24 January 2008

Cold weather has certainly arrived with a vengeance in many parts of the country that usually do not have to deal with the winter chills. With the thermometer in free fall, Ami Moore, Director of Training of Doggie Do Right 911, wants to remind you that your dog may also be feeling the cold. Here are some tips to keep them safe, snug and warm until summertime:
1. Be on the lookout for any antifreeze or engine coolant spills. Coolant and antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Be sure to thoroughly clean any spills that may be on your garage floor, and if possible switch to products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol.

2. Even if your dogs are kept outdoors, make sure their outdoor areas are sheltered from the rain, sleet, snow and wind. If possible, keep your dogs close to enclosed shelters such as insulated doghouses or covered kennels during cold spells.

3. As you well know, winter air can be extremely drying, leaving pets dehydrated, just as they are during the hot summer months. Take care that your pet has plenty of water as regular intervals.

4. More dogs are lost during the winter months of November, December and January than during any other season, so make sure your dogs always wears identification that is difficult to remove. Some options are tattooing and microchipping.

5. The ice, sleet and snow that can cover your dog's legs, stomach and paws can contain salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals that your dog may ingest when licking his legs and paws. Always wipe or rinse off your dogs paws, legs and underside when you return from a walk. If you have a dog who has fur that acts like an ice magnet, I will share a secret with you. Before you go on a walk with your dog, spray his fur with Pam. This non-stick cooking spray will coat your dog's hair so that ice and snow will slide right off, and it prevents ice crystals from tangling up a long coat.

6. Even though it is a temptation to shave down your dog to reduce the mess that you have to clean up when you return from a winter walk, please don't. If you shave your dog down to the skin in winter it dramatically reduces his ability to maintain his core temperature when outside, even if he has a coat to cover him. Some of the best winter dog coats are available at these on-line stores. Trover Coats is a British Company, but they do ship overseas. Trover Coats at http://www.trovercoats.com/index.php, Lands End at www.landsend.com ; Foggy Mountain Dog Coats at http://www.dogcoat.com and Blue Willow Dog Coats at http://www.bwdogcoats.com .

7. Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car or outside in the yard for long periods of time during cold weather.

8. Puppies, small dogs and old dogs do not tolerate the cold as well as healthy adult dogs. Puppies may be difficult to housebreak during the winter due to their dislike of the foul weather. If your dog is reluctant to venture outside due to age, infirmity or breed type, just go with the flow and reduce the length of the walks.

9. Make sure that your dog has a warm place to sleep that is off the floor and away from all drafts. Dogs that are thin, sick or old may need extra padding or blankets during the winter to be comfortable.

This article was written by Ami Moore, Director of Training for Doggie Do Right 911, Inc. located in cold and wintery Chicago, Illinois. The city of Chicago was recently voted on of the most dog friendly cities in the United States. Contact Ami Moore through her websites www.amimoore.com, www.dogtrainingchicago.com and www.dogtrainerchicago.com .

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About The Author:

Ami Moore, Doggie Do Right 911, Dogs, dog trainer Chicago, Chicago dog trainer, puppy trainer Chicago, Chicago puppy trainer, Puppy dog, toy dogs, small dogs, big dogs, puppy potty training, puppy paper training, potty problems, Chicago puppy potty problems, Chicago puppy training, dog training in Chicago.

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