WINTERIZING YOUR DOG
Yes, the snow is here and the temperatures are cold. But there are tricks to keeping your pet warm and healthy through winter. The number one thing to remember is that most companion animals are not used to extremely cold weather-If the weather is to cold for you to be outside very long then it is also to cold for your dog. Here are some tips to help you and your dog “weather the winter”.....
1. Do not leave any dog outside in very cold, snowy or freezing rain weather for extended periods of time. Frostbite or hypothermia can occur.
2. Put a sweater or coat on your dog especially short haired or young/very old dogs.
3. Any dog that has to wade through deep snow will get cold and wet sooner. Towel dry their body and feet to warm them up after they have been outside.
4. Rock salt and ice melting chemicals can burn or chap the pads on your dogs feet. Clean off the pads after a walk outside.
5. Brush and comb any long haired dog especially hair that has gotten wet from the snow. Matted hair will NOT keep your dog warm.
6. If your dog has to stay outside, be sure to have a shelter that is out of the wind and snow free, bedding that is dry and thick and check water twice a day to make sure it is unfrozen. Increase food in very cold weather to ensure calorie intake is adequate.
DOG DENTAL
CARE
February is dog dental month. So what does that mean? It is simple...Just like people, dogs need dental care too-bad teeth leads to bad health. The month of February is set aside to bring attention to pet owners that a dental care program for your dog or cat is essential. Veterinarian studies show that 75% of dogs with heart disease also have untreated periodontal disease. Setting up a pet dental program at home is easy. Follow these simple steps:
1. Start with “dog” toothpaste and a small toothbrush. Let your dog taste the toothpaste and reward with a special treat. Rub your finger along teeth and gumline. Do not be surprised if your dog balks at this but again reward and praise him for good behavior.
2. Brush your dogs teeth by lifting the lip. Brush the gumline also-this is where plaque begins. The dogs tongue will clean the inside of the teeth but if he lets you, brush here also. A final rinse with a anti-bacterial dog dental rinse will help ensure tarter gets washed away.
3. Give your dog chew toys and chew treats. These will scrap the plaque off the teeth. Dry kibble is also essential in helping keep teeth clean.
4. A trip to the vets is in order if your dogs shows the following symptoms: foul breath, bleeding gums, discolored or broken teeth, excessive drooling and tarter build-up on teeth.
For more information visit www.akc.org and do a search on dental care.