Dogs and Snow 101

Since we have now experienced the "Blizzard of 2010," here are some tips to think about when your pup is outside:

1.  Take into consideration your dog's breed, age and haircut.  Obviously, the smooth-coat chihuahua cannot last as long outside as the siberian husky.  When you start to see your dog shiver, it's time to head back in.

2.  Keep your walks short and frequent.  If your schedule allows it, the more walks the better to keep your pooch from getting bored and possibly tearing up the house.  If the weather is too terrible outside, bring your dog to our doggy daycamp or daycare where we can keep them busy and warm inside for the whole day!

3.  Doggie sweaters and boots are always a good idea if you are going outside for a long period of time.  Sweaters keep the dogs with short hair warm and boots can keep their paws from getting raw.  If you don't have doggie boots, you can use petroleum jelly in between the pads which acts as a temporary waterproof barrier.

4.  Invest in pet-safe snow salt to avoid damage to your dog's paws, or possible ingestion of the toxin.  We sell Safe Paw Ice Melter here, so stop by the center and stock up!

5.  If your dog is fickle and is having a hard time eliminating on the snow, try uncovering a small grassy area so he/she feels more comfortable going when nature calls.

6.  Always dry your dog off when coming back inside. This will not only keep them dry and comfortable, it will prevent their hair from matting.  Dogs tend to get dirtier in inclement weather, so if they need some freshening up, schedule an appointment with one of our experienced groomers at our salon.

Toad says, "Enjoy the snow!"  Sounds like we will be getting more of it this season!