don't give your dog the cold shoulder this winter!!

by Lee Gilmour

"Ah give me a break….it's a dog! Take that stupid sweater off it!" For anyone who owns a small dog you may have heard these words before. People who make these comments do not understand that while some breeds retain their original wild traits and can keep themselves warm, many breeds are unable to regulate their body temperature. For instance, if you own a golden retriever I would imagine you notice his/her fur gets fuller in the winter and they shed in the summer. This would be the same for a Malamute, Lab, Burmese Mountain dog, etc. There are also breeds that have either lost their survival instincts through breeding or were never bread for cold weather.

Pay attention to how your dog responds to temperature. Does he spend most of the year in the bathtub (when it's not filled with water) to stay cool and he lies on the couch during the winter? Does she try to sleep under your covers or next to you all year round? These hints tell you how your dog responds to changes in temperature and whether they like cold weather or not. It's just as important to pay attention to the mercury dropping as it is to it rising!

Here are some cold weather tips to help this winter:

• We shave our big dogs in the summer but in the winter their fur is essential for them to stay warm. Never shave your dog down to the skin in the winter. Your dog should be completely dry before going outside for a walk, so walk them just before bathing and wait before the next walk. If you own a short-hair breed (large or small), we suggest you purchase a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck and full belly coverage.
• If your dog is engaged in a lot of outdoor activities, you should increase their food portions and the protein source to help keep their fur thick and energy high.
• Never leave your dog alone in a car in either cold or hot weather! A car can hold the cold and your dog can freeze to death.
• Dogs should have a warm bed indoors away from drafts. A pillow or blanket should allow them to burrow in for comfort.
• Be sensitive to the breed of dog and their age. Older dogs, puppies and certain breeds can not handle cold weather and should only be let out for short durations in extreme conditions to relieve themselves. If you have a puppy, consider paper training until the spring.
• Like coolant, antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs! Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your car. For more information on safer products go to ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.
• Thoroughly wipe off your dog's legs, feet and stomach when coming in from the ice, snow or sleet. He can ingest salt, antifreeze or other dangerous chemicals while licking his paws. Also, ice can be sharp and cut the paw pad; inspecting the paws can help you catch any potential issue.
• Did you know more dogs go missing in the winter? Dogs lose their scent in snow and ice and can easily get lost. Be sure they have their ID tags on and you keep them on lead.

We hope you and your dog safely enjoy the fun activities of winter and have a wonderful holiday season!!