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Don't Think Just Because Your Dog Has Fur That You Can Leave Him Out In The Cold
by Gregg Hall A common misconception among dog owners is that just because their dogs have a coat of fur; it's ok to let them spend the winter outside. While it is OK to let your dogs out in the winter, there are important precautions to take.
Be aware of exactly how cold it is, including the wind chill factor. A dog house is good to have but may not protect them from frostbite on their extremities. Be sure to bring your pet in out of the cold. Put down a warm blanket for them to sleep on, since tiles can be cold. You can also purchase beds made for dogs at your local pet store
Another misconception is that snow is a substitute for fresh water. Make sure that your pet always has fresh water available to drink, regardless of the weather conditions.
Fur can provide a measure of warmth for your pet, but fur that is long can also pick up clumps of snow and ice, making it uncomfortable for them. Trim the areas around the paws to keep this from happening. Dogs with short hair don't get the same level of warmth as dogs with long hair. Buy them doggie sweaters or knit one yourself. They will keep your dog warm and make them look even more adorable.
Many areas salt icy streets to provide traction. This salt or deicer can be painful to dogs, if they get into cracks in their paws. By rubbing a thin film of petroleum jelly on the bottom of their paws, it will lessen the amount of salt that sticks to them. When you get back home, be sure to clean their feet so that they will always be able to walk comfortably.
Damp fur can be uncomfortable for your pet. When coming back from a walk in rainy or snowy conditions, be sure to dry them off, preferably with a blow dryer.
There are other winter hazards for your pet that you should take care to avoid. When adding antifreeze to your car, be sure that there is no spillage that can be lapped up by your pet. It is poisonous to them and could cost them their lives. It is especially dangerous because they enjoy the taste, so make sure that you keep the bottles where they can't get to them.
The winter holidays also can pose dangers for your pets. Chocolate is bad for your dog, so keep the Halloween candy where they can't reach it. Be sure to put the poinsettia up on a table or a shelf, since they are poisonous to a dog and be careful of the tinsel that you use to decorate your Christmas tree. This can also be harmful, so opt for bright ornaments instead of tinsel. Your tree will still be bright and attractive and your dog will be safe. Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as Dog Houses at http://www.dog-houses-online.com
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Some Important Tips On Caring For Your Dog And Keeping Him Safe
by Gregg Hall Our pets are extensions of our family and need all of the same care, love and protection that we give the rest of our family members.
Just like humans, dogs require plenty of exercise. This keeps them within their ideal weight and keeps them healthy and strong. Regularly take your dog for walks around the neighborhood. If possible take them to different places so that they can enjoy variety as well as exercise. Many places offer dog parks, where dogs can run and play with other dogs. If you can't find one of these, then run and play with your dog yourself.
Find an old ball or a Frisbee and let your dog run and chase it. You can also teach your dog to fetch. Just bring some snacks with you and reward your pet with a treat, every time they return the object to you. This can be fun for both of you. When taking your dog for a romp in the park, be sure to bring water for your dog to drink.
Another way to take good care of your pets is by watching what they eat. Shop for them with the same care that you shop for yourself. Read the labels and select the most nutritious ones. Many of the better quality brands are very pricey. If you are unsure of what is the best food that you can buy that will fit within your budget, ask your vet for recommendations. Make sure your dog has plenty of fresh water to drink and a comfortable place to rest.
Puppies are cute and playful, but you certainly don't want a bunch running around your house. Be responsible and take your pet to be spayed or neutered. Make sure that they receive all of their shots and take them for annual boosters. Heartworms are a very serious health risk for dogs, so make sure that you give them the proper medicine to avoid this condition.
Safety is another important factor when caring for a pet. If you let them outside, keep them in a secure area so that they won't run into the street and into danger. Make sure your pet has an ID tag that includes their name and your phone number. Put as much identifying information that you can on the tag, such as your work number or alternate contact number. Choose bright tags so that they can be read from a distance if necessary, especially if your pet is large and aggressive. The people who find them may be afraid to approach, so by providing a large bright tag, they may be able to get enough information to call you.
Another way to ensure the safe return of your pet is to have a chip implanted under their skin. They are tiny and can be scanned to get the owner's contact information. These tags are often referred to as "Home Again" ID tags and are well worth having. Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as Discount Dog Houses at http://www.dog-houses-online.com
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