Keep Your Dog Safe & Happy During The Winter

Sure most dogs have their own coat, but you would not want to go out in a blizzard in a light spring jacket.

Make sure small delicate and short haired dogs, even large ones like Greyhounds have an appropriate winter wardrobe.  

Dogs can suffer from frostbite, especially on delicate ear flaps and tail tips. 
In extreme cold it is a good idea to keep dogs inside, with the exception of the heavy coated northern breed that thrive in low temperature. if it is not possible to keep the dog indoors.

Be aware of the major signs of frostbite, which include skin that appears white or blue.. 

As little as a teaspoon of antifreeze can cause kidney failure.

Be alert to the signs that your dog has swallowed some of it, which include drooling, vomiting, seizures, excessive thirst and a drunken appearance. 

If you think your dog has ingested antifreeze, it is important to get your dog to a vet as soon as possible.  Even if you keep your antifreeze safely tucked away there i still a danger from residue on the streets. 

Most antifreeze is green ethylene glycol, but it comes in several different colors.  So watch where your dog is sniffing.

Avoid thin ice.  It might look like fun to slide across that frozen pond, but ice can easily crack and your dog and you could fall in.  

Slipping on ice can also lead to muscle strains and other injuries.

Protect Those Paws

For dogs who wear them, booties may be the best solution for winter foot protection.  For dogs who will not wear shoes, use paw wax such as Musher's Secret,

Hair on the feet of long haired dogs can from ice balls between pads and toes.  Keep them well trimmed, cutting the hair so that it is even with the surface of the foot.

City streets are coated with such de-icing substances as sodium-chloride (rock salt) and calcium, chloride, which makes sidewalks safe for pedestrians, but can damage paw pads.  
Make sure you wash them off.  

Keep a bucket next to the door to rinse the dog's feet as soon as the dog comes in from the cold.

Use warm water and make sure to reach spots between the toes and pads. 
Some dogs will also need a moisturizer for dry skin.

On those chilly and blustery winter days it is hard to get out of the house with your dogs for more than a quick poop n scoop.

There are ways to keep your pet exercised and entertained when it is just no fun to be outside.

Throw a tennis ball up to the top of the staircase of you your home, it is a great exercise for an active dog on a snow day.

If you have a small to toy dog that loves nothing more than a little lat time.
That is the perfect opportunity for you to sneak in a good brushing and nail trim.

Brush Massage For Cats

Brush Massage is stroking and caressing a cat with a brush instead of your had.  A brush allows you to make a connection without hand contact.  Use a long handled brush.  The brush offers a texture different from your hands.

The cat enjoys the brush, you are connected with the brush and you become likeable.

Please do not underestimate the Brush Massage - it generates amazing responses.

Position your brush near the cat's head and allow him or her a chance to sniff and accept the scent of a new item.  Slowly brush from the base of the whiskers back to the cheek area.  Notice the cat's response, and hopefully their interest.  Repeat the caress a few times for familiarity.  Next slowly caress around the cheek area, being careful to not rub the whiskers backwards.  Keep your motions slow and consistent and follow your cat's response your cat will guide you in what he or she likes.
Adjust to their movements and they may even rub against the brush in appreciation.

If the cat is cooperative, brush their chest fur in a downward motion and caress his or her entire chest area.  Rub up and  down or create a few circles and always remember to keep your speed slow.

Foot Care

Caring for your pet's feet is crucial in the winter.  
Your pets need fresh air and exercise, but when they are outside, they may be exposed to sidewalk de-icing chemicals that can be very irritating to their paws.  

It is a good idea to clean their feet with a wet wipe after every walk.  

Just using a dry towel is not very effective for removing the chemical residue on your pet's feet. 
If it is not remove, this residue could irritate the pads and if your pet licks his/her feet they may ingest these toxic substances.

Additionally, the hair between your pet's toes and in their pads should be trimmed short. 
This is always done during their grooming appointments at Stinky's Kittens & Doggies Too. 
This helps keep the snow and ice from getting packed in the pads and causing problems.

Nail care is very important in the winter. 
Many pets are less active in the cold weather and their nails do not wear down as much as they normally would in the warmer months.

Nails that are too long can easily get caught in carpeting or other fabrics and can tear or break off and then they will bleed - sometimes profusely and require immediate veterinary attention.

To be sure that your pet's nails are always the correct  length and have no rough edges, call our salon and schedule a "paw" dicure for them.  

We will be happy to do this between your pet's regular schedule grooming appointments.

Although you might not expect it, you need to continue checking your pet for fleas and ticks during the winter months.

Protecting them from these nasty little critters is a year round necessity.
That is another reason that brushing your pet daily and inspecting his/her skin for abnormalities really contributes to your pet's overall well being and happiness.

                                                Cold Weather Grooming Tips..

Winter can really be tough on everyone, and that includes your pets.  The harsh old weather, the irritating sidewalk de-icing chemicals, the dry indoor air and more, all can take a toll on your pet's skin, hair and feet.  Some people think that because it is colder outside they should not get their pets groomed as often as they d in the summer.  Actually your pets need for professional grooming may increase in the winter and here is why. 

There are some things that you must consider if you want our pet to have a longer hair style during the colder months. A pet with longer hair will require more maintenance grooming on your part and you may need to schedule his or her grooming appointments more frequently to keep the hair from becoming tangled and out of control.

If you put a coat , sweater or even a harness on your pet it can rub against  the hair and cause friction.  The hair must be kept tangle free or mats will begin to form.  This can lead to extreme discomfort for the pet, causing the pet to rub and scratch and possibly cause sores or hotspots on their skin.  That is why daily at home brushing is so important.  Brushing keeps he hair tangle free and helps distribute the natural oils that are in your pets coat.  It also helps remove the dead skin cells and promotes healthy skin.

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