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Your daily dose of doggy goodness!
Every day, we celebrate our shared love of dogs and hopefully brighten your day. Enjoy!
Dog(s) of the Day:
Dakota
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Meme of the day: We’ll be fine!
Myth: Pet insurance doesn’t cover everything
Many pet owners worry that insurance won’t cover everything, especially routine care or pre-existing conditions. While that’s true in many cases, most insurers now offer wellness add-ons for preventive care like vaccines, dental cleanings, and check-ups, giving you more complete coverage. View Money’s pet insurance list to find plans for as low as $10 a month.
Cozy Canines: Keeping Your Dog Safe and Happy After a Blizzard
When the snow stops swirling and the sun peeks out, a fresh blanket of white transforms the world into a winter wonderland. While this can be a beautiful sight for us, and perhaps an exciting, nose-diving adventure for our dogs, a post-blizzard landscape presents several unique safety challenges for our furry friends.
After a major snow event, it's crucial to adjust your routine and take extra precautions to ensure your dog stays warm, safe, and healthy. Here is a warm and engaging guide to navigating the snowy aftermath with your beloved companion.
Cold Comfort: Protecting Paws and Preventing Hypothermia
The biggest immediate threat after a blizzard is the extreme cold, which can linger for days.
Paws Need Protection: Snow and ice can hide sharp objects, and the salt/chemicals used on roads and sidewalks are toxic and irritating.
Action: Consider using dog booties for walks. If booties aren't an option, apply a paw balm or petroleum jelly before and after going outside. Always wash your dog's paws thoroughly with lukewarm water when you come inside to remove salt and ice melt.
The 15-Minute Rule (or Less!): Even dogs with thick coats are susceptible to hypothermia and frostbite (especially on ears, paws, and tail).
Action: Keep potty breaks brief. Limit playtime outdoors, and if your dog is shivering or frequently lifting their paws, it's time to go back inside immediately.
The deep, drifted snow and icy conditions can create unexpected dangers.
Mind the Mounds: Snow piles, especially those plowed near the street, can be deceptively high and firm.
Action: Keep your dog close to you on a leash. A high snowbank might put your dog eye-level with traffic or allow them to easily jump over a normally secure fence.
Identify Familiar Landmarks: After a heavy snowfall, your yard and neighborhood can look completely different.
Action: If your dog is off-leash in a contained area, supervise them closely. They may become disoriented or run into things they can't see, such as buried furniture or equipment. Always check snow drifts in the yard for hidden items before letting them romp.
Antifreeze Alert: The post-blizzard cleanup can sometimes reveal spills of vehicle fluids like antifreeze.
Action: Antifreeze has a sweet smell and taste that is appealing to dogs, but is extremely poisonous. If you see any bright puddles, keep your dog far away and clean them up safely.
Shelter and Hydration: Staying Warm Inside and Out
Safety doesn't end when you close the door. Post-storm living requires attention to indoor care as well.
Monitor the Furnace: Ensure your indoor heating system is working well to keep your dog warm. If you are experiencing a power outage, focus on keeping your dog in one warm room with blankets and sweaters.
Fresh Water is a Must: Dehydration is a common risk in winter because dogs use a lot of energy to stay warm.
Action: Make sure your dog always has access to fresh, unfrozen water, both inside and outside (if they have an outdoor water dish). Avoid letting your dog eat snow for hydration, as it can lower their body temperature and may contain hidden contaminants.
Recognize the Signs of Trouble: If your dog seems lethargic, weak, unresponsive, or has ice-coated fur or skin that looks pale or blue, they may be experiencing a medical emergency. Contact your veterinarian immediately.
The days after a blizzard are a time for recovery, warmth, and appreciation for the cozy indoors. By staying vigilant, protecting those precious paws, and keeping walks brief, you can ensure your dog enjoys the snowy splendor safely from the comfort of their home, ready for a warm snuggle on the couch!
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Dog Food and Supplement Recalls
Here are the recent recalls and advisories:
Foodynamics - Freeze Dried Pet Treats for potential Salmonella contamination.
Nature’s Own - Pet Chews Bully Bites Treats for potential Salmonella contamination.
Viva - Ground Beef for Dogs and Ground Chicken for Dogs and Cats for potential Salmonella and Listeria contamination.
Savage Pet - Cat Food Chicken for potential bird flu exposure.
Family Photo of the Day:
Polo!
We want to feature your pup!
We want to share your pup with our pack. Email us your favorite doggy pic or video with your pup’s name, and we'll try to feature it as a family photo in one of our upcoming newsletters or on our Facebook page.
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Meme of the day - Instagram: @luney_doodle
