HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE !!!!! Welcome back to our weekly blog. We begin our New Year with our 1st “RUFF TAILS” (back by popular demand lol) featuring a beautiful Shepherd/Collie/Retriever mix named Sully.
Hi everyone, my full name is James P. Sullivan, Sully for short, yes named after “Monster’s Inc.”
My hobbies are collecting sticks, making mulch, swimming, and of course ALL squeaky rubber toys.
When I am sleeping I must be touching my humans, either at their feet or laying on their chest.
I need lots and attention and I am very lovable. Oh wait, “I hear crinkle paper, so that means there’s probably a treat.” SO BYE!!!!
Welcome to Doggie Dialogue:
There are preventive measures you can take during the winter months to help protect your canine’s paws.
We recommend keeping your dog’s nails trimmed.
This will help your dog from breaking their nails on the ice or snow and preventing injury to their paw.
If your dog is long-haired, and his/her paws have long hair in-between the paw pads, please keep this trimmed as well. The chemicals from salt and “ice-melters” may get inside the paw pad area causing skin irritation and cracked paws.
Please use a non-toxic ice-melt or sand at your home, this will help protect your dog’s paws.
When your dog is outside for an extended period, we recommend wiping their paws, with warm water and a towel when bringing them into the house. This will help remove any excess salt crystals/debris trapped in the paw pads.
Some of our clients have had great success with dog boots, and others have found Vaseline or paw balm (Musher’s secret) have worked well.
The paw balm will also keep your dog’s paws hydrated.
Remember some salt and de-icers can be toxic, therefore keep your dog/dogs away from sidewalks and roads that have been heavily treated. Do not let your dog eat slush or drink from the puddles near heavily treated roads.
Dogs can be susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia therefore keep your outdoor activities short.
When taking your dog for a walk during the winter months, especially when it is extremely cold, we recommend a shorter walk, or doing 2 walks through out the day. Remember if it is too cold for you, it is too cold for your dog.