Cold Weather Tips For You And Your Dog.

It seems hard to believe that winter is just around the corner, but it is. So, here are some very useful tips to help you keep your best friend comfortable in the cold. Most of your toy breeds, Chihuahua's, Maltese, Yorkies, etc., usually have "clothes" that their responsible owners put on them. Even large dogs, such as Boxers, that have only one coat, get very cold. If your dog shivers when outside and it is cold, it needs to have some type of a sweater or coat. You can find many different kinds in pet boutiques such as Just Dogs! Gourmet in the Huntington Mall, or Pet Palace in Huntington WV or some grooming facilities also carry clothes.

If a dogs internal temperature gets below 96 degrees F, it can go into hypothermia. Shivering is a sign of an animal being too cold. They shiver to produce heat, by the way.

The most horrific thing about cold weather, is anti-freeze. This is a very sweet tasting substance to dogs and cats. Even in a very small amount, it can kill. Anti-freeze poisoning is very painful. Some horrible people use it to poison dogs and cats that run wild because they will drink it.

When the snows come, people use chemicals and salt to melt the snow. These can be very painful to your dog's feet. The chemicals actually burn the pads. So, if possible, walk them in areas that don't have that on it. Also, you can buy a salve called Mushis's Secret. It can be applied to reduce the pain caused by salt and chemicals.

Ah, Christmas. The tinsel and ornaments on the pretty tree. While they are so pretty to look at, they can be extremely harmful to your pet if ingested. The tinsel will bind in the intestines and the sharp edges can actually cut the intestines. Symptoms of ingestion include: decreased appetite,vomiting, diarrhea, listlessness and weight loss. Also, blood in the stool or vomit. The only cure is surgery.

Last, but not least, dogs that have to live outside. Never use a chain choke collar to tie up your outside dog. The main reason, they can hang themselves. But, metal attracts cold and can actually burn, yes burn, your dogs skin. The skin will be black. Meaning it is dead. Always use a flat buckle collar made of leather or nylon.

I hope these few tips help when the weather really turns cold.