23 Fletcher Rd Newport NH 03773 - (603) 863-0035 - k9talk@adelphia.net |
Winter can be a tough time for all dogs but can be particularly challenging for our small four - footed friends. Here are some hints to help you and your little guy this winter: The Cold, Snow and Ice Small dogs get colder faster than larger dogs. Inside they are at the perfect height for the cold air that comes in under doors. Make sure beds are away from doorways. Outside, they are close to the cold ground, snow and ice. Smooth-coated dogs and some with longer fur should wear a coat or sweater when they go out. Playing in the snow is ok if the dog likes it and is playing with you or another dog. Keep the sessions short. Be sure to dry them off when you come in and remove balls of snow attached to the fur. Keep the fur trimmed on feet of long-coated dogs. Don't allow play on icy surfaces. Even small dogs can hurt joints and backs if they slip and slide. After walking on sidewalks or roads where salt is used, make sure you wash the salt off paws/legs/belly so they cannot lick it off and eat it. Booties can help to keep feet warm and dry. Potty Breaks Small dogs can have a tough time with potty breaks when the temperature drops and there's snow all around. Some will get so cold that they won't go or have a difficult time finding a spot in the snow. Make it easier on both of you! Consider paper training for these times. Plastic canine litter boxes and "pee" pads are available or you can use a tray from a dog crate lined with newspapers. These can be placed in a porch, breezeway, garage or an infrequently used room in the house. Exercise If outside activities are limited due to bad weather, small dogs are much easier to exercise inside than big dogs. A retrieving game with a toy or ball can be played in a large room or hallway. Attaching a toy to a long string is perfect for a chasing or keep-away game. Mental exercise is important, too, and can tire dogs out better than physical exercise sometimes. Keep training your dog! Teaching your dog some tricks is a great way provide mental stimulation for him and an opportunity for you to work together. And it's FUN for both of you! Weight Less activity can mean more weight, so be careful what and how much you feed your dog. Make the most of what you feed your dog! Try feeding a food that does not have fillers, preservatives or large amounts of corn. Watch those treats! Keep them nutritious and tiny to match the size of your dog! Small dogs like bits of fruit and veggies. Avoid grapes, raisins, onions and chocolate. Holiday Hazards - Any time you have cause for celebrations, you also have cause to be cautious with your small dog. * Parties - When you have lots of people coming and going, be careful that your dog doesn't run out the door. Small dogs can slip out easily and their absence can go unnoticed when everyone is busy. * Food - Advise well-meaning guests not to give your dog fat from roasts or skin from turkeys. No desserts or candy - especially no chocolate or alcohol. Even small amounts can make a small dog sick. * Plants - Mistletoe, poinsettia, bittersweet, holly and a host of ivy plants can make your dog ill if he eats them. * Holiday trees and decorations - All of these should be out of your dog's reach. Avoid putting food ornaments on the tree or food gifts wrapped up under the tree. * Stress - Dogs that are stressed out are more prone to bite. Try to keep to your dog's regular routine and have a quiet place for him to go when things get busy. Be prepared and you can "weather" the cold and big snow storms without much trouble. Spring can't be far away! Please note: If you have any winter concerns regarding your dog's health, always contact your veterinarian. ****** Copyright 2003 Meredith Lunn CDBC |
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