Winter Care for Your Dog (from www.akc.org)

Ever wonder if your pooch is cold or comfortable in the blanket of snow he can’t seem to get enough of? A good rule of thumb is (for short coated breeds in particular): if it is too cold for you to spend long periods of time outside, it is too cold for your dog to spend time outside as well. It is important to limit your dog’s time outdoors, even if it is accustomed to being outside often. As in the summer months, you should never leave your dog alone and unattended in the car. Frostbite is a winter hazard not only for people but animals as well, especially a pet’s ears, tail, and paws. Since your dog may not be going outside as often, remember to play with your dog more often indoors. It is important to maintain their exercise level during colder months.

Dogs should always have access to warm shelter at all times. Be sure your dog has a warm, comfortable place to sleep that is free from any cold drafts. Keep an eye on your pet when using supplemental heating sources such as fireplaces and portable heaters and use a fireplace protector to ensure the safety of your home and dog.

Grooming your dog regularly is key since a well-groomed coat keeps a dog properly insulated. When your dog comes in from the winter weather, owners need to thoroughly wipe off their dog’s paws, legs, and stomach. Dogs can accidentally ingest salt or antifreeze (which collects on driveways) or other dangerous chemicals while licking himself. Using a clean, damp rag on their paw pads after a trip outside and will help deter any irritation rock salt may cause. If your pet gets wet from the elements, towel or blow dry to keep them warm and dry.

Smaller dogs get colder more quickly than larger dogs and dogs with short or coarse hair may get colder than other breeds. Smaller dogs get colder more quickly than larger dogs – so little smooth coated dogs should have a sweater or coat on when they go outside. Boots can protect their paw pads from rock salt and can allow for your pet to get a better grip on ice. Remember, not all dogs will tolerate clothes and clothing should not be forced upon them.

Just like humans, dogs are more susceptible to illness when there’s a chill in the air. Puppies cannot tolerate the cold weather as well as adult dogs. Watch your dog while he is outside and prevent him from eating snow when possible. The snow can cause an upset stomach and in severe cases, hypothermia. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any abnormal behavior or signs of illness in your dog.

Want to learn more about proper pet care for the winter season? Ready to shop the perfect coat for your pet? The American Kennel Club and The International Cat Association invite you to join them this November 19th & 20th at the Javits Center in NYC for AKC Meet the Breeds® where you can interact, pet and play with over 200 breeds of dogs and cats as well shop for the latest in pet apparel from over 100 exhibitors! Visit www.MeetTheBreeds.com for more details or to purchase tickets now.

Rainy Day Fun For Your Dog
from www.DogChannel.com

It’s that time of year. The rain is pouring, it’s freezing outside, and your dog is bouncing off the walls. You don’t want to go outside, but Fido needs exercise. The following games are a fun way to beat the raining day blues and exercise your dog indoors; both his mind and body!

1. Set-up an indoor agility course. Just like your kids did when they were little, you can use furniture, cardboard boxes, and laundry baskets to set up an agility course. A broom set across the bottom of two chairs (or the top if you have a large dog) is a great jump. An overturned laundry basket can work as a pause table. This is a great way to burn off some energy and teach your dog some commands!

2. Activity dog toys. There are many new treat toys on the market that make your dog think about how to get the treat from them. These are great to occupy your dog and stimulate his or her mind. If you have to leave your house, these are a great way to keep Fido occupied while you are gone.

3. Dog games. A company called Darfinc has created 3 board and card games that you can play with a dog! These amazing, fun games are perfect for a game day with family and friends. You can play with one dog or multiple, and you can even play by yourself. The best part? Your dog is learning manners and tricks while playing!

4. Hide ‘n’ Seek. Put your dog in his kennel or in a different room, and then hide treats around for him to find. This is especially great for scent-hounds! Let him out, show him a treat and sit back and watch the fun! If you have never played a seeking game with your dog, you may want to hide a few in plain sight, so your dog knows there are things to be found. The more you play, the trickier you can get with the hiding spots. You can also hide toys if your dog is toy driven.

5. Indoor rally course. Like agility, rally obedience can easily be done inside your house. Use cones or really anything lying around the house as markers for the course. If you have never done rally; it’s easy! Each station gives you and your dog a command to follow. You can make up your own, or follow this link to print your own rally obedience signs. You can get descriptions of what each rally obedience sign means here.

Remember, it’s all about having fun while exercising and stimulating your dog – a tired dog won’t chew up your sofa!

Sit Means Sit of Kansas City offers private lessons, group classes as well as Keep & Train Programs. Call today to learn about one of these programs with your dog. 816-878-4878

Want to do fun things with your dog? Give us a call. It’s that easy. Call today for a free home demo. 816-878-4878

Call today for a free home consultation. 816-878-4878

Sit Means Sit of KC can help you with all your dog training needs. First visit is free. Give us a call at 816-878-4878 to schedule your home consultation.

Any problem, big or small we can help. Give us a call today. 816-878-4878 Free home Demo