Winter Safety For Dogs
Source: raeganhuston.com As you now know just by taking a quick glance—or step—outside, winter is well underway in Chicago. While you’re trying to keep yourself warm as you face the elements, don’t forget about making sure your dog is just as protected, too. Here are some ways you can make sure your precious pooch stays as protected as possible during these frigid months: 1) Proper protection Just like we bundle up when heading outside, dogs need extra protection, too. If your dog has short hair, it may need an extra-thick sweater to keep it warm as you walk it through Chicago—long-haired dogs could also use similar protection, too. Don’t forget about other parts of your dog either. Dog shoes are cute, but they can also protect your dog from the dangerous elements, as well as from damaging salt that may be put down on slippery sidewalks. If you aren’t sure, a Chicago dog walking company can help you make sure your dog is protected on its stroll. 2) Staying as warm as possible Even though you’ll want to walk your dog as normal, in Chicago’s colder temperatures—and with its wind chill—you’ll want to make sure your dog can be indoors for as much as possible. Of course, your dog will still need to get adequate exercise, so you will have to take extra measures to ensure this happens. In addition to adding layers to your dog before going outside, make sure you don’t stay out too long either. The cold can affect your pet more than it may affect you, and especially in Chicago’s chilly temperatures, your pet may not be able to handle it and could get frostbite. Be attentive and alert if your dog starts to show signs of hypothermia or frostbite, and then go indoors immediately. Make sure your dog can stay warm indoors, too. If your home primarily has uncarpeted areas like tile, you can throw down extra blankets to make sure your dog is protected from these colder surfaces. If you’re at work all day and are worried your pooch may be getting too cold, some Chicago dog walking companies can check in on your pet throughout the day. 3) Clean up your pup Once your dog has come back in from a walk, make sure it is clean and dry. Blow dry or towel dry your dog to make sure it is as dry as possible and prevent it from getting too cold. If you’ve been walking in areas with rock salt, clean off your dog’s paws and apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to prevent them from cracking.
4 Tips For Your Chicago Winter Dog Walk
source: vetstreet.com Even though the colder months have arrived and will be here for a while, your dog will still need to get a healthy amount of exercise. Here are four tips to make sure your pet can still be walkin’ in a winter wonderland: 1) Make the walks short and sweet You want to make sure your dog has a normal walking routine, even in the Chicago cold, but sometimes that’s not always an option. You can still take your dog out, or even have a Chicago dog walker do it, but keep the walk brief. If your dog starts to look anxious, whine or considerably slow down, make sure you take it inside as soon as possible. 2) Make sure your dog doesn’t try to eat or drink anything dangerous As dogs are walking, they may be tempted to drink whatever is on the ground, but this could be dangerous. Common chemicals on the ground during wintertime, like antifreeze, can be deadly to dogs, so make sure they stay clear of any suspicious-looking liquid. You should even beware if your dog tries to lick its own paws—they could be coated in rock salt or other chemicals that could make it sick. You should either make sure your dog is wearing winter boots, or wash its feet as soon as you return home. 3) Choose the right leash During the winter as you’re walking your dog around slippery Chicago, you’ll want to make sure your dog is protected from sliding or falling. To do this, consider how much traction you have. If you think you might be likely to fall, your dog could go down right with you, so you might want a waist leash and/or traction-providing dog boots to minimize the risk harm. 4) Feed the dog extra calories If your dog is taking a lengthier walk, be sure he or she is getting extra fuel from food. Dogs require extra energy in the winter to stay warm while exercising, so if your dog is going on the same length of walks he or she did during the summer, you may need to compensate with a little extra food—ask your vet for advice. At the same time, make sure your dog is adequately hydrated. Dogs need as much water during the winter as they do during the summer to prevent dehydration. Make sure your dog has had enough water both before and after the walk. You or your Chicago dog walker may even want to bring a water bottle along just in case. What do you do to make sure your dog still gets a great walk in the winter? Let us know on our Facebook or Twitter!
MAY Dog of the Month is
Nellie! Name: Nellie Nickname: “Nellers”, “Nellie Bean” or just “Bean” Age: 11 months Breed: Pug Where I live: Lakeview Joys in Life: Car rides, stealing socks, tearing up the carpeting, and of course treats. Cruisin Canines Dog Walker: Tom
Choosing the Best Dog Collar
Photo Credit: topdogsupplies.com When you get a dog, the first thing you’ll probably buy for it is a collar. Collars are where the leash attaches to, so it’s important to find one that’s secure but also comfortable for your dog to wear. It’s also important to take into consideration the way your dog walks when choosing a collar. Here are some helpful tips for picking out the best collar for your pooch. Size Size is perhaps the most important aspect of choosing a collar. A dog collar should fit comfortably, not too tightly and not so loose that it droops down toward the dog’s shoulders. The general rule of thumb is to be able to fit two fingers between your dog’s neck and the collar—the collar shouldn’t be able to slip off the dog’s head without being unclipped or unbuckled. To find the best size, measure your dog’s neck, then add two or three inches to that measurement. Material There are practically infinite styles, colors, widths, and materials used to make dog collars. What it looks like is up to you, but it should match the size of your dog—for instance, if you have a Chihuahua, your dog will probably be too weighed down by a leather or studded collar for it to be comfortable. Likewise, very large and heavy dogs may need something a bit heavier duty than a simple nylon collar. Width should also be considered – very thin collars can cut a dog’s skin if they pull too hard even once while on the leash. Pick something a bit thicker to avoid injury. When to Use a Harness While a lot of dogs do just fine with a collar, some dogs are better suited for harnesses. There are a few types, including halter or no-pull collars, which help train the dog not to pull during walks, and standard chest-and-neck harnesses, which take some of the strain off of a dog’s neck when walking. If a dog has a tendency to pull even slightly when walking, or is a heavy dog, harnesses are ideal since they distribute the weight of the dog a big better than just using a collar. When choosing an accompanying leash, it’s also important to take into account the size and type of dog. Retractable leashes are often problematic, however, as they create a tension between the dog and its owner, which can cause protectiveness or even aggression in a dog—not to mention these types of leashes are so thin that they can cause injury if a person or dog gets tangled up in one. If you still need help choosing a collar, harness, or leash, talk to a trainer or your vet for advice.
JANUARY Dog of the Month is
VASH! Breed: Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie) Age: 3 years 11 months. Where I live: Logan Square Joys in Life: Eating Snow, Playing Fetch, Chasing squirrels, and Chewing on sticks. Cruisin’ Canines Chicago Dog Walker: Mitch Chicago Dog Walking Buddies: Bear the Old English and Violet the Shep mix are both good friends!