How to Care for your Dog when the Snow Falls
Tue, Jan 3 2012 05:29
| mushers wax, dog coats, dog boots, paw wax
| Permalink
What's a Dog to Do When the Snow Comes?
In winter it may be difficult to get our four-legged friends outside on regular basis with so much ice and deep snow in the way.
For those times that we do go outside take a few precautions and you and your pet will be able to get safely through the remainder of winter.
Booties will protect against cold, salted and sanded roadways and walkways. A dog will lick to clean his paws, and since we don't want him to ingest the chemicals used to prevent ice and snow buildup, the booties offer protection for the dog's digestive system as well as his feet. Booties come in a variety of materials. Bring your pet to the store and try on different styles to find out what he -- or she -- is most likely to wear. An independent pet shop with trained employees will offer help in making your selection.
§ Paw wax offers another layer of protection from the frigid surfaces. A thin layer will protect against pad dryness and ice buildup between the paws.
§ Coats allow and added layer of warmth, especially for the very young and very old.
Puppies and elderly dogs can have difficulty maintaining a safe body temperature. Short haired dogs could also benefit from the added layer of warmth. A coat will also help minimize the "snowballs" long haired breeds accumulate after a romp in the snow. All this cold and snow is creating a lot of cabin fever for our four-legged furry friends. It is difficult to get them out on regular basis with so much ice and deep snow in the way.
Take a few precautions and you and your pet will be able to get safely through the remainder of the winter.
§ Use pet safe ice melt on your drive and walkways. These products do not create the burning effects that come with commercial salt used on the roadways. They are very effective and leave no residue.
§ Shoveling paths through the deeper sections of your yard is a kind thing to do, especially for the smaller breeds. We don't want to discourage them from going out there and doing their "business".
§ Beware of icy patches on walkways and driveways. Dogs are as susceptible to slipping on ice as we are.Older dogs are not as stable so will have an even more difficult time keeping their balance on the slippery surfaces. And if you're at the other end of the leash, be careful. A slip or sudden move by your dog could knock you off your balance, creating injuries for you, and possibly a runaway animal.
§ The cold can magnify problems for pets that suffer from arthritic conditions. Try to minimize the amount of time an arthritic animal is out in the cold, and continue with glucosamine supplements.
§ When walking on the roads with your pet, be sure to walk on the side of the road facing traffic.With snow buildup there is less space on the shoulder to walk, so be very careful which roads you decide to take. Try to keep your dog between you and the shoulder of the road, always being wary of your dog darting in front of the oncoming traffic. Take all precautions to make sure you and your dog are clearly visible at all times.
§ If your dog -- and you-- are not inclined to spend a lot of time outdoors, and when the temperatures dip well below freezing, no one could blame you -- substitute your outdoor time with indoor activities.
§ Shoveling paths through the deeper sections of your yard is a kind thing to do, especially for the smaller breeds. We don't want to discourage them from going out there and doing their "business".
Village Critter Outfitter has all your snow bound needs. Stop by for anything you need.
For those times that we do go outside take a few precautions and you and your pet will be able to get safely through the remainder of winter.
Booties will protect against cold, salted and sanded roadways and walkways. A dog will lick to clean his paws, and since we don't want him to ingest the chemicals used to prevent ice and snow buildup, the booties offer protection for the dog's digestive system as well as his feet. Booties come in a variety of materials. Bring your pet to the store and try on different styles to find out what he -- or she -- is most likely to wear. An independent pet shop with trained employees will offer help in making your selection.
§ Paw wax offers another layer of protection from the frigid surfaces. A thin layer will protect against pad dryness and ice buildup between the paws.
§ Coats allow and added layer of warmth, especially for the very young and very old.
Puppies and elderly dogs can have difficulty maintaining a safe body temperature. Short haired dogs could also benefit from the added layer of warmth. A coat will also help minimize the "snowballs" long haired breeds accumulate after a romp in the snow. All this cold and snow is creating a lot of cabin fever for our four-legged furry friends. It is difficult to get them out on regular basis with so much ice and deep snow in the way.
Take a few precautions and you and your pet will be able to get safely through the remainder of the winter.
§ Use pet safe ice melt on your drive and walkways. These products do not create the burning effects that come with commercial salt used on the roadways. They are very effective and leave no residue.
§ Shoveling paths through the deeper sections of your yard is a kind thing to do, especially for the smaller breeds. We don't want to discourage them from going out there and doing their "business".
§ Beware of icy patches on walkways and driveways. Dogs are as susceptible to slipping on ice as we are.Older dogs are not as stable so will have an even more difficult time keeping their balance on the slippery surfaces. And if you're at the other end of the leash, be careful. A slip or sudden move by your dog could knock you off your balance, creating injuries for you, and possibly a runaway animal.
§ The cold can magnify problems for pets that suffer from arthritic conditions. Try to minimize the amount of time an arthritic animal is out in the cold, and continue with glucosamine supplements.
§ When walking on the roads with your pet, be sure to walk on the side of the road facing traffic.With snow buildup there is less space on the shoulder to walk, so be very careful which roads you decide to take. Try to keep your dog between you and the shoulder of the road, always being wary of your dog darting in front of the oncoming traffic. Take all precautions to make sure you and your dog are clearly visible at all times.
§ If your dog -- and you-- are not inclined to spend a lot of time outdoors, and when the temperatures dip well below freezing, no one could blame you -- substitute your outdoor time with indoor activities.
§ Shoveling paths through the deeper sections of your yard is a kind thing to do, especially for the smaller breeds. We don't want to discourage them from going out there and doing their "business".
Village Critter Outfitter has all your snow bound needs. Stop by for anything you need.
Comments (1)
A Dog's New Year's Resolution List
Tue, Jan 3 2012 05:23
| dog new year resolution, new year resolutions
| Permalink
I, Dog,resolve to do the following in 2012
§ Play and run around more often with my guardian.I love fetching in the yard and especially going for a walk in the park. Thenew smells and meeting new people will wear me down so I won't get so bored anddig holes or eat stuff I'm not supposed to.
§ Attend training classes to prove that, yes, youcan teach an old dog new tricks.
§ Play gently with all the toys that I get to makethem last as long as possible. I'll even try to refrain from gutting and de-squeakingmy new toys in the first few minutes.
§ Snuggle more often with my guardians,especially when they are tired or sad.
§ Not roll on dead, stinky stuff.
§ Remind my guardian that there is always time forpetting. I especially like being scratched behind the ears and on my belly.
§ Not get upset when I have to take a bath. Don'tthey know how much hard work it takes to get that perfect doggie funk.
§ Not splatter slobber on the car when my head issticking out of the window, sucking in all those amazing smells along theway.
§ Remember that everyone can hear the doorbellring. They don't need me to keep telling them that someone is at the door.
§ Refrain from sniffing a strange person's crotch.Geez, don't they know that's the best way to greet a new friend?
§ Make healthier choices when eating -- no moredeer poop and questionable spoiled trash.
§ Lose the extra pounds I gained eating all thefood the kids at the table didn’t want.
§ Not beg for food. It's just not proper etiquette.
§ Restrain myself from eating the specialdelicacies left in the litter box for me. I get a really adverse reactionfrom my family when I lick them after having these little snacks.
§ Show my appreciation for my family by alwayscoming when called even when I'm hunting after something in the back yard.Where'd that skunk go?
§ Not panic when the suitcases come out. I willtry to remember that when my family leaves for vacation, they will always comeback to me, I think.
§ Know that whether or not I keep theseresolutions, my family's life is much more fulfilled with me in it.
12 Days of Holiday Gift Giving Ideas and DEALS at VCO
Fri, Dec 16 2011 08:14
| holiday gift ideas for dogs, 12 days of christmas
| Permalink
2. December 16 10% off all Dog Sweaters and Coats
3. December 16 10% off all Holiday Toys
4. December 17 Free Jerky treat for any furry critter that visits us.
5. December 18 $5 off the purchase of 2 or more Holiday toys.
6. December 19 $5 off any holiday collar valued above $10.
7. December 20 I-Blast will be honored for 20% off a single non-food item. (normally 15%)
8. December 21 15% off all raw bones
9. December 22 15% off any Santa hat or antlers
10. December 23 Double Coupon Value Day! Any $5 Coupon from the Newsletter will valued at $10.
11. December 24 10% off all Holiday themed cookies.
12. December 24 thru 31 50% off VCO calendars. Full of great images of VCO customers. The gift that keeps on giving all year round. Endless coupons and discounts throughout the year inside each month.
Puppies and Christmas, Not a Good Idea.
Fri, Dec 16 2011 07:37
| Christmas puppy, no puppies for Christmas
| Permalink
A Dog is for Life, Not Just for Christmas.
There's nothing's cuter than seeing the kids' eyes light up when the puppy appears beneath the Christmas tree. And what could be more fun than seeing the puppy run around through the chaos of gift opening? But what happens after the gifts are open and the kids are off playing with their new toys -- going from one new thing to the other?
Wait, where's the puppy? Oops, he's eating something. Could it be wrapping paper, one of the kid's new toys, or a piece of candy? He just tore a hole in squealing Georgie's new pajamas while chasing him down the hall. Oh geez, now he's pulling the garland off the tree and chasing the cat around in circles. Oh noooo, puppy just piddled on the Oriental rug.
Let's be fair, it's not his fault. The puppy is getting caught up in the same holiday crazies as everyone else -- and he has no idea what the rules are.
Along with all the other "things" that must be attended to during this very hectic holiday season, after the novelty of the puppy's arrival has worn off, who will be there to house train the puppy, to feed the puppy, to clean up after the puppy? Who will watch to be sure the puppy is not chewing something undesirable? Who will watch the puppy to make sure it is getting along with other critters in the house? Animals pick up on stress in the house, and the truth is there just isn't enough time in the day to add one more task to the holiday routine. A Dog is for Life, not just for Christmas.
Raising a puppy is difficult enough without adding all the other stressors of the holidays. Getting a puppy for the kids for Christmas might be a good idea in theory but in reality the responsibility falls back on the adults in the household.
Getting a puppy should be a well thought out family process to make sure the breed that's selected fits the family's lifestyle.
Careful planning with responsibilities clearly defined, is the kindest and most fair thing you can do for your family and the animal. The process allows everyone to get involved and plan ahead of time.
Owning an animal requires alot of time, patience and dedication to do it right. Commitment is key to having a well adjusted animal for life. The first few weeks of its life are crucial for proper adjustment.
A puppy or a dog should never be a "surprise." If the puppy is truly a "surprise" all the details will not have been worked out. Statistics show that after the holidays are over, shelter organizations are overwhelmed with all the unwanted "surprise" puppies as gifts. Please do not add to that statistic. Puppies are living creatures and should not be treated as a disposable commodity. Please plan appropriately.
If you want to bring a puppy into your household, wait until after the holidays. You can "announce" the puppy's arrival with one of these gifts under the tree:
- A stuffed animal of the breed of puppy you plan on getting
- A wrapped picture of the new puppy that will be arriving soon
- A breed ornament to hang on the tree
- Purchase a collection of toys or gift basket for the new pup
- New food and water bowls -- possibly personalized
- A placemat for the dishes
- A dog tag
- A festive, personalized leash and collar
- Treats
- A personalized dog bed
- A new puppy training book
- A book to teach about house training
- Gift certificate for puppy training classes
Thanksgiving Tips for Pet Safety
Mon, Nov 21 2011 07:40
| pancreatitis in petss, Thankgiving pet safety tips
| Permalink
Please don’t be tempted to feed the “table scraps” to Fido as you may be headed to the emergency vet with a potential pancreatic attack or a bone stuck in their intestines. Not fun!
Here are some very simple, safe rules to follow during the holiday season that will keep your pets safe:
- No cooked bones! Cooked bones are brittle and can puncture stomachs and intestines.
- No fatty foods! There are too many instances where people think they are doing their pet a favor by feeding high fat content food and “scraps” from the Thanksgiving dinner table. High fat foods can cause acute pancreatitis, which is very painful. Bloody diarrhea and restlessness are just a couple cues that will insure an emergency visit to the vet.
- No sweet or spicy food!
- No access to counter surfers!
- Keep garbage cans well secured.
- No pets in the kitchen. This will prevent you tripping over them and spilling hot gravy on them.
- Be aware of your pet’s ability or inability to adjust to new people and other people’s visiting pets. All this is stressful for them – and you. Provide a safe haven for them that will keep them safe and out of trouble.
- Supervise visiting children. You pet does not know them and they do not know your pet’s little habits that you’ve become comfortable living with. They may not heed the pet’s warning to stay away which could escalate into a bite. Avoid a confrontation by providing a safe haven or constant supervision.
A Great Halloween Shooting!
Adopt a Dog Month
Wed, Oct 12 2011 10:28
| Permalink
There is nothing more rewarding than saving an animal from anot-so-good life. It takes special understanding and an enormous heart toovercome some "baggage" the animal might be carrying around.
According to the ASPCA, approximately 5-7 million animals enter the animal sheltersnationwide and about 3-4 million are euthanized. You can make a difference.
Are you looking for an exercise buddy?
Are you looking for a best friend?
Are looking for unconditional love?
Are you looking for companion for a senior citizen?
Are you looking for a friendly face who is always happy to see you after a hard day at work?
Are you looking for a more mature pet, avoiding the puppy and kitten crazies?
Then adopting a pet is the answer.
See below for a list of local and nationwide adoption shelters:
- The Humane Society
- The APCA
- Petfinder.com
- Any pure-breed organization has a rescue program
- Strays and Others
- PawsCT.org
- Wilton Parrot Rescue
- Animals in Distress
- Adopt-a-Dog
These are just to name a few... We will be expanding the list.
Ask us about our Adoption Package at our store.
The Great Halloween Photo Shoot
Fri, Oct 7 2011 06:21
| photos, store events
| Permalink
The Great Halloween Photo Shoot will take place at the Village Critter Outfitter on October 16 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This is FREE!
