Prepare your pets for winter weather and fun

By Julie St. Louis
Special to the Turnagain Times

The winter months can be a lot of fun for you and your pets. Just as you know to prepare yourself before extended outings in the cold, so should you protect your companion animals.

Foremost, never leave your dog, cat or other animal friends outside for long periods of time. Even though they have fur, pets can get frostbite too, mostly on ears, jowls, tails and toes. If an area looks pale and feels cold do not massage it, but do apply moist warm towels and contact your vet immediately.

Many thick-coated breeds such as sled dogs are bred to handle colder temperatures, but even when the mercury dips below freezing you should provide an insulated doghouse and fresh unfrozen water. Pet supply stores will have or can order pre-made doghouses from the very basic plastic igloo style, to fancier miniature replicas of human houses to match your lawn décor.

Craigslist is also a good resource to find people selling home-built doghouses, or other types that they no longer need. For your pet's comfort, line the bottom with straw, cedar chips or nice fleece bed. Prices on doghouses run the gamut, so it's best to shop around based on your budget.

To keep water from freezing, there are a variety of affordable and reliable heated bowls on the market. You just need access to a power supply for plugging it in. Expect to spend $20 to $50, depending on size, for a heated bowl or bucket.

For those whose animals are more sensitive to the cold—puppies or kittens, seniors and shorthaired breeds—jackets and foot coverings are available. When looking for a jacket, consider the pet's activity level and type of fit. Some will not mind a jacket with sleeves, while others will feel too constricted by this and are better off in a saddle blanket style that is simpler to put-on.

Fleece or water repellant fabrics are preferable, and reflective trim, or features that allow for use with a harness or standard collar are also a plus. Jackets can range from $10 to $75 depending on style, size and fabric. Some are even highly technical—wicking moisture away from your dog's body, while keeping him warm and dry. Other types block wind and make your dog more visible at night or in the snow.

To protect sensitive paws from the cold ground and winter de-icing products, pick up a set of boots. Surprisingly there are many options to choose from on the market. Prices range from $2 per simply-made fleece or canvas bootie, to $60 for a four-boot set with special gripping Vibram soles just like those on human boot treads.

There are a few newer boots on the market currently being tested by the beagle product testers at GRRdwood Pets. Pawz brand is the world's only disposable and reusable, waterproof dog boot. They are made of natural rubber, completely biodegradable, and designed to go on easily and fit securely without zippers or straps. They are very affordable and best of all—they don't fall off.

Another great new product from NEO-PAWS features water-resistant neoprene and a molded rubber sole. These boots go higher on your dog's leg and have a long strap and Velcro

closure to help support your pup's ankle as well as keep them from falling off. Both NEO-PAWS and PAWZ are perfect for the smaller or toy breeds whose paws are too small for most other brands.

If you don't put booties on your pets, leave a towel by the door so that you can wipe your pet's paws. Also, prior to going out and upon returning rub Vaseline or a pet paw salve on their feet. This will help keep road salts from penetrating the skin, and will also help heal dry and cracked footpads.

Another thing you can do to protect your pet and the environment is to use pet-safe de-icers and antifreeze. The chemicals that the municipality puts down for traction or you use to remove the ice from walking areas can stick to your pet's feet. Not only will it be tracked into your house for you or your kids to step on, it will be ingested by your pets as they lick or chew-on their feet.

There are several readily available pet-friendly de-icing options on the market today, such as completely salt-free and environmentally friendly Safe-Paw. Expect to pay $10 to $15 depending on quantity and store.

Finally, given the darker hours of winter, make sure your pet is visible. Use a lighted collar, flashing lights that attach to the leash or collar, or reflective strips on jackets. This will cost just a few dollars to around $15. Or, you could even place one of your headlamps, from your own night walking, around your pet's neck as a short-term option.

Whatever outings you have with your pet this winter be prepared. Keep warm, safe and visible and you and your animal companion will have more fun.

Julie St. Louis is the proprietor of GRRdwood Pets & Green Goods located at 148 Holmgren Place, next to the Laundromall, 783-0226 or http://www.grrdpets.com.