How to build the forever dog | Forever dog training Part II

 The second tip we were talking about, and this one is really important. caloric restriction. If you talk to the top scientists in the world, you said How did we go from 11.3 years all the way to 10? How did we do that? Scientists will tell you it's caloric restriction. That's the problem. Why? If we were to look at the pet obesity statistics worldwide right now, let's take the top eight countries in the world, my friends, we are seeing a huge increase in pet obesity. If you were to average all the major countries around the world, over 51% of animals, dogs and cats are overweight or obese today. That's a huge problem. So what can we do? In the first study of its kind, scientists wanted to know what would happen if they took two groups of dogs. One group is the way that we all feed our dogs. Just put food in the bowl he'll eat when he wants to eat. And then the other group, let's just take 25% out of the bowl. What did that do to the overall longevity of the animal 35%. After the lifetime study from birth to death, the scientists found that just by reducing food by 25%, you could increase the lifespan of your animal by two extra years. Remember, longevity experts say that animals age seven times faster do the math. So it's hugely important that we don't feed our animals out of love, because we can shorten their lifespans dramatically. Food should nourish you, but it shouldn't hurt you. Okay, the third tip that I could give you today is insulin signaling. This one's tough. I had a hard time with a lot of scientists with this one. But here's what we know. Eat a lot of sugar, eat a lot of starch, your blood sugars are going to go up. And when your blood sugar goes up, your body does something and releases something called insulin. Now here's what we know today in science, you release a lot of insulin can be toxic, too much insulin When can be inflammatory. Too much insulin can aid you and can sell replicate. Now he just mentioned to you that eating a lot of sugars and starches, what's the big deal? You can't make pet food, kibble. Without getting the stick try to make a cookie without starch can't do it. So the pet food manufacturer has to add starch to the food. The problem, pet owners have no idea how much is in it. These starches, aka carbohydrates are major macronutrients. 

So if the pet owner looks up and down on a bag of food, he's not going to see it. The pet food manufacturer will tell you how much fats in there, that's a macronutrient. They'll tell you how much protein is in there. That's a macronutrient. But what about the macronutrient that can fuel your animal you should know about that. The entire bowl over 50% of the bowl is a macronutrient that feeds your animal and that's carbohydrates. And let me tell you consuming that many carbo hydrates, according to science can aid your pet dramatically. Now there's an equation that the pet food manufacturers will tell Hey, it's online, you just go in there do the math yourself. Who on earth does that? Here's the thing. I sat down with Dr. Richard Patton. 40 year nutritionist, the man who helped formulate all of these foods. And I asked them Dr. Patton, how much starch is too much starch. And he said to me, right, if you go back in time, before the pet food revolution of 100 years ago, dogs ate meat, seeds, nuts, berries, you name it, add it all up is 4% carbohydrates. Today's dog and cat is consuming anywhere between 50 to 70% carbohydrates. And unless you're testing your dog's blood sugars every single day, my friends, unless you're picking your animals, and you're taking them into your veterinarian, you're testing their insulin levels. You could be agent and very quickly. So it's very important as pet parents around the world, we learn how much starches are in our foods. The fourth tip is repair of damage. Now this one's big. If you damage your cells, you have to fix yourselves. And how do you do that? Talk to any health expert in the world. And they'll tell you that your entire immune system is your gut. And when you have a healthy immune system, you're going to repair cells, whether you're human whether you're a dog or whether you're a cat. But what helps a healthy immune system. I traveled all the way to Idina, the University of Utah and a very tough one for being Italian word where these scientists were doing something unbelievable. To scientists Dr. Lisa sandry. And Dr. Bruno Stephen on. And these scientists wanted to know if feeding dogs a certain type of food would help their microbiome make their immune system healthier. So we went through a lot of crap. But not literally like a lot of poop. Analyzing the microbiome of animals, the bacteria that's inside the poop. And what they found was fascinating. What these scientists did was they took two panels of dogs.

How to build the forever dog | Forever dog training Part I

 

And if Tigger could explain herself very quickly to you guys, she probably tell you, she loves pizza. She hates cats. And there's a scuole family that's on the other side of the fence. Every morning, they tease her. She hates them too. But that's not the most incredible part of the story. This dogs pet parents, Julie Morris and Brady unknowingly had no idea. They were raising the 10th all this dog in the world today, a 22 year old Pitbull. Which is incredible, he still going strong. And so for a lot of pet parents today, when we say 22 We're like, jeez, Holy smokes. You know, we've heard of like the 14 or the 15 year old dog, but 22? Is it achievable? What if I told you, my friends that once upon a time, the 20 year old dog may have been a natural thing. You see if we go back 8000 years ago, before the Bible. In the second oldest surviving piece of Western literature, there was a story that was written by Homer. And the story was called the Odyssey. In what you're seeing is a metal etching that sits above my desk was the first interaction between man and dog. But the clue that was in this not a lot of people picked up on you see, Odysseus left his house when his loyal dog Argos was just a baby. And he came back 20 years later to return to his old dog. Now, I'm not saying that the story The Odyssey is a true story. But what I'm saying is the clue for the age of the dog, could have been the fact of that time when Homer was writing it. But are we seeing that today? Are we seeing 20 year old dogs? In 2010, the British small animal veterinarian Association put together a study done on a survey. And today if you ask how old is the typical dog look for 11.3 years as your answer. But that's 2010. Has there been anything updated? 10 years later in 2014, that Kennel Club did a study on a survey of dogs over cohort. But they went back one year, one year you talk to longevity experts, they'll tell you that the dog ages seven times faster than what to go cats, you got to talk about cats. Banfield state of health on over 400,000 cats in their database found that the typical cat lives to be 12. So as pet parents today, should we settle for 10 year old dogs and 12 year old cats? Should this be the norm? Or is there something we can do about it. And according to the top scientists in the world, my friends, there's something that we can do about it. You see, I spent the last few years of my life collecting information. Because I want my dogs to live a very long time you see, I get to sit down with the top scientists, PhDs, geneticists, microbiologists, the best of the best in cancer research, collecting data.
And I do this, to share it back to the people. And today Facebook tells me that I have the largest pet health page in the world. But that's not my driver, my driver, these guys, the loves of my lives. And science tells me today that two of these beautiful dogs have reached the end of the line. If this is it, I should get ready to lose my dogs. But the information that I've been collecting from these researchers, is profound information that will not only slow down the aging process, but will increase longevity, according to the top scientists in the world. But if I had to take five simple things that all of you can do for your dogs, your cats and yourselves, what would they be? five tips to help you increase your longevity. Well, the first thing is stress resistance. We're all stressed out all the time. My coffee is too cold this morning. Wi Fi is not working, I got one bar, we stress about the silliest things in the world. And stress can really affect us. In fact, if we looked at some of the oldest pets in the world, Jake Perry, who set the Guinness World Record twice for 38 and 34 year old TAs, when they said to Jake, what on earth did you do Jake, he said, Well, you know what, I built my cats movie theater. And if they're stressed out, they watch movies at the end of the night. may seem crazy, but look what he's achieved. In fact, as researchers right now, traveling around the world, we see string Rottweilers, Rottweilers die of cancer really early to see around eight or nine. And what the researchers want to know, the Rottweilers that live to be like 15, or 16, what was so special about them had no stress in their lives. Now, we can come home, and we can say, I get a fight with somebody this morning, they pissed me off, I'm so angry, but I'm over them. I can't tell. But not according to science.

According to science, your dog can smell if you had a fight earlier on in the day or the day before. And what's worse is they can adapt to that emotion that you're feeling. You see, I had to travel all the way to the other side of the world, to the University of Naples, where I got to sit down with Dr. biagio, Daniela and his team of scientists. And they were conducting a mind blowing study that literally made major media headlines all over the world. They were collecting sweat samples, people who watched happy movies, and people who watched scary movies. And they collected this sweat and bottles. And then they did this unbelievable study in a small room, where there was a pet owner on one side and a stranger on the other. If they were to take the sweat of somebody that was happy, and a person and put it in the middle, how would the dog react, and it was unbelievable. The second, the dogs smelt the happy sweat, the dog instantly became happy and wanted to meet the stranger on the other side. But what would happen, if they put the sweat of the person who watched this scary movie, instantly, when the dogs would smell it, they would run they would hide behind the owner, some dogs would be so scared, they would press up against the wall. And they would want to make no interaction with anybody. And what the scientists found was that these dogs were not only smelling these emotions, but they were also adapting into those emotions. And so it's hugely important. And the one tip that we can talk about is man, try to get rid of some of the stress in your life. do some yoga, meditate, go for a walk, whatever you can do, it will affect your pet dramatically and yourself. Believe me, when I asked the scientists, what piece of advice would you like to give to the world? 

Friday the 13th Black Cats and Other Cat Superstitions

Superstition, prejudice, bringer of good or bad luck

As Friday the 13th rolls around, pictures of black cats are popping up everywhere. For some reason, black cats have been doused with a witch’s brew of superstition—the result of cult horror films (remember the Anna Faris vs. black cat fight scene in Scary Movie 2?) and society’s unending portrayal of black cats as unlucky or evil.

The folklore surrounding black cats varies from culture to culture. The Scots believe that a strange black cat's arrival to the home signifies prosperity. In Celtic mythology, a fairy known as the Cat Sìth takes the form of a black cat. Black cats are also considered good luck in the rest of Britain and Japan. Furthermore, it is believed that a lady who owns a black cat will have many suitors. In Western history, black cats have often been looked upon as a symbol of evil omens, specifically being suspected of being the familiars of witches, or actually shape-shifting witches themselves. Most of Europe considers the black cat a symbol of bad luck, particularly if one walks across the path in front of a person, which is believed to be an omen of misfortune and death. In Germany, some believe that black cats crossing a person's path from right to left, is a bad omen. But from left to right, the cat is granting favorable times. In the United Kingdom it is commonly considered that a black cat crossing a person's path is a good omen.

The black cat in folklore has been able to change into human shape to act as a spy or courier for witches or demons. When the Pilgrims arrived at Plymouth Rock, they brought with them a devout faith in the Bible. They also brought a deepening suspicion of anything deemed of Satan and were a deeply suspicious group. They viewed the black cat as a companion, or a familiar to witches. Anyone caught with a black cat would be severely punished or even killed. They viewed the black cat as part demon and part sorcery. These superstitions led people to kill black cats. There is no evidence from England of regular large-scale massacres of "satanic" cats, or of burning them in midsummer bonfires, as sometimes occurred elsewhere in Europe.

In contrast, the supernatural powers ascribed to black cats were sometimes viewed positively; for example, sailors considering a "ship's cat" would want a black one because it would bring good luck. Sometimes, fishermen's wives would keep black cats at home too, in the hope that they would be able to use their influence to protect their husbands at sea (see Ship's cat). The view of black cats being favorable creatures is attributed specifically to the Egyptian goddess Bast (or Bastet), the cat goddess. Egyptian households believed they could gain favor from Bastet by hosting black cats in their household. This view was held in the early 17th century by the English monarch Charles I. Upon the death of his treasured pet black cat, he is said to have lamented that his luck was gone. True to his claim, he was arrested the very next day and charged with high treason.

Pirates of the 18th century believed that a black cat would bring different kinds of luck. If a black cat walks towards someone, that person will have bad luck. If a black cat walks away from someone then that person will have good luck.

Conversely in the United Kingdom if a black cat walks towards someone, it brings good fortune, but if it walks away, it takes the good luck with it. If a black cat walks onto a ship and then walks off it, the ship is doomed to sink on its next trip.

Black cats have been found to have lower odds of adoption in American shelters compared to other colors except brown, although black animals in general take more time to find homes. Some shelters also suspend or limit adoptions of black cats around Halloween  for fear they will be tortured, or used as "living decorations" for the holiday and then abandoned. Despite this, no one has ever documented in the history of humane work any relationship between adopting black cats and cats being killed or injured. When such killings are reported, forensic evidence has pointed to natural predators, such as coyotes, eagles, or raptors as the likely cause. August 17 is "Black Cat Appreciation Day".

In the early days of television in the United States, many stations located on VHF channel 13 used a black cat as a mascot in order to make sport of being located on an "unlucky" channel number.

More Curiosities 

Most people wouldn't admit to it, but if it's Friday the 13th, even if you don't really believe all the superstitions, you might get out of a black cat's way (assuming you don't live with one) on this day. It's an odd superstition, but it wasn't just created out of thin air. According to the People's Almanac, there is reason behind the "don't let a black cat cross your path" on Friday the 13th superstition:

"The Egyptians worshiped the cat and punished anyone who dared to kill one. In the Middle Ages, however, the black cat was linked to witches and Satan. Since it was believed that a witch had the power to transform herself into a cat, it was thought likely that a cat who crossed one's path was a witch in disguise."

Of course, as friends of felines, we don't believe any of that...right!?

Here are some other cat superstitions that are out there:

• If a cat scratches behind his ear, rain is on the way.
• Dreaming of a white cat brings the dreamer good luck.
• If a cat run around wildly, expect the wind to blow.
• Kittens born in May will bring snakes into the house. (Celtic myth)
• Cats found lurking in coal mines are bad luck.
• Stroking a black cat's tail will cure a sty in your eye.
• A black cat in the audience means success for a play.
• If a young unmarried girl accidentally steps on a cat's tail, she will have to wait 12 months to find a husband. (French myth)
• A cat's sneeze brings luck to all who hear it. (Italian myth)
• If a cat sits with his back to a fire, expect a storm or frost.

 Ticks and fleas are not just a nuisance for dogs, but they can make him sick, especially if they linger on the skin. Furthermore, fleas can also infest the home, and ticks will spread diseases to humans. This is why every responsible pet owner should take the necessary monthly preventative measures against tick and flea all-year-round.

K9 Advantix is a widely used product that repels and kills fleas and ticks in dogs. By learning how to properly use and apply K9 Advantix, you and your dog will reap the best results in preventing and controlling tick and flea. With the love that you have for your pet, you may wonder how long you can touch your canine after applying the K9 Advantix. After all, you should avoid touching this chemical since it is powerful enough to repel and kill fleas and ticks.

Let’s look at K9 Advantix and how you can handle this product for effective results.

Applying K9 Avantix is just like using other similar products, which is a normal thing in the care of your canine. However, most dog owners will feel frustrated when restricted to touch or even play with their dog. You may also have to postpone other forms of care, for example, giving them a bath or other needs. Advantix should be applied after bathing your dog and the coat has completely dried.

The impact of K9 Avantix remains for about 48 hours. This means that the earliest you can touch your furred friend is 48 hours or 2 days after applying K9 Advantix. Ideally, most manufacturers of topical flea and tick products like K9 Advantix recommend you wait for the product to dry before you touch your dog.

Why You Should Protect Your Pet from Fleas and Ticks

Ticks transmits diseases like Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. This is why we need to keep ticks away from our dogs. However, fleas are the worst type of pests that you would wish to infest your pets. Some pets are allergic to fleas and their bites can create a new set of skin-related issues.

Fleas can stay for over 100 days without feeding and this means they can stay in your home for a long time as they look for a host. When fleas eventually feed, they can itch and pinch both pets and humans. A severe infestation of fleas can cause anemia and this can trigger serious medical problems like organ failure. In some cases, dogs can ingested infested flea resulting in a serious medical condition known as heartworm and this is why heartworm medication should be administered.

K9 Advantix is one of the commonly used topical medications for controlling ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes on dogs. The best thing about K9 Advantix is that it remains effective even after bathing and washing. Additionally, K9 Advantix will not just kill immature and mature fleas and ticks, but will also repel these pests and prevent them from biting.

K9 Advantix breaks the life cycle of fleas by killing all forms of life i.e. eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults. This prevents any new infestations on your dog. Additionally, K9 Advantix also protectsf against mosquitoes that spread heartworm disease.

To be effective, K9 Advantix takes about 12 hours. Once it’s effective, it will eliminate all the fleas on your canine. Afterward, your dog will have protection for 30 days and any new fleas that gets to your dog from beddings or floors die within two hours of being in contact with your dog. K9 Advantix should be applied on your canine after every four weeks as this is the specified duration of strength for this topical application.

What Are The Common Adverse Effects of K9 Avantix on Dogs?

When using K9 Advantix, you must ensure that your dog does not suffer any reaction. You should monitor your pet for a few hours after applying this topical product to make sure the dog does not develop adverse reactions or sensitivity. Ideally, K9 Avantix should be applied when you are during the day when you are home and can keep a close eye on your pet.

Avoid throwing away the packaging after applying this topical product. This is because you will need the information about the manufacture and ingredients in case your dog suffers a bad reaction. Some of the side effects that you should look out for are:

• Vomiting
• Stumbling
• Poor appetite
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy
• Itching or burning sensation at the point of application
• Digestive upset
• Seizures
• Foaming at the mouth or Drooling

How is the K9 Advantix Applied?

K9 Advantix is a topical solution that should be applied along the dog’s spine. Part the hair at the application points and then gently squeeze the Advantix solution onto the skin. Be cautious enough to avoid any excess drippage. Be sure to apply in 2 or 3 uniformly distributed locations between the shoulder blades and tail base and give the solution at least an hour to dry completely.

Some dogs may experience an itching or burning sensation in the area of application and this goes away after a few days. Ensure that you keep away cats from dogs that are using K9 Advantix, for at least 24 hours after application. This medication can make cats sick because they are unable to metabolize the main ingredients in it.

What Are the Common Misconceptions Regarding Topical Flea and Tick Treatments

Some pet owners complain that oral and topical tick and flea treatments are ineffective against the elimination of fleas on dogs and homes. However, both product manufacturers and veterinarians agree that most times people are not applying products correctly or have higher expectations of these products.

Getting rid of fleas from your home takes months. This is why scheduled and regular topical application is necessary. Fleas have a very short reproduction cycle that makes it difficult to eliminate them easily. This makes it necessary to have your dogs vaccinated monthly with K9 Advantix to ensure they have protection 30 days of protection against fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes.

If you are not sure about what products to use or where to purchase, your veterinarian can help you out. Vets have worked with pets and will recommend the best products based on the medical history of your pet. Veterinarians can also come in handy if your dog reacts adversely to K9 Advantix as they can recommend oral or other topical products. You will avoid counterfeit products that do not produce results or may cause severe skin irritation on your dog.

Expert Advice When Using K9 Advantix

K9 Advantix is one of the best topical products on the market for killing and repelling fleas and ticks. The following are a few things to consider when using K9 Advantix on your dog.

Dog Size: When using K9 Advantix, you need to consider the size of your dog. Using a stronger dose that is meant for treating bigger canines may trigger unfavorable side effects. Conversely, using a mild treatment for younger dogs will lower its efficiency. K9 Advantix comes in suitable dosing packages for dogs less than 10 pounds, 11 to 20 pounds, 21 to 55 pounds, and canines over 55 pounds.

Age: It might not be appropriate to use K9 Avantix on puppies under a specified age. Your veterinarian will give you the best advice on the best age and time to apply K9 Advantix on your pet.

Separate your Pets: If you have more than one dog, you should separate them for a few hours after treatment. This will give the drug time to dry completely, especially if your dogs are licking each other or actively playful.

Components: you should check the product label before applying K9 Avantix or other topical flea solutions. Your dog may be allergic to ingredients in the topical treatments. An easy allergy test will help you know the products to buy and those to avoid.

Price: Purchase a topical treatment that is within your financial reach. Whatever product you purchase ensure it is effective and offers value for money. With K9 Advantix, you can expect excellent results at a competitive price.

Durability: Every pet owner desires a topical anti-fleas product that will repel fleas for a long time. Be sure to check how long the product you are buying will be effective on your pet. With K9 Advantix, you can expect it to last on your pet for 30 days offering the desired protection.

Eliminate Fleas From Your Home

Treating your dog against flea is one thing, however, you must ensure that you eliminate them from your home too. Fleas can lay eggs and live in your carpet and upholstery all-year-round. If you miss a dose of K9 Advantix, your dog will become infested again. The best way to eliminate fleas in all stages of their lifecycle is by thoroughly vacuuming your home.

This does not mean vacuuming the carpets only. You should vacuum your tile or hardwood floors and upholstery. All your rugs should be cleaned and including all items that your pet lays on, like beddings. Ensure that you use the hottest washer and dryer cycles.

Ensure that your yard is also sprayed and your home fumigated to eliminate any traces of these nuisance pests. Combining a scheduled application of K9 Advantix and a thorough cleaning of your home is all you need to eliminate ticks and fleas.

Conclusion

When ticks infest your dog, they can cause Lyme disease, anemia, and also poor health of the fur and skin. If they are not eliminated, they can make your dog extremely ill. Additionally, fleas are also dangerous as they trigger allergic reactions, works, and even anemia. The best thing as a pet owner is to protect your dog from these pests.

K9 Advantix is one of the highly recommended products for eliminating ticks and fleas from dogs. This topical solution provides 30 days of protection for your canine. This ensures they remain comfortable and healthy at all times.

A Golden Retriever - Poem

 A Golden Retriever is a bundle of fluff,

A Golden Retriever is all the right stuff,

A Golden Retriever is always a friend,

A Golden Retriever puts your heart on the mend….

A Golden Retriever loves to swim and to play,

A Golden Retriever will greet you each day,

A Golden Retriever never ever gets mad,

A Golden Retriever will cheer you when you are sad…

A Golden Retriever loves to play ball,

A Golden Retriever will give you their all,

A Golden Retriever will frolic and swim,

A Golden Retriever will lick you on a whim…

A Golden Retriever will lie by your side,

A Golden Retriever will narrow a bed you thought wide,

A Golden Retriever will smile for you each morning,

And yet to intruders, he’ll give you good warning…

A Golden Retriever knows just what you need,

A Golden Retriever is a permanent good deed,

A Golden Retriever will love you each day,

A Golden Retriever understands when you just need to play…

A Golden Retriever warms your cold feet,

A Golden Retriever knows when you’re beat,

A Golden Retriever will always trust you,

A Golden Retriever will always be true…

A Golden Retriever waits patiently till you come in the door,

A Golden Retriever is all this and more,

A Golden Retriever will steal your whole heart,

And once you have one you’ll not want to part !!

Anonymous

Animalix Tube

Subscribe to Animalix Tube and get a free Ebook

#1- Subscribe

#2- Comment: Im a new sub, I want my FREE ebook about Pet Health

Subscribe to Animalix Tube and get a free Ebook 1- Subscribe 2- Comment: Im a new sub, I want my FREE ebook about Pet Health

The Highlander Cat

A substantial cat, the Highlander brings together the sweeping grace of the curl eared cats, and the massive size of the lynx. Completely domestic, this massive feline averages a weight of fourteen pounds and is a masterful combination of strength and graceful beauty. The head should be an inverted pear shape with medium to large ears that are firm at the base and flexible at the tips. They should be in a relaxed curl of no more than 90 degrees. Ear furnishings and tufts are ideal. Eyes should be medium to large and wide set, resembling a flattened oval in shape. The body is medium to large in size, rectangular in shape and athletic in appearance. Legs should be medium in length, with back legs longer than front. Feet should be medium to large and round with large knuckles; long coats should have toe tufts. The tail should be short and thick, a minimum of one inch long in adults but not extending past the hock. The coat can be short or long and comes in four colors: solid, tortie, tabby, or silver/smoke.

Despite their regal appearance, Highlanders are definitely the court jesters. This is a highly active breed that loves to play chase. Affectionate, they will be first to greet you at the door and will happily show off to visitors. Relatively quiet, this is a soft-voiced animal with few needs and lots of love.

This is a low maintenance breed of cat. General care should be taken when purchasing any kitten from a breeder to check for hereditary diseases and disorders and potential owners should have any kitten examined by their vet before purchasing. Regular grooming is recommended for long haired cats. There are no special nutritional needs.

This is a new breed to appear on the cat fancy scene. Breed development began in 2004 and it's starting name was the Highland Lynx, a name that easily described the size of the cat that was desired. The breed has been developed from the large domestic gene pool, and though the ears resemble those of the American Curl, the Highlander does not receive its ear curl from that same gene. The Highlander is a TICA recognized breed and was accepted for competition in the New Breed class in May of 2008.

Take care of your Dog - Winter

How Can I Prevent Winter Health Risks to My Dog?

Frostbite. Frostbite begins when the dog’s body gets cold. The body pulls blood from the extremities to the center of the body to stay warm. The dog’s ears, paws or tail can get so cold that ice crystals will form in the tissue and damage it. Frostbite is not immediately obvious. Watch for signs of pale or grey skin as the skin may also turn hard and cold. As frostbitten areas warm, they can be extremely painful. Severely frostbitten skin will eventually turn black and fall off.

Hypothermia. The other very serious winter weather health concern for dogs is hypothermia. Hypothermia occurs when a dog spends too much time in the cold, gets wet in cold temperatures or when dogs with poor health or circulation are exposed to cold. In mild cases, the dog will shiver and ears and feet will become cold. As hypothermia progresses, your dog may show signs of depression, lethargy, and weakness. As the condition worsens, the muscles will stiffen, the heart and breathing rates slow down, and will not respond to stimuli. Severe hypothermia is life-threatening.

What Are the Ways in Which I Can Help Protect My Dog During the Winter Months?

Temperature. Some dog breeds are blessed with thick fur that keeps them warm naturally in very cold temperatures, but dogs with thin coats may need to wear a sweater or coat when out for winter walks. A good coat should reach from the neck to the base of the tail and also protect the belly but coats will not prevent frostbite on the ears, feet or tail. Even wearing a warm coat, do not keep your short-haired dog out for too long in freezing temperatures.

Go outside when the sun shines. Try to walk your dog in the late morning or early afternoon hours when temperatures are a little warmer, and avoid early morning or late evening walks. Spend time playing outdoors while it is sunny; sunshine brings the added benefit of providing both you and your pet with vitamin D. Play fetch with toys, not sticks, as sticks can cause choking and other injuries. If your dog wants to chew and chase, bring a Frisbee, ball or other safe toy and play together in the sun.

Indoor pets are happiest. Our family dog needs to be indoors with us. Take your dog out frequently for walks and exercise but your dog should live inside the home. Do not leave pets outdoors alone when the temperature drops. A good rule of thumb is to go out with them and when you are ready to come in, your dog probably is, too.

Warm bedding. Do not let your best friend sleep on a cold floor in winter. Choosing the right bedding is essential to ensure your dog stays warm. Warm blankets can create a snug environment. Elevated beds will keep your dog off cold tiles or concrete, and heated pet beds can help keep the stiffness out of aging joints. Place your dog’s bed in a warm spot away from drafts, cold tile or uncarpeted floors, preferably in a favorite spot where he sleeps every day so that the area does not feel unfamiliar.

Keep your dog away from heat sources. Dogs will often seek heat during cold winter weather by snuggling too close to heating sources. Avoid space heaters and be mindful of fireplaces.  Never leave pets alone near a fireplace or wood stove. Even if your fireplace has a mesh covering or glass doors, pets can still get burns from coming into contact with those hot surfaces.

Moisturize.Your home’s furnace or central air system emits dry heat. This low humidity environment can rob your dog’s skin of necessary moisture, which results in dry, flaky, and sensitive skin. while it is true that your dog’s body continually replaces the layer of damaged skin, however, if left unmanaged, the condition will continue throughout the winter. Damaged skin and your dog’s relentless scratching to relieve her itch can open the door for more serious skin problems.

Do not overfeed. Although dogs may need an extra layer in winter, it should come from the coat and not a layer of fat. Cold temperatures may even bring on lazy behavior and the need for fewer calories. Be attentive to your dog’s activity level and adjust his calories accordingly. A high quality, whole foods, preferably meat-based diet will help ensure a healthy coat and good energy for the cold winter months.

Paw care. Dogs can also suffer from cracked pads just as we can suffer from cracked feet during the winter months. If your dog has furry feet, trim the hair that grows between his pads to prevent ice buildup between the pads. Winter salt on city sidewalks can also burn your dog’s pads and is toxic, so after walks around the neighborhood, rinse or wipe your dog’s paws to remove any salt. If your dog shows signs of discomfort when walking outside on frozen or salted surfaces, consider using dog booties to protect his paws.

Snow removal. Snow can be dangerous for your dog. Snow piled near fences offers your dog escape routes that even well-trained dogs often cannot resist. After clearing snow from your yard, pile it away from fences to prevent your dog from climbing over. Snow and ice often accumulate on rooftops and if the sun is out or as temperatures rise, this accumulation can slide and injure your dog. If you cannot clear the snow from the roof, keep your dog away from the roof overhang to prevent injury.

Never leave your dog unattended in the car, no matter the season. Just as cars can get dangerously hot in summer, freezing cold temperatures are equally dangerous for your dog in winter. Leaving the car running involves additional risks, including carbon monoxide poisoning if the car is parked in a garage. It is best to leave your dog at home when you go out to run errands.

Special care for seniors. Cold weather will often aggravate existing medical conditions in dogs, particularly arthritis. It is very important to maintain an exercise routine with your arthritic dog, but be mindful of slippery surfaces and make sure that your dog has a warm soft rest area to recuperate after activity. If you do not already give your senior dog a natural joint supplement to lubricate the joints and ease the discomfort of arthritis, you may want to talk to your vet about adding glucosamine and chondroitin to your dog’s senior diet.