01/22/2026
1) Stock Up: Make sure you also get enough dog food and medication (if needed) to last a few days longer than you think you’ll need. Also, remember when picking up bottled water to get enough for your dog, too.
2) Playing/Outdoor Time:
- You should always factor in windchill and use the “feels like” temperature when considering if it is safe to play with your dog outdoors. Every dog is going to handle the weather differently, however low temperatures and high winds are not safe for any dog!
- Dogs can get frostbite too! Learn what to look for and how to treat it here: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/frostbite-in-dogs
- Ice and snow often result injuries! Make sure your first aid kit is well stocked as soft tissue injuries, cuts from ice, and broken bones are common ailments from the weather.
3) Cold Weather Gear: Not every dog needs a coat or boots, but they are excellent additions to their wardrobe if you have a short coated dog, live in an urban area where there is lots of salt (this burns their feet!) or like to adventure in the winter and want to keep your dog extra warm! I have listed several brands we love below - please note these are not sponsored and are what we use on our dogs!
- Hurtta is excellent for winter coats (https://www.hurtta247.com/dog-warm-clothing)
- Canada Pooch has a diverse lineup of items (https://canadapooch.com/collections/winter-dog-clothes-1)
- Ruffwear has excellent winter boots and coats (ruffwear.com)
- Muttluks has great boots! (https://muttluks.com/)
4) Watch Out for Antifreeze and De-Icing Salts: Antifreeze is incredibly dangerous to dogs—a very small amount can be lethal. Also, watch out for those de-icing salts, which can burn a dog’s paws. Pet-friendly varieties are available at most pet stores, but even if you use those, don’t assume your neighbors did. If your dog will wear them, boots are helpful for keeping those paws safe.
5) Update Your Pet’s IDs: Make sure your dog has a collar and tags with up-to-date contact information, and if your pet is microchipped, be sure that information is correct, too.
6) Plan Ahead: If you need to leave your home because of unsafe conditions or lack of electricity, do not, we repeat, DO NOT, leave your pet behind. Plan ahead before the storm to ensure you know of a place where you and your pets can go.
1) Annual Awards Dinner: We have not forgotten about out annual awards dinner! Unfortunately with Octayvia being out sick this past fall/winter as frequently as she was, none of our plans were finalized. We are hoping to do the event this spring and will keep you updated on a final date once we have it.
2) Boarding/Daycare: We will be increasing our prices beginning March 1st 2026. Any boarding scheduled before that date will be charged at the current rates. Any existing boarding will be honored as scheduled. Please schedule your boarding for the spring/summer asap!
3) Pack Walks are coming back! As you all know we closed our training facility in Watertown, as such beginning in March we will have (weather permitting) weekly pack walks!
