08/12/2017
** Due to the winter weather system currently affecting our area, BMPS is closed for the day, and will not be in the grooming salon at AKC. **
Thank you for your understanding, stay safe and warm, and enjoy this beautiful scenery with your pups!
*Winter Weather and Your Four-Legged Kids - (reposted from Jan. 2017)*
While some great, snowy playtime can be had with your furry family members, there are some important things to keep in mind to be sure everyone is safe and comfortable!
- Cold temperatures and your pet - Remember that your pet’s coat keeps them comfortable in average temperatures, not extremes, and not when dampened by snow or ice! Consider a water-resistant coat and booties when enjoying the winter weather with your pet, and/or keep walks short to protect your pet from the chill (short-haired, elderly, or slightly built pets are at greatest risk). Your pet’s paw pads help to protect their feet from lots of things, but they aren’t enough to prevent discomfort or frostbite. Snow and ice can easily collect on the fur between toes during a potty break, and quickly chill your pet’s feet!
- Ice-Melt - Be sure that you’re using “pet safe” ice-melting products for your walk and driveways. Bear in mind that regardless of what the label says, wipe your pet’s feet with a damp towel or baby wipe when they come inside from a potty trip or walk, and be sure that they DO NOT EAT OR LICK any of the product (this includes licking their feet – use those wipes!). Often, “pet safe” means that it will not cause chemical burns or poisoning with minimal ingestion. This does not mean that it is safe to eat or lick, just less dangerous.
- Walking with your pet - Many people will be enjoying the minimal traffic and walking on the snowy roads with their pets. Keep an eye and ear out for the occasional oncoming traffic, and give extra space to vehicles, people, and other pets. If a pet reacts unexpectedly and pulls on the leash, there’s less traction to prevent dangerous falls or dropped leashes, which can lead to lost pets! Also, remember that not everyone is using “pet safe” ice-melt. My rule of thumb is, “If I didn’t put it out, I can’t be sure it isn’t toxic”. Keep your pet away from de-iced areas if you aren’t sure they are toxin-free, and thoroughly wipe/wash your pet’s feet, ankles, and undercarriage upon returning home.
- Fluffy/Long coats and snow - Watching your fluffy pet frolic in the snow can be a great joy, and seeing them covered in little snowballs is a fun photo op for many pet parents. Be wary - without proper and thorough brushing, those snowballs lead to intense, tight matting, and quickly! If you have a silicone based coat spray or detangling spray in your pet's coat care kit, use it!
A quick spray down before going outdoors will help to keep snow from accumulating in your pet's coat. If you don't have something like that, the best plan for a furry, snowballed pet is as follows – attempt to break up the snowballs while still outside – use a brushing motion with your fingers, and try to get at much snow off your pet’s coat as possible. Immediately upon getting back indoors, place your pet in the sink or tub and begin brushing and combing their coat out. If there is still a significant amount of snow in their coat, you can use a human hair dryer (on low heat, low power) to aid in melting, but avoid completely drying your pet’s coat while there are still tangles – they’ll just lock up tighter! Keep the hair dryer at least 4-6” away from your pet’s skin – they can burn quickly if you aren’t watchful.
Enjoy this gorgeous weather, and keep those tails wagging!
