It’s inevitable this time of year in the mid-west it’s only a matter of time until we see that fluffy white stuff!!  Mother Nature was a bit cruel this year, if you ask me with 58 and full sun one day & tanking to the 30’s with “partly cloudy” on the ground the next.  While I have always said snow is “Doggy Catnip” there are some precautions good pet owners need to take to ensure the safety & well-being of their dogs!

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Older dogs often struggle with the temperature drop.  And this year didn’t “ease us in” so anticipate aggravated arthritis.  Regular movement helps ease arthritis pains, so find a regular ‘workout’ routine you can help your senior dog stick with.  The older the dog, the lower the impact –there are places in Lincoln that have an Assisted Swim program which is a GREAT low impact work-out!  Make sure your seniors have plenty of soft bedding to lay on.  Now is a good time of year to evaluate that ol’ dog bed, has the stuffing gone out?  Perhaps a new bed should be on the list to Santa Paws.  

Many people let their dogs “grow out” during the winter months.  But a matted & dirty coat does NOT keep you dog warm.  Regular brushing  untangles mats, the layers of untangled hair is what traps body heat to keep your dog warm in colder weather.  Seeking the aid of a professional to thoroughly clean your dog’s coat from all their summer fun in the sand, dirty, & grass as well as thoroughly dry them & blow out the loose dead hair will leave your dog with a coat in prime condition to keep them warm a good pet stylist will also trim out the hair growing in the paw pads which just collects ice & snow!  

And finally as we prep our cars for the winter months check for leaks & spills as you are refilling your car fluids.  Windshield wiper fluid is toxic to dogs, as is Anti-Freeze, which also smells & tastes sweet so attracts our pets to sample a taste!