Linda Lou, blog dog here. Show of paws, who is ready for spring? Who is sick of this weather causing slippery sidewalks and frosty toes?
My backyard is like a chihuahua skating rink. While the warm, sun-filled days that melt the snow are a lovely sight to behold (and bake our little doggy bodies in) they also create slipping hazards for us and our people alike. My sister Tina slipped the other day and she still can’t walk comfortably, even though she is on medicine from one of the House Paws doctors. Today I have some ideas for the pet parents out there, to keep us four-leggers safe on the icy streets!
First and foremost: If possible, lay down pet-safe ice melt to reduce the risk of injuries from slipping on ice. Pet safe ice melts generally contain urea or magnesium chloride. While these are typically safer ingredients, they may still cause stomach upset if ingested. It is also usually more expensive, but keeping your furry friends safe is worth it. Older and more rambunctious dogs are most susceptible to falling from an ill-placed frozen puddle, but anyone can become a victim. A week of bed rest is no fun, even though you get to catch up on your soap operas and eat Milk Bones in bed.….
Building on that point, it’s also very important to stay on top of the falling snow, and to keep your driveways and sidewalks clear. The less snow that builds up, the safer the walkways are for humans and pups alike. In fact, if your human is so inclined, they can clear “racetracks” in the backyard for you to have your zoomies as well as a choice of a place to go potty.
Another issue that I have experienced first-paw is the icy crust on top of the snow that forms at this time of the year. I love to race across a fresh, untrodden piece of ground, but there have been times when I have broken through that top frozen layer of snow and cut my paws and legs. With numb feet, I really don’t feel the cuts until I thaw out a bit later. Then it hurts like heck. Mom puts on some ointment and keeps me from licking my legs, and that makes it feel better, but she won’t let me run wild until the wounds heal. Just keep an eye out for any scrapes on your pooches…
Out of my four sisters, I am the chihuahua who loves winter the most – and so I feel it is my duty to report to you the dangers of the late winter freeze/thaw.
Stay warm my friends,
Linda Lou, tired of Winter Blog Dog
My backyard is like a chihuahua skating rink. While the warm, sun-filled days that melt the snow are a lovely sight to behold (and bake our little doggy bodies in) they also create slipping hazards for us and our people alike. My sister Tina slipped the other day and she still can’t walk comfortably, even though she is on medicine from one of the House Paws doctors. Today I have some ideas for the pet parents out there, to keep us four-leggers safe on the icy streets!
First and foremost: If possible, lay down pet-safe ice melt to reduce the risk of injuries from slipping on ice. Pet safe ice melts generally contain urea or magnesium chloride. While these are typically safer ingredients, they may still cause stomach upset if ingested. It is also usually more expensive, but keeping your furry friends safe is worth it. Older and more rambunctious dogs are most susceptible to falling from an ill-placed frozen puddle, but anyone can become a victim. A week of bed rest is no fun, even though you get to catch up on your soap operas and eat Milk Bones in bed.….
Building on that point, it’s also very important to stay on top of the falling snow, and to keep your driveways and sidewalks clear. The less snow that builds up, the safer the walkways are for humans and pups alike. In fact, if your human is so inclined, they can clear “racetracks” in the backyard for you to have your zoomies as well as a choice of a place to go potty.
Another issue that I have experienced first-paw is the icy crust on top of the snow that forms at this time of the year. I love to race across a fresh, untrodden piece of ground, but there have been times when I have broken through that top frozen layer of snow and cut my paws and legs. With numb feet, I really don’t feel the cuts until I thaw out a bit later. Then it hurts like heck. Mom puts on some ointment and keeps me from licking my legs, and that makes it feel better, but she won’t let me run wild until the wounds heal. Just keep an eye out for any scrapes on your pooches…
Out of my four sisters, I am the chihuahua who loves winter the most – and so I feel it is my duty to report to you the dangers of the late winter freeze/thaw.
Stay warm my friends,
Linda Lou, tired of Winter Blog Dog
