Happy New Year!

With the frigid temperatures so much of the country is experiencing, Desi and I thought we'd talk a bit about protecting your pets from the cold. Here he is looking relatively shocked at how cold it is outside. Fortunately he has his new Goose Down Doggie Coat with the removable hood. I planned to get the black and golden khaki color for him, but when the turquoise and green came in I just couldn't resist. So yes, Santa brought two new coats for Christmas.

While it's true not every animal may need a Goose Down Filled Doggie Coat, if you live in an area with cold winter temperatures chances are your pet needs protection when he or she goes outdoors. Our pets' ancestors may have been wild, but our most of pets have been living indoors and are accustomed to the same creature comforts we are. In general I tell people if your dog has a healthy coat he or she may not feel as cold as you would without a coat on, but chances are in freezing temperatures, the animal is cold. And if your pet is very young, older or has health issues he or she may mind the cold even more. If you know your dog's habits well and suddenly he or she is reluctant to go out as usual, it may just be the temperatures. We've heard from many people with larger breeds that covering their hips in cold weather with our Goose Down Filled Doggie Coats has made a huge difference in their comfort level. So cover those older hips in the cold winter weather. And even with a coat, use common sense about how long you allow your dog to stay out in extreme temperatures.

Icy conditions and salt also can be harmful to dog's paws. Carefully check your dog's paw pads when he or she comes in after romping through ice and snow or in areas treated with rock salt. Clumps of ice and debris can get caught in between the pads and become uncomfortable. I've never had much luck with boots for my dogs, but I have found that Musher's Secret helps tremendously. While dogs' paw pads are not exactly the same as our skin, the same conditions can cause them to become dry and cracked. So just as your hands feel dry and sometimes crack in the cold weather, your dogs' paws can become very dry and irritated in this weather as well. A few extra minutes can really make a difference and it's great bonding time too. If your dog is one who doesn't like his or her paws touched or having nails clipped, gently massaging Musher's into the paws can be a great way to get him or her to accept having the paws touched without the fear of the nail clipper. I massage whatever is left on my fingers into my cuticles. it's safe, natural and works really well!

Have a safe and happy January.
Patti and Desi