Winter Weather Pet Safety Tips

November 2, 2022November 2, 2022
by ruthmacpete

I recommend investing in warm weather apparel for those times when your pet has to go outside for a walk or playtime.

2. Protect their paws

As every pet parent knows, your pet’s paws pick up all kinds of stuff. Unfortunately, that can include dangerous chemicals. During winter, it’s common to find salt, de-icing chemicals, and antifreeze on the ground. Booties not only protect your pet’s feet from the cold, they also prevent them from coming into contact with salt and other winter chemicals that can be irritating to their paws and harmful or even deadly if licked and ingested. If your pets are not wearing booties when they go outside, be sure to wipe your pet’s paws (with soap and water or pet wipes) immediately after they come inside to prevent them from licking and ingesting any dangerous chemicals and keep them from tracking these around the house.

3. Keep chemicals safely out of reach

Keep antifreeze, which contains ethylene glycol, out of reach of pets (and children). Ethylene glycol has a sweet aroma and taste that can attract animals. Unfortunately, it can lead to kidney failure and can be fatal if ingested. Ideally use only pet-friendly antifreeze. Pet-friendly anti-freeze is made from propylene glycol instead of ethylene glycol. This less toxic alternative is available online and at many automotive stores. Likewise, keep all de-icing chemicals safely out of reach of curious pets.

4. Check under the hood

Most people have heard of rodents getting caught in car engines, but did you know that cats occasionally get stuck under hoods too? This happens because outdoor cats hide under cars in order to stay warm on cold nights. Sometimes they will climb under the hood to seek shelter. Unfortunately, this is not a safe place for cats. When unsuspecting car owners turn on their ignition, the moving belts can injure, maim, or kill the cat. To help prevent cats and other animals in your neighborhood from getting under your hood, consider the following tips. Whenever possible, park your car in your garage. Honk your horn or tap on the hood before starting your car to scare away any hitchhikers. Likewise, slam your car door and make noise to give the animal a chance to get away. The goal is to make noise so any sleeping animals have a chance to scurry off.

5. Be prepared for emergencies with proper ID and disaster kits

A big winter storms can sometimes lead to a power outage. While we can’t predict emergencies, we can be prepared. The first thing you need to do is to make sure all of your pets have proper identification. Make sure your pet has a collar and ID tag with your phone number. Having a collar and ID tag improves the odds that your lost pet will be reunited with you. Unfortunately, collars and tags are not fool proof. Your pet should also have a microchip so that even if they lose their collar, the microchip will identify your pet. Finally, be sure to have a disaster kit for yourself and your pets. The disaster kit should be easily accessible and should include a supply of food, water, treats, toys and a first aid kit. For more information on making a disaster kit, read my blog on how to prepare for emergencies.

Follow these tips to help keep your pet safe and warm during this winter.

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Paw-sitively Perfect Gifts for Pets and Pet Parents

December 13, 2021December 14, 2021
by ruthmacpete

Holiday shopping for our pets can be ruff. Our pets can’t write to Santa or tell us what they want for Christmas. If you’re still looking for the perfect gift for your furry, four-legged best friend, here are some gift suggestions that will make your cats purr and pups wag with approval. I also have great gift ideas for your pet-loving family and friends.

Toys and Treats

Toys make great gifts because there are so many options to choose from. “Active” toys, like ball launchers, frisbees, and retrieving toys keep your dog active and fit. “Puzzle” toys stimulate your pet’s mind and can keep them entertained for hours. Chew toys can also entertain your dog for hours and can keep them out of trouble. Finally, there is no better stocking stuffer for your pets than their favorite tasty treats.

Restful Sleep

Pets understand the value of rest. On average dogs and cats spend 12 hours and 15 hours asleep, respectively. In addition, dogs spend another 4 hours awake but resting, and some cats can even sleep up to 20 hours in a day. Pet parents know that if there is any down time, their pets are most likely napping. That’s why your pet will love a cozy new pet bed for the holidays. Let your pets lounge in luxury in their very own Harry Barker beds. Harry Barker pet beds are not only comfy and stylish, but also eco-friendly, and their bed covers are hypoallergenic, easy to remove, and machine washable.

https://harrybarker.com/collections/sleep

Fashion

Clothing for your dog is not only about fashion, but also about function. As the temperatures dip, your pets want to look cool, but stay warm this winter. WagWear makes comfortable, fashionable clothes for pets. Made from high quality textiles and featuring elegant designs, their sweaters and jackets will look great on your pet and will keep them warm this winter. You can choose between cozy fleece jackets or toasty puffer jackets in several fun styles and colors. They also make the most adorable dog WagWellies boots to keep your pet’s feet comfortable and dry.

https://wagwear.com

Another pet fashion favorite is Harry Barker. They offer a selection of stylish turtleneck sweaters and cozy dog pajamas. Yes, dog pajamas! And they even make pajama bottoms for people so you and your pet can wear matching pajamas this holiday.

https://harrybarker.com/collections/apparel

And for Pet-Loving Humans…

Let’s not forget about your pet-loving family and friends. Here are some great gift ideas for people who are as crazy about their pets, as you are about yours. You are not the only one who’s crazy about your pets.

The Ultimate Tool Against Pet Hair

Unless you have a Mexican Hairless dog, Sphinx cat, or non-shedding breed like a poodle, if you have a dog or cat, you are probably fighting a never-ending battle against pet hair. Pet hair seems to magically multiply on its own, forming fuzz bunnies right before your eyes. Although you can’t stop your pet from shedding, you can get the upper hand with a game-changing tool like the Dyson Cyclone V10 cordless vacuum. The Dyson Cyclone V10 is specifically designed with pet parents in mind. It has two different cleaner heads to remove dirt, pet hair, dander and allergens from carpets and floors, and it’s powerful, lightweight, and cordless for performance and convenience. It also has a mini motorized tool that’s perfect for pet beds and furniture.

https://www.dyson.com/vacuum-cleaners/cordless/v10/absolute/black

Apparel for Dog Lovers

How about fun unique gifts that show how much you love your pets? Dog Is Good makes T-shirts, hats, hoodies, mugs, car magnets and more with fun and adorable slogans like “Dog is Good,” “Happy Holidogs,” “Dog is My Zen,” and of course plenty of “Dog Mom” and “Dog Dad” gear.

https://www.dogisgood.com

A Picture Book for Future Veterinarians

What do you get for the kid who loves animals? Well, if they are like most kids and want to be a vet when they grow-up, my picture book Lisette the Vet is a great gift idea. The book is about Lisette, a little girl who loves animals and wants to be a veterinarian when she grows up. When something happens to the new class pet, Lisette must overcome her fears to save the day.

https://drruthpetvet.com/book/

With the Holidays just around the corner, these gift ideas can help you find the perfect gifts for your pets and friends who made Santa’s “nice” list.

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Everything You Need to Welcome Your New Dog

June 8, 2020September 27, 2021
by ruthmacpete

Dog adoptions have reached record levels during the COVID pandemic. If you are thinking about adopting a new dog and being part of this nationwide trend, make sure you have everything you need to welcome your need canine companion into your home. While it is easy to get caught up in the excitement, adopting a dog is a big deal. In order to promote a smooth transition, it is important to prepare your home for the new addition. Preparing for your new furry friend means buying essential supplies, making your home pet-proof, assigning pet care responsibilities, finding a veterinarian, and taking additional steps to ensure smooth transition.

Make sure you have all the essentials:

• Food & Treats-Find out what kind of food your puppy or adult dog was eating and buy the same. Switching foods abruptly can lead to diarrhea, or worse, your new dog may refuse to eat it. If you wish to change their diet, be sure to gradually transition your dog by slowly mixing in the new food. Likewise ask if your new pooch has any favorite treats you should have handy for training and encouragement.

• Bowls–
Food and water bowls are available in a variety of colors and styles. They can be made of plastic, ceramic, or metal. When choosing bowls for your dog, pick based on your dog’s size, desired durability, and your personal sense of style.

• Tags and Microchips– As a veterinarian who has worked at an animal shelter, I have personally witnessed what happens when a lost pet is brought in without an ID tag or microchip. Without a way to reach-out to their family, the odds of reuniting them are slim. Make sure your new dog has an ID tag and microchip. They can make the difference between reuniting with your lost pet or them becoming another lost dog statistic.

• Collars, Harnesses & Leashes– You will also need a collar and leash to bring your new canine friend home and for walks, outings, and veterinary visits. A collar is also essential to attach their ID tags. If your new pup pulls on the leash or has a delicate neck, consider getting a harness too. When choosing a collar, leash, and harness, make sure they are the right size and pick based on your pet’s needs (i.e. strength, durability, ruggedness). Otherwise, have fun and choose something that matches you and your dog’s sense of style. Susan Lanci Designs has an extensive collection of high quality, super fashionable collars, harnesses, leashes, and other accessories. Many are even bedazzled with real Swarovski crystals for extra sparkle!

• Dog Bed–
You want your new pooch to feel welcome and at home. Buy them their own bed to make them feel more secure in their new environment. Harry Barker has a large selection of cozy, comfortable, and easy to maintain beds.

• Crate– Buying a crate is also a must do. Crate training your new pup will make housetraining easier. Besides helping with housetraining, crate training will help your pup feel secure while you are away and will keep them out of trouble. There are many options, from utilitarian wire crates, to plastic crates If you’re not crazy about adding a crate to your home décor consider getting a “furniture crate” that seamlessly fits into your home décor and can double as an end table. Don’t forget you’ll need a bed for your pet’s new crate. Susan Lanci Designs has collection of plush beds for small to medium-sized dogs that look great and can fit easily inside a crate.

• Toys– Finally, don’t forget about toys to keep your new pooch entertained. I recommend choosing a variety of toys (these are some of my dog’s favorites from RuffWear) to find out what your pet prefers. Bouncy balls, chew toys, squeaky toys, and toys you can stuff with treats are not only fun for your pet, but also keep your dog busy and out of trouble. Otherwise your pup might decide that your favorite pair of shoes can double as a chew toy.

• Apparel– Though not technically a necessity, buying clothes for your dog can definitely be fun activity. You can choose clothes that serve a function, like jackets and sweaters to keep your pet warm during the winter and clothes that are simply fun and fashionable. Collaroy has a selection of adorable shirts, dresses, sweaters, and jackets for your dog’s wardrobe.

Be sure to check back next week for my blog about how to pet-proof your home!

Tag: dog apparel