Page 26 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • November 27, 2013 Enjoy walks with pets in a win-winter wonderland Soon we will be walking our dogs in a lovely winter wonderland, but Mother Nature presents a number of haz- ards for animals. Here are some precautions that should be taken to ensure the well-being of our furry companions. Pets can get ice, salt, and chemicals on their paws. The salt dries and cracks the paw pads. After a walk, wipe or wash your pet’s paws to remove salt and chemicals. You may also soak their paws in cool or tepid water to remove ice. Dog booties help, but if the bootie doesn’t fit, don’t force the issue. Not all dogs like to wear booties. There is also a musher’s wax that can be applied to form a protec- tive barrier between the chemicals and the dog’s paws. A doggie coat or sweater may be appropriate for a tiny dog, but a double coated northern breed dog may not need outerwear. The double coat keeps dogs warm in winter and cool in summer. Snowbirds who take their pets to warmer climes should note that it is a myth that dogs are cooler if their fur is shaved. Dogs don’t sweat through their skin; they sweat through the pads of their feet. While a shaved dog may seem to behave more freely, he or she is not cooler. For some breeds, such as Pomeranians, a shaved coat may never grow guard hairs back. Outdoor pets, including rabbits, require further pre- cautions. Make sure they have adequate shelter with appropriate bedding to shield them from the cold. Proper bedding also supports pets with arthritis. Be aware that hay bedding can cause an infestation of sarcoptic mange. Check with a vet for outdoor bedding advice. In extreme temperatures, it is best to bring pets inside. Consider investing in a heated water bowl to prevent water from freezing. If pets are being kept in the garage or basement, make sure they do not have access to dan- gerous substances. Antifreeze (which contains ethylene glycol) and rodenticide poisoning hazards all increase during the winter. If you suspect ingestion of either sub- stance, take your pet to the vet right away. Early treatment saves lives. Fireplaces, space heaters, heat lamps, and warm car engines are appealing to pets, but can result in injury. Pets are curious, and a fluffy tail might easily ignite if it brushes against a fire in a fireplace or space heater. Heat lamps can cause serious burns and should never be directly aimed at a pet. Keep in mind that cats often find a warm car engine a comfy place for the night, but when the engine is started the next morning, they can sustain seri- ous injuries. On cold mornings, bang the hood of the car with your hand before starting the engine. The noise will wake sleeping cats, who will remove themselves. Some pet owners believe they need to feed their pets more in the winter, but this is usually incorrect. Unless the pet spends a large amount of time outdoors as a work- ing animal, cold temperatures bring on lazy behavior, and pets will need fewer calories in the winter. Check with a veterinarian. Planning a trip for the holidays? When considering the best options for one’s furry companions, remember: “There is no place like HOME.” If they can’t be with you, pets are happiest and healthiest when they remain in their own secure environment. Remember to book pet care early. This is a busy time for pet care providers. Snowbirds should also plan in advance. A trip to the southern United States can put pets at risk for acquiring one or more parasite-borne diseases. Check with a vet before heading south. Remember: “A tired dog is a well behaved dog.” If you have an active dog and are having company for the holi- days, take the dog out for a long walk and feed him or her before guests arrive. A full stomach may help keep the dog away from the guests’ food. If the dog provides overly exuberant greetings, put him or her in a quiet room until the guests are settled inside. Winter can be a beautiful time to enjoy walks with pets. Walks chase away the winter blues for humans and animals, so it’s a win-winter situation. This article was submitted by Heidi Wise, president of Coddled Creatures, LLC.