Winter Weather Tips from Shanna!

Although our winter is turning out somewhat milder than what folks are experiencing on the East Coast, there are still some things to watch out for when it comes to your dog's health in cold weather:

- The pads of your dog's feet can become dry, cracked, and irritated by cold and wind. To help prevent this, there are various products you can use to moisturize your pet's feet.

- Your dog can accidentally ingest dangerous chemicals by traveling through spills and winterized surfaces then licking his/her paws. To help prevent this, be sure to immediately clean up any spills of antifreeze, limit access to areas on which de-icer and other toxins have been used, and wipe off your dog's legs and stomach when he/she comes in out of the sleet, snow, or ice.

- Dogs can get frostbite or hypothermia, just like you can. To help prevent this, limit his/her time out in severe cold, and keep an eye out for red, grey, or whitish areas on your pet's nose, ears, and paws.

- Your pet can injure him/herself if balls of ice and/or slushy snow form in between the toes. To help prevent this, keep the fur between the toes clipped short, and remove any ice balls gently with your fingers.

You can do most of these things yourself for little or no cost. And of course, Riverdog is always here with our Shampooch services, should you need a little extra help!