Winter Reminder

With the onset of winter it's worth remembering that we need to provide extra care for our canine and feline companions.

Whether your dog or cat lives outdoors or goes out to exercise and toilet we must be aware that dropping temperatures pose a risk to our furry family members. Just because they wear fur coats doesn't mean they are immune to the effects of cold weather.

Dogs and cats can experience hypothermia and frost bite. The most susceptible parts of the body are the tips of the ears, the tail and the pads on their feet.

Small breeds and breeds with short hair can be quickly overcome, as can very young or aged dogs, by prolonged exposure to cold temperatures.

The best way to prevent injury or death as a result of cold weather is to keep your pets indoors whenever possible. If you're unable to have your pets indoors, providing a dog house or sheltered area with some sort of bedding where they are protected from the elements is necessary for the health and well-being of your pet.

Signs to look for include shivering, ice on body or limbs, stiffness, bright red color of effected tissues, followed by a pale color, and finally black discoloration and sloughing off of skin. Foot care is vital during the winter, as ice accumulated between the toes can cause irritation and various ice melt products can cause blisters on the pads of the feet.

Please remember that our furry companions depend on us to provide adequate care and a safe environment.

A good rule of thumb is, if it's too cold for us to be outside for a prolonged period of time then it's too cold for our pets to be outside. When we bring a pet into our home they become a part of the family and should be treated as such.

Rushed to the Hospital

Yesterday, after our morning walk, we were playing in the yard when I noticed something on Kodi's right front foot. When he got closer, I asked my husband what that looked like and he said "blood".

I called Kodi over and gave him the 'paws up' command. He put both feet on my lap and it was obvious, the toenail on his left front dew claw was injured. There was a lot of blood and the toenail was sticking straight out of the side of his foot.

He hadn't yelped or limped or shown any sign of injury, but there it was. Apparently he got it caught either on his airline cable, in the yard or on my husband's jacket when they were rough housing.

We took him in the house, got our ID and everything we needed to rush him to the Veterinary Hospital.

When we got there, they said dew claw toenail injuries are common and happen often. They took him in the back and brought him back a few minutes later. He had a light blue bandage on his left front foot and they informed me he had partially torn his toenail off. They removed it and wrapped it to keep it clean. They prescribed antibiotics.

My sweet puppy wanted a lot of attention and cuddling when we got home. Walking out to the yard to go 'potty' he wouldn't walk more than a foot in front of me and kept stopping and turning back to make sure I was coming. I had to go out into the yard with him to get him to go 'potty'.

Later, in the evening, he got up on the recliner with me, laying his body on top of mine, resting his wrapped paw in my hand and his head on my shoulder and chest. He proceeded to slip peacefully into a deep sleep, where he stayed for some time.

We've taken a couple of walks, as the Vet indicated he could still go for walks and we shouldn't restrict his activity. He's limping a bit, but seems more uncomfortable than in pain.

We are staying close together, aware of where each other is, how we are feeling and what one another needs. He's so much more than 'just a pet'.