Warm Feet - Happy Dogs

Brrrrr – it is flippin’ cold outside right now!  Thanks goodness for the warm cozy dog rooms at Angel Ridge Ranch because I wouldn’t last one night outside right now.  Because it is such a “hot topic” I am writing today’s Second Chance Humane Society Pet Column about the cold and its challenges.  Jenna, who has since been adopted, wrote about cold safety tips for dogs in early December – but it is still cold out and I wanted to offer some additional tips – so dog parents present and future – please read on!

It is not news that snowy weather can wreak havoc on a dog's paws. Salt, sand, and other ice-melting chemicals can cause our pads to crack and make going outside painfully unbearable. Although booties work well, they do not stay on all dogs, and some dogs will pull them off as fast as you try to put them back on.  (I like to employ the “shaker method” – shaking my feet wildly until the darn booties shoot off my feet and across the floor – entertaining and effective…).

One quick and effective surreptitious alternative to cumbersome booties is Musher's Secret, a safe and natural product made from food-grade waxes. Apply it to your pup's paws to provide a soothing, semi-permeable barrier between our delicate pads and rough or icy terrain. This paw-saver was developed for use by sled dogs, and its benefits have been proven on the harshest neighborhood tundra.

Another critical ingredient to keeping our paws protected is using a de-icer product on doorsteps and walkways that is safe for pet’s paws.  Products such as this, labeled as “paw safe” are readily available in most places that the unsafe products are sold and your dogs and cats would really appreciate it.

My name is Houdini (because nothing can keep me from wiggling my way into anyone’s heart) and I am a 10 month old rat terrier mix. I am a shy little guy at first meeting but don’t let that fool you – it is just my ploy to make sure you are truly interested in me before I let my guard down.  If I choose you as my new family I’ll be willing to trust and become a puppy again in no time.
 
In my previous home I lived with other dogs, a few cats and older children but what  I am most hoping for on this chilly morning is that whoever comes to adopt me will take me to Mexico for the winter…  But I would settle for a nice warm fireplace if you’ll let me cuddle on your lap. 

Call the Second Chance Helpline at 626-2273 to report a lost pet, learn about adopting a homeless pet, or about the SCHS Spay/Neuter Financial Assistance, Volunteer & Foster Care, or other Programs.  Visit our shelter pets online: www.adoptmountainpets.org.  Direct Pet Column questions to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .  Photos by Real Life Photographs.