Some Winter Tips

• Don’t overfeed your dog during the winter. Although dogs are in need of an extra layer during the winter season…make sure it comes from a coat, and not a fat layer. Unless your dog lives outdoors during the winter, he or she often needs no additional calories during the winter chill. Cold temperatures often bring on lazy behaviors and actually the need for LESS calories. Be attentive to your dog’s activity level and adjust his calories accordingly. Always feed your dog a high quality natural dog food to insure a healthy coat and good energy for the cold winter months.


• Keep your dog hydrated. Dogs can dehydrate just as quickly in the winter as summer. Although many dogs eat snow, it is not an adequate substitute for fresh water. If your dog has a water bowl outdoors, check it often and break ice that may form on top.

• Let’s talk temperature! If it is too cold for you to stand at the door without your coat, it is probably too cold for your dog to be out without a coat. Some dog breeds have dense undercoats that help protect them against very cold temperatures…but most dogs should have a coat to help them deal with Jack Frost. If getting your dog a coat makes you think about poodles in pink fur, don’t distress! Coats are not just about fashion; there are many functional, non-couture coats available! Coats will not prevent frostbite on the ears, feet or tail…so don’t keep your dog out too long in freezing temperatures.

HEAT STROKE - Here is how YOU can HELP

• Take the pet to a cool place

• Apply cool water

• If you can, put the pet in front of a fan to speed up the cooling process

• Gently massage your pet's legs and body

• If your pet is conscious, let him/her drink small amounts of water and wash its mouth out with cool water

• Get them to a vet

OTHER BACKYARD HAZARDS BESIDES THE SUN

• Barbecues — keep the dogs away from the hot grill — one vigorous wag, the grill goes over, and its bad news for everyone.

• Pools, lakes, ponds — most people assume dogs and cats know how to swim ... not true. You need to make sure your pet can swim, so watch them in the beginning. If they have a hard time, you can get them a life preserver.

• Make sure you know what's in your backyard that could be hazardous.

SOME COMMON PLANTS TO AVOID ARE:

AVOCADO
AZALEA
BIRD OF PARADISE
CYCLAMEN
DAFFODIL
DIEFFENBACHIA
EGGPLANT
FRUIT AND NUT TREES (APPLE, PEACH, ALMOND, CHERRY, APRICOT),
HIBISCUS, HOLLY
HYDRANGEA
LILY OF THE VALLEY
MORNING GLORY
MUSHROOM
NIGHTSHADE
PHILODENDRON
POTATO
RHODODENDRON
RHUBARB
SCHEFFLERA
TOBACCO
TOMATO

Also, make sure you check any pesticides or fertilizers before you use them, and keep your pets out of toxic areas.

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Hot weather DO'S AND DONT'S

• Never keep your pet in an unattended car OR A CHILD
Even if the temperature is moderate outside and the windows are open, cars can heat up like ovens. Never keep your pet closed up in a pen or kennel without shade, adequate ventilation or water.

• Shade is a must.
If you leave your pet outside while you go to work, remember to make sure there is always a shady place for them to rest. The sun moves through the yard all day, there may be lots of shade when you leave and no where to hide in the afternoon.

• Always have lots of water available for your cat or dog to drink in the hot weather.

• Freeze the water: Again, if you are leaving your pet for the day, Warren suggests freezing water in the bowl so they'll have cool water to drink throughout the day.

• Don't shave.
Shaving your dog's hair too short, rather than cooling them off, actually robs them of their natural sun block -- yes, they can be burned.

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Open for Business

Plenty of exercise room at Pampered Pets.

New Business coming to Newark

We are working on getting my new place opened, so much work to do. It is our goal, by the time we get fully completed that we will have one of the largest and newest pet facilities of this type in the area. And, we have a lot of space to expand. I have been in the pet business in one form or another for many years.

I have my own high standards for taking care of pets ..... and a "Personal Touch" is always uppermost in our minds when it comes to taking care of YOUR pets.

Pampered Pets is a "Dream Come True" for me. One of my goals has always been to have such a place. I have seen the "Good and the Bad and the Ugly" in pet care, and you have my assurance and guarantee that here, you will only find The Good.

I have to leave, our phone is geting installed, tubs need to be put together, painting, floor tile layed, so much to do .....................