Dog Health and Welfare

Winter can be a challenging time for our furry friends. The cold weather, snow, and ice can affect their health and well-being. Here are some detailed tips to ensure your dogs stay healthy and happy during the winter months. 1. Limit Time Outdoors Dogs can suffer from frostbite and hypothermia just like humans. Limit their time outside, especially during extreme cold. Short, frequent walks are better than long ones. Pay attention to signs of discomfort, such as shivering or lifting paws off the ground¹. 2. Bundle Up Not all dogs have thick fur to keep them warm. Small, delicate, and short-haired breeds may need extra protection. Invest in a good quality winter coat and possibly a sweater for your dog. Make sure it fits well and covers their back and belly¹. 3. Protect Their Paws Snow, ice, and salt can be harsh on your dog's paws. Use dog boots or paw protectors to prevent injuries and irritation. After walks, wipe their paws clean to remove any salt or chemicals that could cause dryness or cracking². 4. Provide Adequate Shelter If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, ensure they have a warm, dry, and draft-free shelter. The doghouse should be elevated off the ground and have a door flap to keep out the wind. However, it's best to bring them indoors when temperatures drop below freezing². 5. Maintain a Healthy Diet Dogs burn more calories in the cold to stay warm. Ensure they have a balanced diet and consider increasing their food intake slightly if they are very active outdoors. Consult your vet for specific dietary recommendations². 6. Hydration is Key Even in winter, dogs need plenty of water. Make sure their water bowl is always filled with fresh water and check that it hasn't frozen over. Dehydration can be a risk even in cold weather³. 7. Grooming and Skin Care Winter can dry out your dog's skin. Brush their coat regularly to remove dead hair and stimulate natural oil production. Avoid bathing them too often, as it can strip away essential oils. Use a moisturizing shampoo when you do bathe them³. 8. Exercise and Mental Stimulation Keep your dog active with indoor games and toys. This helps them stay fit and mentally stimulated when outdoor activities are limited. Puzzle toys and interactive games can be great for this¹. 9. Watch for Winter Hazards Be mindful of winter hazards such as antifreeze, which is toxic to dogs. Clean up any spills immediately and keep chemicals out of reach. Also, be cautious of ice melt products that can irritate your dog's paws². 10. Regular Vet Check-ups Winter can exacerbate certain health conditions, especially in older dogs. Regular vet check-ups can help catch any issues early and ensure your dog is in good health throughout the season³. By following these tips, you can help your dog enjoy a safe and healthy winter. Remember, each dog is different, so adjust these guidelines based on your dog's specific needs and health conditions. Do you have any specific concerns about your dog's winter care? Let us know. Source: 10/26/2024 (1) How to Keep Your Dog Warm and Safe This Winter. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/keep-dog-warm-winter-safety-tips/. (2) Keep Dogs Safe in Winter: Common Cold Weather Hazards - WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/pets/dogs/winterize-your-dog. (3) 19 Ways to Keep Your Dog Healthy During Winter Months - Top Dog Tips. https://topdogtips.com/healthy-dog-winter/. (4) Keeping Your Dog Healthy Through Autumn & Winter. https://nutri-paw.com/blogs/blog/keeping-your-dog-healthy-through-autumn-winter. (5) Winter Dog Care: 8 Essentail Tips - Tractive. https://tractive.com/blog/en/health/keep-your-pet-healthy-and-safe-this-winter. (6) How To Keep Outside Dog Warm In Winter – Vet Explains Pets. https://vetexplainspets.com/how-to-keep-outside-dog-warm-in-winter/.

Pedigree's parent company, Mars Petcare US, has voluntarily recalled over 300 bags of 44-pound "Grilled Steak & Vegetable Flavor" dry dog food over concerns of loose metal pieces mixed into the food. The recall impacts dogs across four states, including Texas. To date, there have been no reports of “pet injury or illness regarding the potentially impacted product” since the limited voluntary recall was issued, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.  Continue reading...

Here are some tips that you can use to keep your dog healthy and in the best condition: Proper diet: A healthy diet is essential for a dog’s well-being. Make sure to feed your dog a balanced diet with healthy dog food. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best diet for your dog’s breed, age, and activity level. Just like us humans, dogs need an appropriate diet to stay healthy and avoid diseases. But is just any store-bought dog food good for your dog? It’s best to do your research before choosing dog food. Some dog food companies have a history of recalls and poor-quality ingredients. Not all dog food is created equal, so do your best to choose something that’s nutritious for your dog. Some dog owners prefer to feed a fresh or raw food diet. Whatever you decide, make sure your dog is getting all the nutrients they need. If you’re not sure if your dog is getting enough nutrients, talk to your vet and see if a change in diet or some supplements are necessary.  Another thing to keep in mind is to feed the right amount of food. Overweight dogs tend to suffer more health problems at a younger age. Ask your vet how much you need to be feeding your dog each day, and make sure your dog is maintaining a healthy weight. Also, be aware that many dog treats are packed with calories, so don’t overfeed treats to your dog. Regular exercise: Exercise is important for maintaining a healthy weight and keeping your dog’s muscles and joints strong. Take your dog for a walk or run, play fetch, or engage in other activities that your dog enjoys. Dogs need exercise to stay healthy and strong. Depending on your dog’s breed and size, they might require a lot of exercise or just a few minutes a day. Exercise not only keeps your dog physically healthy but also gives them mental stimulation and keeps them from getting bored. A dog with too much pent-up energy is more likely to engage in destructive behavior, which can put them at risk of an accident. You can exercise your dog by taking them for a walk or playing fetch. Every dog is different, so make sure you pay attention to your dog’s exercise needs. Some dogs are prone to overheating or can’t handle intense exercise. Give them access to water and a place to rest at all times, so that if they’re worn out they can take a break.Grooming: Regular grooming is important for keeping your dog’s coat, skin, and nails healthy. Brush your dog’s coat regularly, bathe them when necessary, and trim their nails as needed. Many people overlook brushing their dog’s teeth. But this is an important part of grooming that shouldn’t be skipped. Brush at least a few times a week, but every day is better if you can. Use toothpaste and a toothbrush that’s made for dogs. If your dog is showing signs of dental problems, make sure to take them to the vet ASAP. Keeping your best furry friend healthy and satisfied will help them live a long life. Get pet insurance to help cover the expenses of vet visits and vaccines. Make sure your dog eats healthy food and gets regular exercise. Avoid accidents by dog-proofing your house and keeping an eye on your dog. And don’t forget to brush their teeth often. Follow these tips and your dog will be happy and healthy for years to come.Routine vet visits: Regular check-ups with your veterinarian can help detect health problems early and prevent them from becoming more serious. Make sure your dog is up-to-date on their vaccinations and parasite prevention.Observe your dog’s habits: Get to know your dog’s habits (eating, drinking, sleeping, and more), since sometimes a change in those habits can be an indication that your dog isn’t feeling well. Ask your veterinarian for advice on healthcare and prevention. It’s always a good idea to seek medical advice if you think your dog is ill or hurt.In addition, the tips above you should also consider the hidden dangers in their habitat. If your dogs live inside you may be aware that many tragic accidents have occurred due to dogs chewing on or eating something they weren’t supposed to. To prevent accidents, go through your house and make sure everything is “dog-proofed.” That means not leaving cords and chargers on the floors, keeping medicine out of reach, and getting rid of potential hazards. Supervise your dog while they’re off-lead in the house or outside to make sure they don’t get into anything dangerous.  If your dogs lives outside, stay tuned or an article on the methods that can be used to keep them healthy. I hope these tips help you keep your dogs healthy and happy.

With TTCare on your smart phone pet illness detection is in the palm of your hand. We always want to make sure our pets get the best possible care. It's frustrating when we think something is wrong with them and have to take them to the vet and pay hundreds of dollars only to find out they're completely fine. A new app could help you get your four-legged pal help faster and potentially rule out ailments. Available on IOS and Android from their respective app stores. Read more about this breakthrough app on FoxNews.com