Keeping Warm!

I don't know about where you live, but here in the Ozarks it's cold! The hawk (that's what Daddy calls winter) has arrived! Today is a good day to just snooze in front of the fire, but I wanted to bark at you just a little bit about keeping your furry friends warm this winter.

You know, even though we have fur coats, dogs and cats depend you you for protection from freezing temperatures. Here are some quick tips for a toasty winter.

• Limit your furry friend's time outside only for bathroom breaks if it too cold.


• Provide them with a dry, warm secure shelter out of the wind such as a garage or insulated pet house.


• Even barkers that normally spend most of their time outside need good shelter in cold weather, even if it is only a garage.


• Heated water dishes help keep water from freezing.


• Keep us away from antifreeze. Poisoning takes only a couple of licks. Antifreeze may lurk in your garage or on your driveway so clean up spills immediately. You know, pet safe antifreeze is available at a lot of stores.


• De-icing chemicals can be hazardous to us. The salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate the pads of our paws. Pet safe ice melt is available. Also, be sure to wipe your feet every time after being on sidewalks.


• Skeeter says to remind you that cats and kittens often nap on warm car engines and hoods. If your car was recently used, knock on the hood or honk the car horn before starting the engine.

Lucy, Jeffie and I live in the house with Mama and Daddy, but a lot of dogs live outside with their own dog house. If that's what your situation is, then be your dog house is winterized.

• The dog house floor should be raised a few inches off the ground. Cedar chip can make a fair bedding. Some people use straw. Of course, you should make sure the bedding stays dry.


• The dog house itself should be turned to face away from the wind, and the doorway should be covered with a flap of heavy waterproof fabric or heavy plastic.

The only other thing I'll say about winter is that it also can be a lot of fun. We all love to play in the snow, especially Jeffie! Lucy and I like to chase snowballs, but Jeffie loves his flippy flier all year round!

Stay warm and woof woof until next time...

Tucker