Cold Weather Tips for Pets from the Humane Society of Missouri
Don't forget your pets now that cold weather is here. Remember that they have to endure the same bitter temperatures as we do. Pets rely on us to help them stay warm when the weather is cold. Here are a few tips to keep Fluffy and Fido safe during the cold days of winter.
Bring your pet inside: Don't leave your pet outside in the cold for long periods of time. Wind chill makes the air colder than actual temperature readings. Be attentive to your pet's body temperature and limit time outdoors, especially to prevent frostbite on ears, tail and feet. If you run with your dog, be attentive to cold paws and leave Fido at home if it gets too cold.
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Provide adequate shelter: If your dog lives outdoors, you must provide a well-insulated and draft-free doghouse. The opening should face south with a sturdy, flexible covering to prevent icy winds from entering. Keep straw (NOT hay) inside the doghouse. Avoid towels and blankets which can easily dampen and make the space colder.
Beware of antifreeze and rock salt: Antifreeze, which often collects on driveways and roadways, is highly poisonous. Although it smells and tastes good to your pet, it is lethal. If you suspect your pet has ingested antifreeze, contact your veterinarian immediately! Rock salt, used to melt ice on sidewalks, can irritate footpads. Be sure to rinse and dry your pet's feet after being outside.
Dry off wet pets: Towel or blow-dry your pet if he gets wet from rain or snow. It is important to dry and clean his paws to prevent tiny cuts and cracked pads.
Provide plenty of food and water: It takes more energy in the winter to keep body temperature regulated, so your pet needs additional calories if he spends a lot of time outdoors or is a working animal. Also, provide plenty of fresh water. Your pet is just as likely to get dehydrated in the winter as in the summer. Snow is not a substitute for water. And, remember that water can freeze if kept in a bowl outside.
Carefully keep pets warm inside: Keep your pets warm, dry and away from drafts while inside. Tiles and uncarpeted areas might become very cold, so place blankets and pads on floors in these areas. Be careful of supplemental heat sources. Make sure all fireplaces have screens and keep portable heaters out of reach.
Groom regularly: Your pet needs a well-groomed coat to keep him properly insulated. Short or coarse-haired dogs might get extra cold so consider a sweater or a coat. Long-haired dogs should have their paw hair clipped to ease snow removal and the cleaning of their feet.
Woof! Tucker at For Love of a Dog
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Multi State Dog Fighting Ring Sentencing News
An update from the Humane Society of Missouri:
As you'll remember, on July 8, 2009 a multi-state federal dog fighting raid resulted in the rescue of more than 500 fighting dogs. Federal agents made 26 arrests and dogs were rescued in 8 states. This rescue operation was the largest dog fighting raid in U.S. history. The Humane Society of Missouri participated in the 18-month investigation and led the subsequent rescue and shelter operations, working in partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the United States Department of Agriculture’s Office of the Inspector General, the U.S. Marshals Service and the United States Attorneys in the Eastern and Western Districts of Missouri and the Southern Illinois District.
On Tuesday, December 8, 2009, noting the torture inflicted by people who train dogs to maim other dogs because that’s where the money is today, the Honorable Carol E. Jackson, United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Missouri, sentenced four of the defendants in the largest dog fighting case in U.S. history to terms in federal prison ranging from 12 months and one day to 18 months. Judge Jackson stated the crimes these defendants committed rose to the level of “extraordinary cruelty” warranting sentences which would be a “deterrence to the defendants and the community.”
Although these sentences significantly exceed current federal sentencing guidelines and we applaud Judge Jackson for imposing them. The Humane Society of Missouri believes federal and state dog fighting penalties and sentences should be strengthened to reflect the very serious nature of this heinous crime. In the coming weeks and months, they will be working to help convince those responsible to increase the penalties for dog fighting, both on the state and federal levels.
At For Love of a Dog we're contacting our state and federal elected officials to demand stronger penalties for dog fighting and animal cruelty. Please consider doing the same.
Woof! Tucker
As you'll remember, on July 8, 2009 a multi-state federal dog fighting raid resulted in the rescue of more than 500 fighting dogs. Federal agents made 26 arrests and dogs were rescued in 8 states. This rescue operation was the largest dog fighting raid in U.S. history. The Humane Society of Missouri participated in the 18-month investigation and led the subsequent rescue and shelter operations, working in partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the United States Department of Agriculture’s Office of the Inspector General, the U.S. Marshals Service and the United States Attorneys in the Eastern and Western Districts of Missouri and the Southern Illinois District.
On Tuesday, December 8, 2009, noting the torture inflicted by people who train dogs to maim other dogs because that’s where the money is today, the Honorable Carol E. Jackson, United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Missouri, sentenced four of the defendants in the largest dog fighting case in U.S. history to terms in federal prison ranging from 12 months and one day to 18 months. Judge Jackson stated the crimes these defendants committed rose to the level of “extraordinary cruelty” warranting sentences which would be a “deterrence to the defendants and the community.”
Although these sentences significantly exceed current federal sentencing guidelines and we applaud Judge Jackson for imposing them. The Humane Society of Missouri believes federal and state dog fighting penalties and sentences should be strengthened to reflect the very serious nature of this heinous crime. In the coming weeks and months, they will be working to help convince those responsible to increase the penalties for dog fighting, both on the state and federal levels.
At For Love of a Dog we're contacting our state and federal elected officials to demand stronger penalties for dog fighting and animal cruelty. Please consider doing the same.
Woof! Tucker
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Dog Ornaments on Sale Now
Perfect for your Christmas tree or to display year round, these artisan sculpture dog breed ornaments are fabulous. Entirely handmade and true to dog breed standards. A fantastic gift for that dog lover on your holiday shopping list. From Afghan and Boxer dogs to Visla and Yorkshire Terrier dogs and in between. For Love of a Dog has that special handcrafted dog lover gift.
Hurry for best selection. These dog breed ornaments are on sale now. Originally $25, they're now reduced to $20 and include free shipping.
Shop at For Love of a Dog Jewelry with a 10% new customer discount by entering FLDNEW during checkout. Free shipping and a sweet gift box, too. A howling good deal.
Hurry for best selection. These dog breed ornaments are on sale now. Originally $25, they're now reduced to $20 and include free shipping.
Shop at For Love of a Dog Jewelry with a 10% new customer discount by entering FLDNEW during checkout. Free shipping and a sweet gift box, too. A howling good deal.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Dog Lover Ornaments Necklaces Earrings on Sale Now

Do you have a dog lover on your Christmas gift shopping list? It's easy to find wonderful surprises for any dog lover, the hard part is choosing from wide variety of special doggy things available.
Why settle for the ordinary when you could select a handmade original from For Love of a Dog jewelry and gift offerings. And, right, now original artisan dog breed ornaments, dog lover necklaces and earrings are on sale. Free shipping in cute gift boxes, too.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Pits Bulls, Dog Fighting, Time Magazine
What do Pit Bulls, dog fighting and Time magazine have in common? Well, pick up the most recent issue of Time Magazine and find out. You'll see a former fighter who's become a model for Time magazine.
According to the Humane Society of Missouri, Fay is a five year old Pit Bull and is an appropriate "face" for what some call the sport of dog fighting. Fay has no upper or lower lips, probably mangled from numerous fights and eventually sliced off by her owner. The side and top of her nose are missing, also the result of dog fights. Her head, legs, shoulders and face have many dog bite scars. When not forced to fight, she lived hidden, deep in the woods at the end of a 10 foot, 30 pound log chain, with rancid rain water to drink and a dilapidated doghuse for shelter.
Fay and 25 of the more than 500 Pit Bull Terriers rescued by the Humane Society of Missouri in the largest dog fighting raid and rescue in US history are featured in the current issue of Time magazine. Their story is one of spirit overcoming horrible abuse with the help of many people including staff and volunteers of the Humane Society of Missouri.
There are thousands more dog fighting victims who desperately need to be rescued from lives of pain, torture and deprivation. Visit the Humane Society of Missouri for ways you can help.
According to the Humane Society of Missouri, Fay is a five year old Pit Bull and is an appropriate "face" for what some call the sport of dog fighting. Fay has no upper or lower lips, probably mangled from numerous fights and eventually sliced off by her owner. The side and top of her nose are missing, also the result of dog fights. Her head, legs, shoulders and face have many dog bite scars. When not forced to fight, she lived hidden, deep in the woods at the end of a 10 foot, 30 pound log chain, with rancid rain water to drink and a dilapidated doghuse for shelter.
Fay and 25 of the more than 500 Pit Bull Terriers rescued by the Humane Society of Missouri in the largest dog fighting raid and rescue in US history are featured in the current issue of Time magazine. Their story is one of spirit overcoming horrible abuse with the help of many people including staff and volunteers of the Humane Society of Missouri.
There are thousands more dog fighting victims who desperately need to be rescued from lives of pain, torture and deprivation. Visit the Humane Society of Missouri for ways you can help.
Woof!
Tucker, a lover not a fighter at For Love of a Dog Jewelry
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