Volume 13, Issue 02
Page 12
The PEACEKEEPER
The Dog Kennel
PETS continued from pg. 11
Shovel it.
Keep a small area in the yard shoveled clear of snow; or at least be sure the snow is only an
inch or two deep. Then encourage your pet to use this spot. It helps if you shovel a path to this snow‐free area.
Buy boo es. If your dog is bothered by the snow or ice touching its feet, snow boots donned just before the
po y break may make the outdoor journey ‐‐ and walking your pet in cold weather ‐‐ much easier. A bonus: Pet boo‐
es should help the house stay cleaner, too.
Stay close. When it's really cold out, members suggest wai ng by the door while your pooch uses its out‐
door po y, then le ng him back in as soon as he's done.
Make an indoor po y.
When the weather outside is truly frigh ul and you really don't want to let Fido
or Fifi out, you do have indoor op ons for your pet's toilet needs:
Pet pee pads resemble a flat, unfolded diaper and are an especially effec ve op on for small, older, or sick
dogs. Most pet supply stores carry a range of pee pad sizes, from toy‐dog ny to extra large.
Indoor pee patches consist of small swathes of pseudo grass topping a broad, hollow tray into which urine
collects each me a dog goes po y. You can find several inexpensive op ons with a quick online search.
Some smaller dogs can also be li er box‐trained; even mature dogs can be taught to use a box inside. Be pa‐
ent during the process, suggest message board members. Training your pup to use a li er box doesn't happen
overnight.
Pet Winter Safety: Know the Signs of Hypothermia and Frostbite
When cats and dogs are exposed to the cold for too long, their body temperature ‐‐ which is usually between
101°F and 102.5°F ‐‐ can drop fatally. Here's what you need to know as you keep a close eye on your pets in winter.
Hypothermia Symptoms in Dogs and Cats
violent shivering, followed by listlessness
weak pulse
Lethargy
muscle s ffness
problems breathing
lack of appe te
rectal temperature below 98°F
Coma
cardiac arrest
Hypothermia Treatment
Wrap your pet in a warm blanket or coat (you can warm blankets and coats in the dryer for a few minutes).
Bring your pet into a warm room.
See PETS continued on pg. 13