Cold Weather Pet Safety Tips

Summer is behind us, along with doggy overheating dangers. However, with winter weather comes new hazards. Dry, cold winter air, freezing rain, snow, and ice can cause a variety of health issues for your canine companion. How can you keep them safe over the season?

Begin the Battle Against Dry, Chapped Skin Early

The cold air outside holds less moisture in the winter. This dryness is compounded by the dry heat of your furnace, increasing the likelihood of chapped, itchy, flaky skin. A home humidifier can help you and your pet avoid this issue.

Get the Right Haircut

Do not shave your canine companion in the winter, or leave him with a wild, overgrown hairdo. Proper winter grooming is essential. Your groomer can recommend the ideal haircut for your dog’s breed to minimize matting and clinging snowballs.

Don’t Overlook the Effects of Snow

It's easy for dogs, particularly those with long hair, to collect snowballs on their fur and feet following an outdoor romp. To combat matting and paw injuries, be sure to towel dry your dog as soon as he comes inside. Pay special attention to his paws, taking care to remove snow inbetween footpads.

Beware Ice & Ice Melting Chemicals

After walks in snowy, icy weather, wash and dry your pet's feet and belly to remove ice-melting chemicals and snowballs, checking paws for redness/irritation. When you purchase these chemicals for your yard, be sure to choose non-toxic pet and child-safe options.

Bathe with Nourishing, Moisturizing Shampoos

Wash to remove chemicals and dirt, but not so often as to strip the oils from your pooch’s skin which will worsen dryness. Massage dog paw healing balm onto your pup’s paws to guard against chemicals.

Bulk Up

It takes extra energy to stay warm. Provide your canine companion a few extra calories during the winter months, as well as plenty of water to combat dehydration.

Accessorize

A minimal investment in sweaters, an outdoor coat, and booties can keep your pet protected and comfortable in winter months. Small and mini breeds especially appreciate these items.

Put Yourself in Your Pet’s Place

Your pup can freeze if left outside or alone in your car. Disoriented, he could easily get lost or seriously injured. If it's too cold out for you, keep your friend inside in a draft-free space with a warm, cozy bed.

Winterize your pup for the coming season. Schedule pre-season grooming with DoGone Fun today.

This article was previously published at: https://www.dogonefunchicago.com/owning-a-dog/cold-weather-pet-safety-tips/

Tips for Introducing a New Puppy to an Older Dog

Are you thinking of adding a new pet to the family this holiday season? Though bringing a new puppy into the home is a joyful event, it can be filled with many trials and tribulations, particularly if you have an older dog in the house. How can you make this transition as smooth as possible for your pup and older pooch? We have a few tips to help you ensure your older friend doesn't feel hurt or jealous.

When Possible, Introduce Your New Pup on Neutral Territory

Whenever possible, it's best to introduce your new puppy on neutral grounds. Avoid places your older dog frequents, including your home, yard, and neighborhood where he walks. Good options include public parks, parking lots, and other pet-friendly spaces.

Don’t Neglect Giving Your Older Dog One-On-One Attention

Your old friend deserves one-on-one attention without the new puppy climbing all over him. It's good to put your pup away in his crate, pen, or the yard during this time. This is good for your new pup, too, helping him understand the world does not always revolve around him.

Don’t Leave Your Older Dog & Puppy Alone Together

Youngsters can be annoying even to those nearest and dearest to them. Your older dog is no stranger to these feelings, regardless of their nurturing nature. If your puppy takes his playful peskiness a bit too far, he could get unintentionally hurt by your older dog.

Be Cautious When Gifting Toys & Treats

It's easy for feelings of jealousy to flare when highly coveted treats and toys are being distributed. Keep these feelings in check by separating dogs at these times to avoid altercations.

Help Your Older Dog Feel Secure of His Role in the Family

Remember, if your older dog’s emotional well-being is neglected, the experience will not be positive for anyone. Taking everyone’s feelings into account ensures a happy household.

Furry family drama taking its toll? At DoGone Fun, we offer ‘neutral territory,’ as well as a great space to give your older dog or new pup time away. Learn more about our doggy daycare services today.

This article was previously published at: https://www.dogonefunchicago.com/owning-a-dog/tips-for-introducing-a-new-puppy-to-an-older-dog/

Benefits of Giving Dog Training as a Gift with a New Puppy

Are you gifting someone with the joy of a puppy this holiday season? Then you should consider adding in dog training - an excellent and appreciated accessory gift, especially for first-time owners. Dog training provides many benefits to both pup and owner, easing everyday struggles and ensuring a more enjoyable journey.

Benefits of Giving the Gift of Training with a New Puppy

Dog training has been shown to be the single most important factor in securing a dog’s “forever” home. There are many reasons to give the gift of dog training for new puppy:

·         Get off to a great start.
Puppy training classes help a puppy and its new family get started off right. Puppy training ensures puppy and owner learn how to interact with each other and their environment in a positive way.

·         Build the foundation for a great, lasting relationship.
Attending training sessions together sets the stage for the future, enhancing puppy/owner partnerships and building bonds that last a lifetime.

·         Learn how to handle common dog (mis)behaviors.
Training helps new puppy owners learn how to handle typical puppy (mis)behaviors like housetraining, chewing, and digging.

·         Encourage good doggy manners.
Puppy prep and obedience training ensures dogs form the skills owners want from the start, such as coming when called, cooperating with walking on a leash, politely greeting guests, and more.

·         Develop key socialization skills.
Studies show puppy socialization is integral to the psychological health of adult dogs, and puppy training classes provide excellent opportunities for this essential facet of development.

·         Broaden the range of activities in which a dog can take part.

Trained dogs can join in on more family events, such as visits to friends, kid’s sporting events, hiking, swimming, and other regular events enjoyed by the family.

Ensure a joyful holiday experience that lasts a lifetime. Give the gift that keeps on giving with puppy prep and obedience training classes from DoGone Fun today.

This article was previously published at: https://www.dogonefunchicago.com/training-a-dog/benefits-of-giving-dog-training-as-a-gift-with-a-new-puppy/