winter Archives - Professional Dog Walking and Pet Sitting in Dallas TX

“Them bones, them bones…”

Osteoarthritis appears as a pet gets older, the cartilage in the joints erodes and the bones come in contact with each other. The joints most likely to be affected are the weight bearing joints: those in the pelvis, knees, ankles and spine. Arthritis is a progressive disease without a cure, but often some of the pain can be alleviated. Treatment plans often include a healthy, reduced-calorie diet, therapeutic exercise, massage, and anti-inflammatory medications and/or supplements.

One of the best things you can do for your dog is to make sure you have him or her on a weight maintenance diet, since extra weight places a lot of extra pressure on the already stressed joints.
Gentle exercise can be helpful, such as short walks. Dog gyms or dog activity centers are opening up around the country. Check the internet to look for ones in your area. Some have pet indoor swimming pools. This is great exercise for arthritic pets since it takes pressure off the joints.
There are some medications that may help your dog, depending on the severity of the arthritis. Your veterinarian can prescribe an anti-inflammatory or corticosteroid drugs to reduce inflammation. Dietary supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate can also provide pain relief.
Keeping your dog comfortable and warm by providing your dog with a well-padded bed in a warm indoor location or placing a heated blanket (make sure it’s pet safe) in his bed can make all the difference in his outlook. Clothing can also help. Wrap your dog in a specially designed dog sweater, or alter one of your old sweaters or sweatshirts to fit your dog.
Ask your vet about massage and alternative medicine.

Take good care of your pet’s bones and joints in cold weather, and make him/her happy.

Winter Fun!

Animals are just as vulnerable to the effects of Hypothermia as humans are. If you have an outdoor dog or a roaming cat, it would be better to keep them indoors or in the garage during these sub-zero nights.

Speaking of garages, be aware of these two things: anti-freeze and carbon monoxide. If you have a car that needs anti-freeze in the winter, you must know that there are elements of anti-freeze that are lethal for pets. Wipe up all spills, whether in the garage or out on the driveway, and keep pets away from the car when you are adding the anti-freeze. If you warm up your car in the morning before going to work, make sure you do that with the garage door open or with the car in the driveway. Before you drive off, make sure your pets are not lingering around the car to keep warm. Some cats even may get into the engine, so look there, too.

The salt solution used to prep the streets and the salt/sand mixture you may use around your front porch and driveway are not good for your pets either. Wash their paws when they come indoors if they have been exposed to salt.

Rat and mouse poisons are used more frequently in winter, so be certain that these are placed far from your pets.

You can get booties and sweaters to keep your pets warm outside while you look forward to the sunshine of Spring!

Traci Easter’s furkid Pink enjoying the snow.