Beware of the Nor’eastah!
In the Boston area, it’s no surprise that our weather can be unpredictable (and sometimes, a little unfavorable)! How do you prepare for anothah Nor’eastah? Shovel the driveway, check. Stock up on bread, check. Milk, check. Dog safe ice melt? Check!
Our 360° of Happy Health focuses on your harmonious relationship with your pet. This philosophy supports you both by giving you, the pet parent, everything you’ll need for your pet to be happy and healthy every day, no matter the weather.
JM Pet Resort has the scoop on winter preparation to keep your fur-babies safe and warm during the cold months.
Who let the dogs out?
It’s great if your pup loves to play in the snow, but here’s a few things you should know! Is your fur-baby sensitive to the elements? Before you head out, we suggest applying Musher’s Secret Dog Wax to moisturize your pup’s paws and avoid dry or cracking skin. If you’re going to brave the storm with your dog by your side, keep your fur baby warm with a reversible fleece Nor’easter jacket. For all the essentials in one place, check out our Retail store online or stop by in-person and shop our full range of apparel.
While walking through a winter wonderland, listen to your pet! If they’re whining or shaking, wrap up the walk and get them someplace cozy at home. We recommend bringing a towel to dry your dog off while you’re out. If on the go in the cah, the warmth from the vents may also lessen your pet’s chance of irritated skin.
Dogs with hair between their toes can actually get salt, sand, ice or snow stuck in those tricky spots. This causes irritation and sometimes, infection. Make sure to properly clean your dog’s paws and dry them off carefully from the snow once you’re home. We recommend using Mud Buster Paw Cleaner for dirty paws before drying off with a towel and applying a paw moisturizer or balm to paw pads.
Senior pets staying cozy
Have an older pet? The harsh weather may also be harsh on their joints. Keep them well with CBD to soothe muscle tension and ease joint stiffness. Products such as Grizzly Joint Aid Hip and Joint Product Liquid for Dogs and Cats can make a big difference in keeping your senior pet comfortable. CBD products are not only popular in the pet care industry, but exceedingly effective in managing pain and promoting healing in your fur baby. Did you know we offer Doctor Vet® Laser therapy, too? Consider the non-invasive FDA-approved modality that can help your pet feel comfy. Major improvements are noticed after just one session.
Simple changes, such as laying out extra blankets, can help your pet adjust to the season easier. If they aren’t used to a cooler temperature, we suggest keeping warm items like blankets and bedding accessible to your pet at all times.
Of course, your senior dog still needs outside time. Keep a sharp eye on them when outdoors and limit outdoor play. Senior dogs are more susceptible to illness, and low temps can certainly take a toll. Stay vigilant and note any shivering and muscle tension, as they’re typically the first signs of hypothermia. Any notice of these symptoms should be indicators for you to bring them back inside.
While back inside, your pet can still play! Fetch with a favorite toy never fails. Reward your good pup with treats, or give them an extra challenge and hide them in a snuffle mat!
Potential outdoor hazards
Lakes and ponds may be a favorite for ice skating, but make sure the area is safe before letting your dog run out. We know most dogs love water, but the cold can shock their system and leave them susceptible to bacteria and hypothermia.The same bacteria in water is also in the snow that your dog may be eating off the ground. An upset tummy can escalate to kidney issues or other serious complications. Be aware of puddles near vehicles that may have antifreeze in them, as antifreeze is toxic to pets!
Don’t shave your dog! Unless medically necessary (some Doodles will get mats from snow and will need to be shaved!), we advise against shaving your dog during the winter. Dogs have evolved to withstand weather conditions that are typical to their geographical region. Huskies are snow dogs and need their coats to stay warm.
If you have a warm climate dog, like a chihuahua, their coat does not need to be altered for the weather, either. If your pup runs cold, we suggest bundling them up. Keep your home stocked with warm bedding and blankets so that they can snuggle up! If you’re going out, a warm weather-resistant jacket will quickly become a helpful seasonal necessity!
Stuck indoors
If you’re stuck in a blizzahd, chances are you will minimize you and your dog’s time outside. This doesn’t mean that you should skimp on the exercise! Read our blog on exercising your dog in the winter with tips from Jeni the Doglady!
Time to train
Aside from exercise, your dog needs a certain level of stimulation to stay sharp mentally, too. Keep up with your pet’s training. Some extra time at home is a great opportunity to refine familiar commands and recall. Grab some of their favorite treats and get to work! If you’re working from home, allow us to help out! Did you know we offer Day School training sessions as a Health4PETS® Extra to add to a PLAYtrain® or Boarding reservation?
Solve the puzzle
It can be frustrating when your pup scooches their snout to you and yawns, clearly bored. An enrichment activity can remedy that! In addition to training, rewarding mental activities such as playing with a snuffle mat, a peanut butter Kong, or slow feeder can all contribute to your dog’s mental, physical, and emotional wellness. If your pet has extra energy, an interactive puzzle or Toppl will tire them out!
Here, kitty, kitty
Pay special attention to your outdoor cats in harsh weather. Winter is particularly difficult for kitties because they are so naturally drawn to warmth! If possible, keep your little furballs inside. If they spend time outdoors, keep it simple and take them on short walks. Either use a harness or pet stroller to keep your kitty protected.
Some kitties like to hide from the elements by burrowing in small enclosed spaces. This can be an issue since some cats like to stay tucked away in between car tire wheel wells or underneath the vehicle. If you’re running your car for warmth, before you get going, check each tire and underneath the car. Tapping on the metal should do the trick in alerting the cat to seek a warmer spot elsewhere.
When returning indoors, be sure to use pet safe products such as Paw Thaw Ice Melt, as many weather products can be toxic to pets!
Indoor cats will need extra blankets and warm spaces to cozy up in. Cats will have boosted hunger due to less natural light and cooler temperatures. To keep them from going into a food frenzy, keep their mind busy with enrichment! Similar to dog enrichment, kitties are natural hunters and puzzles strengthen their skills. A slow feeder will help them to eat slower and digest their food properly. If you have extra materials at home and are feeling crafty, give some of our favorite DIY Cat Toys a try!
Microchipping
One of the ultimate safety tips that is relevant year-round for your pet is to get them microchipped! Microchipping offers peace of mind to you that if your fur-baby gets lost, they will make it back home to you. Curious to learn more about what microchipping is and isn’t? We have a blog for that! We offer appointments for microchipping at JM Pet Vet Clinic— book with us by calling 508-588-5661.