Pets & Holidays Related Articles

Cold Weather Safety Tips: How to Care for and Protect Dogs this Winter Season

Pet Safety Articles

If we are feeling the early chill of winter, you can bet our pets are too. While we can turn up the heat, throw on some extra layers, and break out our waterproof boots, our dogs don’t have that same luxury. These shifts in weather are felt more acutely by our dogs who can take longer to acclimate to outdoor changes.

How should we care for our dogs, great and small, in cold weather? Here are a few tips to protect your dog for the winter season.

1. Bundle Your Dog Up With Extra Layers

Some dogs can use an extra layer of fluff, just like people in the winter. Thin-skinned, delicate breeds such as the Italian Greyhound and Chihuahuas can use a coat or sweater that protects the belly and torso. A well-groomed dog can also be outfitted with booties for insulation and to provide traction on slippery surfaces. Most dog booties are elastic or have Velcro fasteners and can be laundered.

Cold Tolerance for Different Breeds

Some Northern breeds like the Akita, Husky, Alaskan Malamute and Keeshond are built to withstand the arctic chill; their dense coats and furry feet act as insulation and help them navigate icy terrain. Others, like the Chihuahua, Poodle and Dachshund have thin coats and less muscle mass.

For smaller breed dogs, their anatomy keeps them closer to the ground where they come into direct contact with ice, snow and de-icing salt. These breeds are especially sensitive to exposure, and if their human owners are feeling chilled, you can bet they are too.

2. Protect Your Dog’s Paws

If your dog can’t bear to wear boots in the winter, consider a paw wax or petroleum jelly massaged into the pads to provide protection from the elements and to prevent cracking. Here is a favorite DIY paw balm recipe to help moisturize and condition your dog’s pads in the wintertime.

Pets are more likely to sustain injury walking on ice or salt; to protect your pet in cold weather, always rinse, dry, and carefully examine their feet after returning from the great outdoors. Excessive hair between a dog’s toes can be trimmed to avoid slipping on surfaces and to limit the snowballs that form in between the toes. And a good belly rub to remove ice and debris is always appreciated!

3. Limit Outdoor Play Time

Acclimating our dogs to colder temperatures is best done by limiting outdoor playtime to 5-10 minutes and extending that period gradually. Beware of the signs that indicate a dog is too cold, including shivering, heat-seeking behavior and depression.

As their internal temperature drops and they become hypothermic, it’s possible for a decreased heart rate, coma and even death to ensue. Dogs are more susceptible to frostbite on delicate skin such as the ear tips and tail. The most noticeable change in affected areas is a color change from pink to white or blue-grey.

Most dogs are comfortable at temperatures above 45 degrees and don’t likely need a coat. Below 32 degrees, most dogs will be feeling an uncomfortable chill. As the thermometer dips under 20 degrees (be sure to consider wind too), cover your pet when outside unless they happen to be an Arctic breed.

A good rule of thumb when it comes to dog winter safety is if you are uncomfortable outdoors, so is your pet!

4. Extra Care for Young and Senior Pets

Caring for senior or young pets when the weather is cold may mean keeping them indoors or providing a warm, cozy shelter. These dogs are less able to regulate body temperature, might be lower to the ground resulting in belly exposure to the snow or have compromised immune systems leaving them to feel physiologically stressed. This also makes them more likely to suffer from frostbite.

5. Nutrition & Hydration

Nutrition and hydration should be carefully considered when the weather is cold. If your dog is active in the snow or spends time outdoors, they utilize more calories to maintain their body temperature. To care for your dog in the winter, you might find additional kibble is necessary to maintain body weight and optimal health.

Dehydration is a concern in wintertime just as it is in the summer. Some dogs may drink more water to offset the lack of humidity in the air. Always provide ample fresh water to their bowls throughout the day. You can even give them ice cubes to snack on and opt for a heated water bowl if necessary.

6. Be Cautious of Antifreeze and Other Chemicals

Be aware that some toxins may be particularly accessible during the season. Antifreeze ingestion can be lethal and cause a drunken appearance, kidney damage, vomiting, and seizures. Clean up any spills immediately as it has a sweet taste that is appealing to dogs.

Ethylene glycol is the ingredient that will lead to poisoning; it is possible to buy antifreeze that has propylene glycol as the active ingredient and is less toxic.

7. Holiday Decorations

Unlike their cat counterparts, most dogs stay away from the Christmas tree. BUT, the tree water or edible ornaments can be a great temptation and lead to injury. Keep the tree, needles, glass decorations, and edibles inaccessible to all your pets. Poinsettias, holly, and mistletoe are common plants we may use for winter decorations and will lead to oral irritation, drooling, vomiting or abdominal pain if ingested.

Here’s additional holiday tips to keep your pet safe.

8. Safety With Heating

Leaving a pet in a car that is running increases the likelihood of carbon monoxide poisoning; while it may seem tempting to run one last errand with your companion, drop them at home first! Likewise, space heaters and electrical cords can cause fire or electrical burns if your dog decides to make them chew toys or knocks them over while playing.

Remember these tips this winter season and stay warm. We’re already counting down the days till spring!

How Do I Decorate For The Holidays With A Dog?

Pet Safety Articles

One of the best ways to get into the holiday spirit, is to decorate for the occasion. As beautiful as the festive atmosphere may be, it’s also important to remember that dogs might not get along with these changes. Our treasured holiday décor many are not the safest for our pups. Before we decide to dig up that old bin of holiday decorations, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

What should I look out for?

Does your dog like to eat things found on the floor? Do they chew on things like extension cords or cables? How many times have they ripped up items that are not toys? For our dogs, bright new things are the holy grail of a fun time. With so many shiny lights, moving objects, and fuzzy new décor everywhere, can you blame them? Understand that have a dog is just like having a kid. Be smart and prepare for their wellbeing.

What holiday items should I pay extra attention to?

Holiday Trees

Your holiday tree is the center piece of all your home. Unfortunately, they’re also not entirely dog friendly. If you think your holiday tree smells great, just imagine how they smell to your pups. Your dog’s nose smells 40x greater than ours. Making that holiday tree the biggest temptation your dog must face all year. If you haven’t already, consider buying an artificial tree instead of using the real thing. This will help in several ways.

They Won’t Mark Their Territory – It should help prevent your dog from marking their territory on all your precious, hanging memories. Dogs love to make their scent the strongest in the room.

They Won’t Knock It Over – Artificial trees tend to come with sturdier stands than your typical screw–in tree stand. This makes it harder for your pups to get rowdy and knock it over.
They Can’t Eat The Pine Needles – Ingesting a large amount of pine needles is not good for your dog’s health. By opting into an artificial tree, you eliminate that danger entirely.

Holiday Ornaments

Although artificial trees are much safer, all forms of holiday trees come with risk. Fragile ornaments can be easily knocked loose and break or be seen as a shiny new chew toy. Shattered plastic or glass can get into your dog’s paw pads causing a very painful emergency trip to the vet. On a much worse scale, they can burst in your pup’s jaws resulting in much more fatal problems. Place more delicate ornaments higher on the tree and avoid any ornaments with metal hooks. Avoid using tinsel or placing any kind of food such as popcorn, cranberries, or candy canes in sight of your pup.

Holiday Lights

Beautifully colored lights are festive and fun ways to brighten up your home each winter. However, it is because of this beauty that they can be very dangerous for your dogs. Pets have a tendency to chew on wires and burn themselves on hot bulbs. During the holiday season, many pet stores sell pet-proof extension cords or chewing deterrent sprays on exposed cables. If too hot, holiday bulbs can burn your pet’s mouth or burst into tiny shards of glass. Generally, try to organize the lights in a manner that won’t have much contact with the ground.

Holiday Plants

There are many kinds of plants and flowers that people use to spruce up the home with during the holidays. Festive botanical decor like mistletoe and holly, and extremely toxic for dogs. The traditional holiday Poinsettias are a bit less dangerous but are more likely to be eaten based on smell. These flowers cause serious upset stomachs and in large amounts, could prove much worse. As a replacement, consider buying fake plants or deciding on silk plants for decoration.

Other Holiday Décor

Many of us like to create our own winter wonderland indoors. As tempting as that may be, using items like angel hair or artificial snow to decorate can be fatal to your dogs. This type of fluffy décor can be very appealing to a pup. If consumed, it can cause intestinal blockage and become toxic if consumed. Ribbons, bows, and yarn should be placed thoughtfully around the house. If eaten, like other items, they can cause irritation and digestive issues.

Being thoughtful when decorating your home is easy when you have a guide to get you there. At Pet Butler, we want you and your pups to enjoy the holiday season for years to come. Don’t waste your time together picking your pets poop, let Pet Butler do it for you. We scoop poop so you don’t have to. Schedule your scooping service now!

What Are Some Holiday Crafts You Can Make With Your Pet?

Dog Activities Articles

The holidays are here! Now is the time to spread cheer, give back, and make as many memories as possible. For your pets, the holidays are exciting and limited. It’s no secret your pets won’t live forever. These moments are special and should be spent commemorating your time as much as possible. That means it’s time to pull out the construction paper, glitter glue, and non-toxic paint and start making memories. Here are a few ideas to help freeze time and keep your pets a part of the celebration for years to come.

Holiday Pet Craft Ideas

Make A Holiday Ornament

Ornaments are a great addition to any holiday tree that provides memories every year that you use them. There are many crafty ways to create this memory to hang on your tree. However, we will cover our top two.

The Paw Print Ornament – This is a safe and easy way to freeze your pet’s paw in time. All it takes is flour, water, and a pinch of salt. No exact measurements needed. Mix it all together into a dough and flatten to about ¼ inch thick. Press your pet’s paw into the mixture. Poke a small how at the top and string a ribbon through the hole. Let the dough dry for up to an hour. Then, Voila! Your ornament is ready for any further decorating you deem necessary.

The Collar Ornament – Your pets grow out of sweaters, toys, beds, and especially their collars. So, what do you do with them after? Why not repurpose old gear into holiday memories. You can take an old collar and create a holiday tree memory. This even works with old sweaters or toys. If you take a clear plastic ornament and place strips of these items inside, with a photo of your pet to top it off, you have the perfect holiday decoration.

Make a Holiday Photo Frame

The Season Wall Photo – Somethings you decorate with all year and some only seasonally. Why shouldn’t that go with the photos you hang on your wall? Create a holiday photo frame with your pet’s paw in the shape of a holiday tree! This one is messy, but worth every memory. Use a non-toxic paint to dip your pet’s paw into and stamp their paw in the form that you like. To top it off, take a photo of you and your pet while doing it.

Make A Seasonal Pet Blanket

The Holiday Pet Blanket – This one might sound out there, but it is the perfect way to get your pets excited about their seasonal items. You can use a mix of store-bought fabric, old blankets, old pet clothing, or all the above! Using the tying up the corners method, you can create a happy memory for your pet to use every holiday and to keep every holiday after!

At Pet Butler, we understand what it means to want to give your pet the best and most meaningful memories. That is why Pet Butler is dedicated to providing clean yards for you and your pet to make as many memories as possible. If you want to learn more about the services we provide, follow the link here!

Reduce Pet Anxiety on New Year’s Eve

Dog Behavior Articles

No time is more fun (and stressful) than the holiday season. Super-charged with anticipation, the rush of Black Friday shopping, and capped by the ball drop as we ring in the new year, our bodies are in physiologic overdrive. Our pets also react to stress and the irregular holiday schedule with elevated heart rates, cortisol dumps, changes in blood pressure, and increased anxiety. Regular exercise and meditation help humans release natural feel-good chemicals that can reduce the effects of holiday strain. And we can assist our pets do the same by giving them a festive, safe, and stress-less New Year’s celebration with some safety essentials and having a coping strategy to guide them into the new year!

Establish Safe Spaces

First, make sure your pet has a calm place in which to retreat such as a kennel or a den created in a cozy bathroom or laundry room. Loud noises which accompany New Year’s Eve celebrations such as fireworks, balloons popping, and the screech of noisemakers can startle dogs. Owners often think of their fearful pets during a thunderstorm or 4^th of July celebration but forget about the excessive holiday cheer. Offer the same safe space with insulated walls and few exterior noises or the comforting pressure of a thunder shirt during the chaos. Ask “Alexa” to play Classical Music for Pets. She will happily oblige (I recommend Canon in D).

Partygoers may inadvertently leave exterior doors open or meander into unmarked rooms looking for the lavatory or another bottle of champagne. Make sure your pet is secure in their space and their haven is clearly marked with a hanging sign reading DO NOT DISTURB. If the ringing doorbell triggers your dog, you may want to indicate guests to knock first or just walk right in if your pet is behind closed doors.

Get Active Before the Festivities

Other ways to assist your pet navigate the transition into the new year include giving them room to run prior to being kenneled. A good romp in the snow, a game of fetch, or a pre-party outing at the dog park can work wonders at reducing energy and tension. Natural stress reducers include not only exercise but calming pheromones such as Adaptil collars and plug-ins, Composure Pro supplements containing L-tryptophan and L-theanine, and supplements containing valerian root or Bach flower essence. If your dog is overly stimulated and anxious by the time New Year’s Eve rolls around (and aren’t we all) talk to your veterinarian about prescription medications to provide relief. It is never in your pet’s best interest to ignore symptoms of stress; they rely on us to provide a safe environment and meet all their physical and emotional needs.

Keep Human Treats Out of Reach

Noisy revelers often snack on chocolatey desserts or drink alcohol while celebrating. Make sure all treats and snacks are out of reach. Alcohol consumption by dogs, even just one mixed drink, can lead to depression, an unsteady gait, vomiting and in some cases, a serious drop in blood pressure and body temperature. As marijuana consumption, especially in the form of edibles, becomes more commonplace, pet exposure has substantially increased. The National Animal Poison Control Center educates owners on the side effects of ingestion which may include drowsiness, unsteadiness, a decrease in heart rate, and possible seizure activity. If you suspect your pet has consumed any known toxins such as alcohol, chocolate, marijuana, human medications, or foods containing raisins or sugar substitutes, call your 24-hour veterinary clinic or the APCC right away at (888) 426-4435.

As I get older, the thrill of staying up until midnight has diminished. Instead, I like to snuggle on the couch with my pups, watch a movie, share a few bits of popcorn or pretzels, and give them some extra love. My furry family appreciates it!

Are Candles, Essential Oils, and Air Fresheners Safe For Pets?

Pet Safety Articles

Evoking memories of pumpkin patch visits, jumping in falling leaves, and eating apple cider donuts, the smells of fall are powerful triggers of times long past. It is about this time of year when we pull the blankets a little tighter and light the maple sugar or cinnamon apple scented candle.

Estimates are that our dogs have up to 100,000 times more ability to detect scent vs. their human counterparts, so what do they make of all the appetizing and botanical scents we surround ourselves with every day?

For some dogs, our scented candles, air fresheners, and essential oils, while masking noxious odors, may pose a health risk. Let’s sort out which products can be harmful, as well as determine how we can safely incorporate the heavenly scents of the season into our home environments.

Dangers of Candles and Essential Oils

Both scented candles and some aerosol or plug-in fresheners can release volatile organic compounds as well as toxins like lead, naphthalene, formaldehyde, and phthalates. Synthetic fragrances and carcinogenic soot from paraffin candles, a petroleum product, can exacerbate respiratory conditions such as asthma in humans and pets.

Phthalates, another airborne product released from burning candles, have been implicated in causing endocrine system disruption leading to diabetes, birth defects, and cancer.

In addition to the harm caused by the burning of candles and the release of artificial chemicals into the air, the delicious smells can entice dogs to nibble on candles, wax, or ingest oils. Ingestion of most candles will generally lead to nothing more than an upset stomach and diarrhea. Consuming or absorbing essential oils through the skin and mucous membranes can be a whole different matter.

Essential oils are the volatile organic compounds extracted from plants that contribute to their fragrance and taste. Pets are especially sensitive to these products and depending on the concentration and formulation, just a few drops of tea tree or eucalyptus oil can cause severe illness; clinical signs can range from weakness, to depression, seizures, low body temperature, salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, and even death.

It’s best not to apply any oils directly to the skin of your pet for this reason, and even diffusing some oils can trigger a cough or symptoms of allergy. Which oils should never be used around pets? Some suggest pine, wintergreen, cinnamon, citrus based oils, peppermint, camphor, clove, bitter almond, garlic, horseradish, mustard, and pennyroyal essential oils are dangerous to dogs and cats.

Safe Candles and Plugins

There are safe ways to coexist with the smells we associate with cleanliness and holiday cheer. When purchasing candles, look for those that are made from natural ingredients such as soy, beeswax, and bluecorn and are free from artificial fragrances. A wick made from cotton is cleaner to burn than those that have metal wires in the center which may emit heavy metals into the environment.

Sprays such as Febreze are perfectly safe to use in your home, though you want to avoid direct contact with your pet as they may be a stomach or skin irritant. If you choose to diffuse, monitor your pets for any respiratory symptoms. As no long-term studies have been conducted to verify safety of inhaling oils, let the buyer beware. Most importantly, keep all diffusers, candles, and sprays out of reach. Pets are susceptible to burns when lit candles and hot wax meet skin.

Purchasing wide based-candles and placing burning candles in a dish of water can decrease the potential risk of fire. When in doubt about any products you introduce into your home, keep the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center phone number (888) 426-4435 on hand to get safety data and toxicity information.

Pet Safety: Safe Foods Dogs Can Eat On Thanksgiving

Pet Safety Articles

Next time you are the pet store picking up a bag of kibble, check out the ingredients in some popular brands of dog food. The lists read like a veritable Thanksgiving Day menu: sweet potatoes, turkey, peas, white potatoes, carrots, pumpkin and cranberries. As the lines blur between pet food diets and what we feed our human holiday guests, it is a good idea to clear up some common misconceptions about safe and dangerous Thanksgiving meals for dogs, so they can join the party!

Thanksgiving Table Decorations To Watch Out For

During the holiday preparations, we may overlook the dog in the corner munching on a mum or an amaryllis. Both plants, as well as macadamia nuts, holly, English ivy, cyclamen, and Christmas rose are all found on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center’s list of toxic plants. Ingesting modest quantities will generally cause vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and excessive salivation so it’s best to keep any plants high out of reach of a rogue canine.

The kitchen! Home to all varieties of delicious smells, tastes, and frenzied activity. Dough rising in the corner for dinner rolls? Should your dog eat raw dough, be prepared for a host of potential problems including bowel obstruction and bloat as the dough continues to rise and release gases INSIDE your dog’s belly. As the yeast ferments, ethanol is produced.

Think an over-served relative is bad news? A drunk dog is no laughing matter; watch for signs of drooling, difficulty walking, weakness, low blood pressure, body temperature, vomiting, and seizures in an intoxicated pet. Raw or under-cooked meat waiting for the deep fryer can also be dangerous to your dog. In addition to bones which can puncture the esophagus, stomach, intestines, or become lodged in the mouth, Salmonella and E.coli love to live on raw turkey. Ingesting these bacteria may cause vomiting and diarrhea in your dog which may lead to secondary exposure by unsuspecting guests.

Safe Thanksgiving Foods For Dogs

Can your dog eat cooked turkey? For most otherwise healthy dogs with no food allergies or intolerances, the answer is yes! A good rule of thumb is to feed your dog no more than 10% of his daily calories in treat form or suffer the consequences (read: diarrhea).

Skinless, boneless white meat is low in fat and calories and is easy to digest for most dogs. Likewise, canned or cooked pumpkin (NOT pumpkin pie filling with sugar and spices) is a great source of fiber and Vitamin A; 1-2 Tablespoons can be added to your dog’s dish without leading to excessive gas or loose stools.

Mashed or cooked white potatoes or sweet potatoes are also a delicious treat; set aside some safe starches before you add butter, salt, milk, cheese, gravy, and especially garlic or onions (both on the naughty list and can cause red blood cell damage!). And please, no gravy!

Traditional Thanksgiving foods like cranberries can be eaten in very small amounts before being doctored with sugar and other goodness. And while they may look similar, grapes and raisins are known to cause kidney disease in dogs and are to be avoided. Plain green beans and peas are tasty and healthy! Add a few to your dog’s Thanksgiving plate.

Sweet Treats Dogs Can and Cannot Eat

No meal is complete without dessert. Chocolate is a definite no-no; the caffeine and theobromine cause nervous system stimulation, gastrointestinal upset, and even death in high enough doses. All chocolate is not created equal; dark chocolate and baking chocolate, i.e. the “good stuff”, contains more of the “bad stuff” and will cause toxicity in smaller quantities. Size does matter. A smaller dog will become ill eating the same amount of chocolate as a larger pet.

Those of you trying to minimize the calorie load in your Thanksgiving meal need to be sure sweeteners containing xylitol aren’t accessible to dogs. The no-calorie sweetener can be found in some peanut butters, gum, mints, pudding snacks, and some baked goods. Unlike humans, dogs consuming xylitol experience a massive release of insulin which can cause low blood sugar, weakness, seizures, and liver failure. If you like to spoil your pet, apples, carob chips, and frozen banana bites are safe Thanksgiving indulgences for your dog.

Most of all, make sure your guests are on the same page when it comes to sharing their Thanksgiving food. If everyone gives your dog a “tiny” bit of turkey, tummy troubles or even a serious case of pancreatitis could send you to the vet. It’s also important to remember to feed your dog his Thanksgiving dish IN his dish and not from your hand or the table. Bad behavior can begin or be reinforced during the frenetic holidays.

Be mindful of these tips and you can be thankful you avoided a Thanksgiving trip to the Animal ER!