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❄️ Enjoying the Winter Wonderland Together ❄️ 

As the winter chill sets in in many parts of the country, it's crucial to take extra precautions to ensure your furry friend stays safe and comfortable. One of the most important steps is to protect their paws from the harsh elements.

For example, salt or ice melt chemicals can irritate and damage their sensitive paw pads. After each walk, thoroughly clean their paws with warm water to remove any residue. Consider using a paw balm or wax to create a protective barrier.

We’ve got lots of winter safety tips to keep you and your pup safe all winter long. That way you can enjoy the snow or chilly weather together during a festive holiday season.

Sit & Stay Pro Tip — Keep Weather In Mind

Watching the weather forecast is crucial for keeping your dog safe during winter. You can make informed decisions about outdoor activities by staying informed about upcoming weather conditions.

Pay attention to temperature forecasts, as extreme cold can pose health risks— especially for older or sick dogs. Be aware of potential winter storms, as heavy snowfall and icy conditions can make walks hazardous. Additionally, monitor for wind chill advisories, as wind can significantly increase the risk of hypothermia.

Regardless of the weather, as the winter months set in, consider these everyday safety tips for top-notch winter weather fun without winter weather worries:

• Paw Protection:

  • Clean paws after every walk to remove salt, ice melt, and debris.

  • Consider using a paw balm or wax to create a protective barrier.

  • In extreme cold, dog boots can provide extra protection.

• Temperature Control:

  • Limit outdoor time during extreme cold — these temps start at 20°.

  • Provide a warm space for pups indoors.

• Water Intake:

  • Ensure fresh, unfrozen water is always available.

  • Do not let your pup drink too much too fast to avoid deadly Bloat.

• Winter Hazards:

  • Be cautious of antifreeze, as it is toxic to dogs.

  • Watch for hidden dangers like icy patches and snow drifts.

  • Avoid letting your dog off-leash in areas with frozen bodies of water.

• Vehicle Safety:

  • Check under your car before starting it, as dogs/cats/wildlife may seek warmth in engine compartments.

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Dog Food and Supplement Recalls

Here are the recent recalls and advisories:

• Hollywood Feed - Carolina Made Chicken Chips Dog Treats for potential salmonella.

• Gaines Family Farmstead - Chicken Chips Dog Treats for potential salmonella.

• ANSWERS - All beef and chicken dog foods for potential listeria and salmonella.

Why Fido Fly? Their snarky commentary makes the articles fun to read!

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If you have a photo and/or story that can make us smile, send it to [email protected].

Vet Recommendation — Play It Safe

“There is no straightforward answer to how cold is too cold and how long is too long to remain outside, because there are so many variables,” Dr. Gene Pavlovsky, director of the University of Illinois Veterinary Medicine South Clinic told the school’s blog. “For most dogs, it is probably safe to be outside for a very short period—just enough time to eliminate—even in extreme cold. However, to be safe, it’s probably best to discuss this with your veterinarian, because there may be individual recommendations fitting one pet but not another.”

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• 🐶 Dogs detecting disease: Read about this incredible pup in the UK who is able to sniff out diseases in trees!

• ✍️ Curated dog content: I Love Every Dog creates adorable, heartwarming, and real (not AI) daily content about dogs, like this post about dogs pretending to be vacuums.

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