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upvote this pic to bring the bulldog to the party

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Avoid Winter Hazards for Your Dog or Cat

Winter time in many parts of the United States brings cold temperatures, ice, and snow. This time of year also brings dangers for your pet that are not present during other times of the year.

Winter weather and your dog or cat

Pets can suffer from frostbite and cold exposure much like people. When the weather is severe, make sure your dog or cat is housed inside. Be aware when exercising or playing with your dog outdoors that your pet could suffer from exposure and bring your dog indoors to warm up at the first sign of trouble. Some dogs are more tolerant of cold than others and can withstand being outdoors for longer periods of time. However, no dog or cat should be outdoors unsupervised and without adequate shelter for extended periods of time. Even with shelter, pets should be allowed indoors during extreme weather conditions.

Ice melt and salt

Many people use various types of products to melt ice and make walkways and driveways safer for human foot traffic. However, these products can prove to be dangerous for your pets if licked from foot pads after walking on treated areas. Consider using pet safe products on your own property and make a habit of washing your pet's paws when he returns from a walk outside to remove any chemicals from neighboring properties.

Help your pet avoid these common winter weather hazards.

In addition to ice melt and salt that can get on the bottom of your pet's feet and be licked off, your pet's feet may also be sensitive to the ice and snow he is walking through. Boots or products such as Musher's Secret can be used to protect sensitive feet.

Antifreeze and your pet

Many types of antifreeze contain ethylene glycol which is toxic to your pet even in small quantities. To make matters worse, the chemical has a sweet taste that both dogs and cats will often readily ingest. Consider using pet safe alternatives in your own cars and other equipment. If your pet consumes antifreeze, seek veterinary care immediately. Left untreated, antifreeze poisoning can be lethal.

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renaissance painting

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#Belle! #💕 / ✂️ / #Yorkshireterrier #Yorkie / #conspicupups #dog #dogs #pet #pet #doggroomer #doggrooming #petgroomer #petgrooming (at Paws on Pingree)

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Pet Obesity: Is Your Cat or Dog Overweight?

Obesity is currently the number one nutritional disease seen in pets. It is currently estimated that over 50% of dogs and cats in the United States are either overweight or obese.

Fortunately, some people are beginning to wake up to the fact that being overweight is no healthier for our pets than it is us. For instance, Purina and Jenny Craig have recently teamed up to create Project Pet Slim Down, a program designed to help pet owners and their canine companions shed the excess pounds.

How can tell if your pet is overweight?

Ask your veterinarian to help you determine whether your pet's weight is ideal. Normally, the ideal body weight is based on a body condition score. A body condition score is an evaluation of your pet's relative proportion of muscle to fat. A dog or cat with an ideal body weight has easily palpable ribs and a clearly defined waist, among other considerations.

My pet is overweight. What can I do?

Pet obesity is becoming an overwhelming problem. Learn why and what you can do to help your pet.

Firstly, feed your pet intelligently. Choose a high-quality dog food and do not feed in excess. Reduce or eliminate between-meal snacks. If treats are a necessity that cannot be discontinued, choose low-calorie treats (carrots, frozen peas, etc.) and reduce the amount of food offered at meal-time accordingly to account for the additional calories.

Secondly, increase your pet's exercise. Start slowly and gradually increase if your pet is not used to strenuous exercise.

For dogs, walking is good exercise. Interactive games such as chasing a ball or Frisbee are also good. Swimming provides exercise without placing undue stress on sore joints for arthritic dogs.

For cats, interactive toys such as laser pointers or feathers tied to a string can help encourage exercise.

Food puzzles are also a good choice for both dogs and cats. An entire meal can be fed in a food puzzle, forcing the pet to increase his exercise and work for his meal.

Monitor your pet's weight regularly. Your pet should be weighed and have his body condition re-evaluated periodically. Weight checks every 2-4 weeks are recommended. And always have your pet's health evaluated by your veterinarian before beginning any weight loss program.

Why is it bad for my pet to be overweight?

Being overweight places your pet at risk for numerous health issues. Fat tissue is now actually recognized as an endocrine organ, secreting various chemicals and hormones that can have an adverse effect on your pet's body. So, it's not just a matter of extra weight on joints and extra work for the heart and other organs. Fat cells are actually known to secrete hormones that contribute to pain for your pet and have other deleterious effects on your pet's health.

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It’s 2 am and my lap dog decided to cuddle