By Janice Murasko
Last week in “Days of Our Nine Lives,” new ARF cats discussed how to keep cats comfortable in cold, snowy weather.
Phil: Let’s continue the game we were playing last week, but instead of how to keep cats warm, let’s talk about keeping dogs warm.
Atlas: Great! People just have to know when it’s too cold for a dog outside, for starters.
Phil: Right! When it’s 20˚ F outside, it’s too cold for most dogs. Above 20˚ F it may still be too cold to walk if conditions are icy, windy, or if the dog is very young, old, or has a compromised immune system.
Newton: Jackets! Put jackets onto the dogs!
Buffie: Not all dogs will benefit from a sweater or jacket, but many breeds can.
Whiskers: Hairless breeds should always wear some type of winter dog clothing. Short haired and small breeds should always wear a sweater or jacket for insulation.
Buffie: And pet guardians should consider getting a jacket or sweater for elderly dogs, sick dogs, young puppies or immune-compromised pets.
Newton: And their feet! Don’t forget about their feet!
Harley: Right. There can be sharp objects just below the snow-covered surface that no one can see.
Phil: They can wear booties or their pet parents can apply paw wax.
Atlas: And what about when the dog sleeps at night?
Cuddles: They should always be indoors, especially at night!
Harley: That should go without saying.
Phil: Besides being so much colder at night, when sleeping outside they are prime targets for predators.
Atlas: And if the dog is extra sensitive to the cold, even when staying inside, humans can use a warming bed or a heated pad designed to keep dogs warm.
Cuddles: The best part about all this is that the cold weather gives pets and their guardians good cause to spend time together.
Be sure to keep up with the animal antics of “Days of our Nine Lives” each week. And please stop in to say hello to the entire adoptable cast at the ARF House, 26890 Highway 243. ARF is open Saturdays 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Sundays 10 a.m.-2 p.m., and during the week by appointment. Please call 951-659-1122.
Creature Corner is sponsored by Sandi Mathers.
