On Ground Hog's Day, I really doubted Punxsutawney Phil's call about an early spring. Most of the country had snow and very cold temperatures. Now the weather is warmer and the snow is melting. In Minneapolis, I'm looking forward losing the 3- to 5-foot snow banks! Cats are sitting in windows laughing at all the dogs and their people tip-toeing through the puddles or slipping on the ice!

 

With the melt and freeze cycle, the snow turns to ice and the dogs' paws need attention. Sand, salt, and ice melt are everywhere, and some dogs' feet are sensitive to these products. Ice melt with rock salt, calcium chloride, or magnesium chloride can cause dry pads. Your dog may lick its pads and ingest the salt. Also, dogs can tear their pads while running on snow that is now sharp ice.

 

Here are some suggestions to protect your dog's paws:

• Wipe your dog's feet after walks or dip his feet into a bowl of water and dry them.
• Use Musher's Secret to protect her feet. It creates a barrier from the cold, heat (we can only dream of hot sidewalks in the northern climates), and chemicals. Available online and at stores.
• Use booties. While visiting a friend in New York City, I experienced Pawz Dog Boots with her Afghan. The boots are rubber, disposable, reusable, and waterproof. The boots look like brightly colored balloons and are colored according to size. The boots are great for puddles, ice, and all sorts of pavements. If your local store is out of them, the boots are available online.
• Review the Animal Bridges blog on helping dogs adjust to booties.

With the thaw-freeze cycle, sidewalks and streets can be treacherous. I found cleats strapped on my shoes were noisy on bare pavement. I really like Yaktrax's Walker made steel coils and plastic that slips on any flat shoe. They are quiet and lightweight. Yaktrax are available at your local stores or online.

 

As always, I love helping people and their animal companions. I giggled during a recent animal communication when a dog told me the "snow sucked." She and other dogs are not enjoying being outside because of the canyons of snow. A guinea pig, who doesn't get along with the other guinea pigs in the family, was tolerant for a longer time after a Healing Touch for Animals® session. Recently a client proudly told me how she calmed a friend's dog using the Tellington TTouch® ear slides.

 

Thank you to my clients who let my share their pet's stories in the new  Animal Bridges Brochure. Please share it with others and let me know if you need additional copies

 

I look forward to helping your pet be the best they can be. Remember you can always call me for a free 10-minute consult.  

 

Enjoy the melting snow!

Take care,

Elaine