This winter the cat population gets to laugh at the dogs who use outdoor facilities. The cats are sitting in their favorite spots, chuckling because they can walk easily to their litter boxes without fear of ice, snow, and below zero wind chill factors. Yes, the temperatures are dropping again!

 

With the temperatures dropping, our furnaces are working overtime. I want to share a real wake-up call for everyone including pets! Since October my friend and colleague Sage Lewis of Dancing Porcupine asked other TTouch practitioners for help. Java, a healthy senior dog, was ill and no one could figure out the reason. This past week the last piece of the puzzle was found when Sage's furnace was condemned - Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning! I'll let Sage tell the story.

 

Sage and Java had angels helping them. Many people are not so lucky. Please be sure you have your gas furnace inspected. Please install battery-operated or battery backup CO detectors near every sleeping area. Check the CO detectors regularly to be sure they are working correctly. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has lots of information to help you and your family be safe.

 

Okay, everyone let us do a group exhale! Yes, you will need to take your dog outside this winter (probably today!) In Minneapolis we have icy sidewalks, steps, and driveways and the snow has started again. The snow really hides the ice.  

 

This winter I am using pet safe ice melt and a stone grit on ice. Just a little grit really helps with traction. Remember the ice melt needs temperature above 15 degrees to work effectively. I was told to combine the ice melt and grit together. The ice melts and at the end of the season you can gather the grit and save it for next winter!

 

Many people are using ice melt that is not safe for pets. When you and your dog come in from a walk, be sure to wipe your dog's feet. For dogs who are uncomfortable in booties, Musher's Secret is great! It is a wax that creates a barrier on the dog's pads and lets them sweat too! It protects them from the chemicals in non-pet safe ice melt.

 

Here is to a safe winter walks!

 

Remember I am here to help you bring out the best in your pet! I enjoy talking with you about your pets.

 

Please share this email with a friend using the "Send this to a Friend" link at the bottom of the email. You may help save a life. Thanks! 

 

Take care,

 

Elaine