As I look out the window, I see lots of melting snow and puddles. Hobbes is very skillful in avoiding the puddles at all costs. Often he is up on a snow bank as I'm slipping on the wet ice trying to keep out of the puddles. I'm so grateful for my rubber boots!

With all the puddles and the melting snow, your dogs can be affected by the contents of the puddles. Often dogs lick their feet after a walk and ingest the salt, sand, and who knows what else from the water. Here are some ideas to help your dog stay well:

• You may want to bring out the dog booties again.
• When you get home rinse their feet with fresh water - I fill a plastic bowl and dunk a paw in at a time. Be sure you have a towel handy.
• Keep your dog from drinking the "street tea" because you don't know what is in it.
• If you don't rinse their feet, at least wipe their paws with a wet towel.
• And for your safety, remember ice is slipperier closer to freezing.

Now that you practiced puddle jumping, you may be dreaming of warmer days and longer walks and runs with your dog. Yes, cats you can giggle again!

As the weather gets warmer and the snow melts in the northern states, you may be tempted to take your dog for a really long walk. Like all of us, they spent a lot of time relaxing this winter. They may not be as fit and toned as they were at the end of summer.

So now is the time to slowly increase your walks with your dog and your dog's activities. When the warmer weather arrives, they will be better able to hand the long walks.

One client called me because her dog was whining a little. In an animal communication, he told me he played too hard when he went to visit sled dogs who worked out all winter. He was sore from too much activity and the two days in the car to get back home. He was stiff like any of us would be. After a distant Healing Touch for Animals® session, he was fast asleep. Every day he is improving. Like us, our pets also need time to adjust to exercise.

Remember our pets also need to adjust to the temperature changes. For people in the Sun Belt, I know it is warm already. Just take it slow on walks as everyone adjusts.

Take care,

Elaine