Winter Preparedness: Keeping Yourself, Family, & Dogs Safe
By Stacy Mason
I can hardly believe the first day of winter is almost upon us! Where did the warm summer sunshine go? Cold weather is just around the corner, and I must be honest: My dog loves winter and I do not. This means we must meet in the middle. Meeting in the middle will look different for many dogs and owners. For me, it means I put on extra layers of clothes in the house, but I get to save on the heating bill! In the winter, my Alaskan Malamute, “Lake Monster,” might move off the cool tile floor and onto one of the seldom used dog beds around the house. If it snows in Oklahoma, he will surely be begging to do zoomies around the yard, and I will be digging out his snow booties and sled in preparation for snow play! Winter Wear For my dog owning friends with Chihuahuas, Italian Greyhounds, Chinese Cresteds, Xolos and other thin- or non-coated breeds, they surely will be
Keep Training Use your nose to sniff out what all the excitement is about when it comes to AKC Scent Work! Scent training can make those cold or chilly walks more interesting for both you and your dog(s). Fun fact, the moisture in snow just might make it a bit easier for your dog(s) to make a “find.” https://www.akc.org/sports/ akc-scent-work/ AKC Scent Work Winter is also a great season to use the extra time inside to work on some fun AKC activities, like Trick Dog and Rally training! https://www.akc.org/sports/ companion-dog-sports/ Use this winter to start a new activity with your four-legged friend(s). You can earn titles virtually in many sports! Fire Prevention All types of heat sources have a fire danger or burn risk for homes, kennels and/or dogs. These devices are even
cranking up the heat and putting polar fleece dog “jammies” on the whole crew.
Check out the AKC Online store for stylish breed specific winter wear to keep yourself warm: www.shop.akc.org/ collections/gifts-for-dog-lovers-breed- embroidery-apparel Stay Active Keeping active during the winter months can be a challenge. Let’s all join AKC Fit Dog today to make sure we don’t add too many unwanted winter pounds. www.akc.org/sports/akc-family-dog- program/akc-fit-dog/ Make sure you and your dog(s) are visible on your walks with good reflective winter gear. I have an Ororo heated vest and love it because it makes those cold winter dog walks much warmer. Watch https://www.ororowear.com/ — they now have a heated dog vest.
Missouri Pet Breeders Association | Page 10
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