K-9 LifeSavers

Tis the season to be jolly! We love the holidays and all the sparkle it brings - the problem is that many of our K-9s do too. There's no reason not to satisfy your need to turn your house into a Winter Wonderland, but keep in mind these tips to ensure a safe and happy holiday for your pets:

• Holly, mistletoe and poinsettia plants are poisonous to dogs; make sure they are kept in places your dog cannot reach.
• Do not put lights on the lower branches of your tree; they can get very hot and burn your dog.
• Watch out for electrical cords. Pets often try to chew them and get badly shocked or electrocuted so ensure they are placed out of reach.
• Avoid glass ornaments, which break easily and may cut a dog's feet or mouth.
• Do not use edible ornaments, cranberry or popcorn strings. Your dog may knock the tree over in an attempt to reach them.
• Keep ornaments off the lower branches; if your dog chews or eats an ornament, he can be made sick by the materials or paint.
• Both live and artificial tree needles are sharp and indigestible. Keep your tree blocked off (with a playpen or other "fence") or in a room that is not accessible to your dog.
• Tinsel can be dangerous for dogs as it may obstruct circulation and, if swallowed, block the intestines.
• Keep burning candles on high tables or mantels, out of the way of your dog's wagging tail.
• Review canine holiday gifts for safety. Small plastic toys or bones may pose choking hazards.
• Your dog may want to investigate wrapped packages; keep them out of reach.

If you've noticed a change in the dryness of your skin as it's gotten colder, chances are that your K-9 is feeling the same thing. Though dog paws are made to withstand wear-and-tear and handle a wide variety of surfaces and temperatures, a dog's pads are fairly sensitive even in the best of weather. The cold weather and chemicals used in winter months can irritate K-9 paws, just as they irritate your skin.

Though it's important to ensure your dog's paws are clean, and free of debris, don't expect him to thank you for it. It's more than likely that your dog will try to pull away from you when you try to handle their paws, especially if it's a new experiece for them. Talk to your dog in low, soothing tones, and don't get frustrated if they're not grateful for your attentions.

Cleaning in between toes
Cleaning in between your pup’s toes may not be fun for either one of you, but it's something that should be done on a regular basis, especially in the winter. If your dog spends a lot of time outside, don’t be surprised if he ends up with pieces of glass, small rocks and pebbles, sticks, and tons of dirt lodged in between his toes.  In the winter, you add on salt and chemicals used to treat the roads that can be irritating to your dog's feet. If left unnoticed, bacteria can grow and an open wound is the perfect breeding ground for disease.

In the winter, use a bowl of warm water to dip your dog's feet in and remove any chemicals and dry them with a towel. Get in a daily habit of cleaning them daily with a tissue, and using tweezers to remove any unwanted debris.

If your dog picks up a lot of debris, work on preventative measures. See if you there's anything you can change about your yard or avoid rougher sections of road when you take him for a walk.

Paw balm
Your pup’s paws will become cracked and dry over time. If something is not done about this, they’ll begin to bleed. Unfortunately, unless you know what is wrong, you may notice your pooch whimpering about what seems to be nothing at all. Oftentimes, their paws are in pain.

Fortunately, you can purchase puppy paw balm and lotion and use it to give your K-9 a little paw massage, which helps increase their circulations, which in turns aids healing.

With Thanksgiving just around the corner (how did that happen?) we wanted to give you a few things to keep in mind to ensure a happy, healthy Thanksgiving for both you and your dog:

• Turkey bones, though tasty, pose a choking hazard for dogs.  As much as they may beg and plead, stick to the packaged dog bones, instead of the ones from the bird.
• Key an eye on your table. While your in post-turkey bliss, your dog could be having the time of his life making his way through the table.  Secure leftovers and garbage to prevent foraging.
• Though many dog owners feel their dogs are part of the family, and should be included in everything, Thanksgiving was not made in doggie heaven. Cookies, pies, macaroni salad, stuffing, etc. may make your pooch sick.  If you simply can't help giving them a little treat, stick to a small slice of Turkey.

If you don't already have a Butterball for Thanksgiving, we have a good one for you!

This sweet and snuggly girl has had a hard road in life, used early in life as a breeding dog, she was pulled out of a high kill shelter in South Carolina.  She is a great dog that is wonderful with children and other dogs.  Butterball is looking for a family that will love her this Thanksgiving and always!