WINTERIZE YOUR DOG

Andrea Arden

Andrea can be seen on Animal Planet's shows Dogs101, Cats101, Pets101, America's Cutest Dog, America's Cutest Cat, and Underdog to Wonderdog. She was the trainer for The Pet Department, FX's Emmy award winning daily show, and is the author of several books including Barron's Dog Training Bible (Barron's, 2011), Dog Friendly Dog Training (Wiley, 2007), Train Your Dog the Lazy Way (Macmillan, 1999), and The Little Book of Dog Tricks (IDG, 2002). She has been the behavior columnist for Dog Fancy and The New York Dog magazines as well as a contributing writer for the AKC Gazette, Modern Dog and numerous other publications. She is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer through the Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers, a Certified Pet Partners Team evaluator for the Delta Society and a certified evaluator for the AKC's Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test. She is the director of Andrea Arden Dog Training, and was named the best dog trainer in New York by New York, W, Time Out and Quest magazines and the Daily News. Andrea has served on the Board of Directors of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) and Animal Haven Shelter in New York City. Her tips for the care and well-being of animals can be found in her Project Puppy column for www.Dogtime.com, and on numerous other websites. Andrea is inspired by her own dogs and cats as well as the wonderful companion animals she works with who have found loving homes and those still waiting for their new family at Animal Haven Shelter.

Andrea's Tips

WINTER CHECK-UP:
Start off the season by taking your dog for a check up to make sure there are no medical issues which might make them more susceptible to cold weather related problems. Talk to your vet about wintertime caloric intake.

FROSTBITE & HYPOTHERMIA:
Extreme cold is a big hazard for ears, tail and feet. Very young and senior breeds may have a compromised ability to regulate their body temperature. Signs of hypothermia are shivering, whining, attempts to burrow, depression, lethargy and weakness.

SWEATERS & JACKETS:
Sweaters and coats for dogs are effective.

WINTER CHEMICALS:
*Rock salt: used to melt ice on sidewalks, may irritate footpads. Be sure to rinse and dry dog's feet after a walk or use booties.
*Antifreeze: Antifreeze is highly toxic. Consider using pet-safer antifreeze which contains propylene glycol instead of ethylene glycol. There are various brands available.

SUNBURN:
Dogs can burn in summer AND winter. Use sunscreen, just like when you go skiing, you can burn!

GROOMING:
Dogs must stay well groomed year round. Their coats won't do any good if it gets matted.

DRY SKIN:
Signs of dry skin are flaky, itchy skin. Use moisturizers, keep dog hydrated or consider a fatty acid supplement.

STAYING WARM INDOORS:
*Fireplaces and space heaters: Dogs are attracted to them and could suffer serious burns. Cover them with screens.
*Drafts: Provide pets an area away from drafts. This may include use of a bed warmer.

INDOOR GAMES:
When it's too cold outside, try indoor games; hand targeting back and forth, tug, fetch on stairwells, indoor agility and nose work.

Today's Dogs

For information on Andrea Arden, visit www.andreaarden.com

For information on adopting one of today's dogs, visit www.animalhavenshelter.org