Keep your pets safe this winter

Santa and Zeus

By Sarah Shurge – If it’s cold for you, it’s cold for them.
It’s important to know how to keep your dog safe during cold temperatures when they cannot speak for themselves.
According to Detroit Animal Care & Control (DACC) and Friends of DACC, here is a cold weather guide:
– Above 45 degrees: generally safe. Most dogs are fine with normal playdates and walks.
– 45-32 degrees: up to 30-60 minutes. Small, short-haired, or elderly dogs should wear a coat; watch for shivering.
– 32-20 degrees: about 15-30 minutes. Risk of hypothermia for smaller breeds.
– 20-0 degrees: 10-15 minutes MAX. Only heavy-coated breeds (Huskies, Samoyeds, etc.) should be out; monitor closely.
– Below 0 degrees: Quick potty breaks. Dangerous for ALL breeds, quick potty breaks as needed; frostbite can occur in minutes.
So how do you keep your dog exercised, stimulated, and warm during the cold winter months? You can keep your dog warm by putting a winter coat on them (specifically short-haired breeds) and protect your dog’s paws from frostbite with dog booties.
Some great stimulation options are indoor playdates, car rides, and trips to pet-friendly stores where you can walk indoors. Pet-friendly stores include: Tractor Supply, Home Depot, Lowe’s, and pet stores like Petco and PetSmart. Goody’s Pet Supply is an excellent and close option. Goody’s offers winter gear such as: dog booties, dog coats, and paw thaw ice melter.
Goody’s Pet Supply and Providing for Paws are hosting a wonderful event to bring your dog or other pets to. Pet photos with Santa will be Saturday, December 13th from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. at Goody’s.
$10/photo by Dee Maggio Photography. Photos printed onsite. Proceeds go to Providing for Paws.
Providing for Paws is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that helps rescue animals in need. Providing for Paws hopes to help curb the amount of homeless animal population by educating owners on the importance of spaying and neutering their pets, as well as proper pet care, such as vaccines, preventatives for flea and tick as well as heartworm.
“Huge kudos to the rescue for their long legacy,” said Tom Swim, Goody’s Pet Supply Manager.
Goody’s Pet Supply is located at 35340 E Michigan Ave. For more information about Goody’s Pet Supply, call (734)728-5300.
For more information about Providing for Paws, visit providingforpaws.org/, call (734)237-1812, or email info@providingforpaws.org.
If you see a dog outside in the cold for extended periods of time, please call (313)922-DOGS (3647)