I read this article about a Yorki that was attacked at a PetSmart. It upset me on many fronts. On the personal front, as the owner of small dogs, I understand their special social safety considerations. Unless a larger breed dog has been socialized with smaller breeds, it is NOT safe to have them together. Actually the dog’s breed is irrelevant. When larger dogs are not socialized, bad things can happen. On the professional front, it angers me that an inexperienced worker at PetSmart is allowed to make such decisions that could lead to a client being harmed.  As a human entrusted with the physical and emotional well-being of your dear ones, it makes me sick to think such things still happen. As president of the Colorado Groomers’ Association I realize the need to educate the public about the lack of licensing in my field. There is a great need to make sure groomers in Colorado know how to keep our pets safe.

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Helpful Hints from the ASPCA

Forbidden Chocolate 
Seasoned pet lovers know the potentially life-threatening dangers of chocolate, including baker’s, semi sweet, milk and dark. In darker chocolates, methylxanthines—caffeine-like stimulants that affect gastrointestinal, neurologic and cardiac function—can cause vomiting/diarrhea, hyperactivity, seizures and an abnormally elevated heart rate. The high-fat content in lighter chocolates can potentially lead to a life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas. Go ahead and indulge, but don’t leave chocolate out for chowhounds to find. 

The thickness of a dog’s fur, not the length, determines how a dog tolerates cold temperatures. To know if your dog needs a coat to go out, think about how thick your dogs fur is is to determine what your dog needs. Another consideration is how long your pet will be outside. The government has outrageously minimal requirements for dogs which are kept outside. There is a huge gap between their requirements and what is humane.

Nordic breeds were created with dense undercoats and are well suited for cold climates, not so for the majority of the breeds we choose to share our lives with. We humans have created these creatures to be dependent on us. Even large breeds sometimes need help from us to keep them warm.

Sick or elderly dogs might need them even while they are indoors. And don’t forget their feet. Bare tootsies get painfully cold on frozen ground. In extreme cases dog’s body cannibalizes itself to try to keep warm. You may think it is froo-froo to have your dog wear a coat, but you can find lots of “plain jane” coats too.

Bottom line: Pay attention to your dogs. They should NOT be shaking or have the chills ever. They should NOT be holding their feet up because they are too cold to stand on. If they are, go get them a coat!