Ahhhhhhhh...I finally thought I read an article that completely validates my addiction...till I read the last paragraph lol!!
Wagging Tails in the Dog Park! Deanna and the Dog Park Gang: Nugget, Shuai Li, Mable, Mouse, Myrtle, Madison, Caleb and Maxine >From the mountains of CA http://swlf.lilyslim.com/v3T7m8.png?h9j6wId9 On Jan 26, 2011, at 2:50 PM, Shanna Machanpalli <[email protected]> wrote: > > REF: > http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/111933/ready-for-the-dog-days-of-winter > > > Ready For the Dog Days of Winter? > > Pricey couture is optional, but some breeds do need outerwear in the winter, > veterinarians say. Small, short-haired, inactive dogs without a thick fur > undercoat are more susceptible to cold weather. > > Breeds include the Chihuahua, dachshund, Boston terrier, shih tzu, bichon > frise, miniature pinscher and the xolo, a Mexican hairless dog. > "There's no question in winter with rain, snow and ice that these dogs are > more at risk because of their size and inability to keep body heat," says > Rene Carlson, president-elect of the American Veterinary Medical Association. > > > Normal dog body temperature runs 101 to 102 degrees. A drop in body > temperature of five or six degrees can put dogs at risk of low blood pressure > and kidney damage, as well as decreased blood flow to the liver and brain, > which can possibly lead to hypothermia. > Elderly or ailing animals may need to don extra layers, regardless of their > breed, says Stephen Zawistowski, science adviser to the American Society for > the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. > There are plenty of pet apparel purveyors these days. Outdoor retailer REI > sells $40 "Adventure Dog Boots" with recycled tire rubber soles, while > etsy.com offers a crocheted acrylic/wool cap for toy breeds. > > Bigger breeds bred for outdoor life and work, such as the Labrador retriever, > German shepherd and Siberian husky, typically can stick it out in the buff, > so long as they are active on walks or have a sheltered spot with lots of > bedding and a nutritious, plentiful diet if left outdoors, vets say. > "When we think of the working and sporting dogs, these are the ones less > likely to need protection," Dr. Zawistowski says. "Lap dogs need it the most." > Useful garb may include: wool and polyester sweaters, fleece or waterproof > jackets and booties to protect from ice and salted streets and sidewalks. > Indoors, extra layers can help, too. > There are also bed warmers, such as the Pet-zzz-pad, an American Kennel > Club-licensed item, with cords encased in steel chew-resistant casing. > > > Less useful, Dr. Carlson says: hats and goggles, which can throw off an > animal's equilibrium. "Dogs have a very good blinking response and a third > eyelid that comes up if there's need for protection." > Keeping Fido warm doesn't have to cost a fortune. A child's sweatshirt from a > thrift shop cut to fit and bundled under a dog's belly with a zip tie can do > the trick. > "When you're spending $250 on a designer coat, that's so you can be seen with > the dog in the coat, not for the dog," says Dr. Zawistowski says. > > > Shanna & Ricky > Las Vegas Nevada!! > > My Chi Ricky... Is A HeartBeat At My Feet > > Kavis Christening n Communion Store > > Visit my eBay Store: > http://stores.ebay.com/Kavis-Christening-n-Communion-Store > >
