Doggie
Winter Wonderland Sung to the tune of "Winter
Wonderland"
Dog
tags ring, are you listenin'? In the lane, snow is glistenin'. It's yellow,
NOT white - I've been there tonight, Marking up my winter wonderland. Smell
that tree? That's my fragrance. It's a sign for wand'ring vagrants; "Avoid
where I pee, it's MY pro-per-ty! Marked up as my winter wonderland." In
the meadow dad will build a snowman, following the classical design. Then
I'll lift my leg and let it go Man, So all the world will know it's mine-mine-mine! Straight
from me to the fencepost, flows my natural incense boast; "Stay off
of my TURF, this small piece of earth, I marked it as my winter wonderland. Anonymous
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Please
Follow These Guidelines to Protect Your Companion Animal When the Temperature
Drops - Keep
your cat inside. Outdoors, cats can freeze, become lost or stolen, or be injured
or killed. Cats who are allowed to stray are exposed to fatal infectious diseases,
including rabies.
- During
the winter, outdoor cats sometimes choose to sleep under the hoods of cars, where
it is warmer. Then, when the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed
in the fan belt. To prevent this, bang loudly on the hood of your car and wait
a few seconds before starting the engine, to give a cat a chance to escape.
- Never
let your dog off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm. Dogs
frequently lose their scent in snow and ice and easily become lost. They may panic
in a snowstorm and run away. More dogs are lost during the winter than during
any other season.
- Thorougly
wipe off your dog's legs and stomach when she comes in out of the rain, snow or
ice. Check her sensitive paw pads, which may bleed from snow or ice encrusted
in them. Also, salt, antifreeze or other chemicals could hurt your dog if she
ingests them while licking her paws.
- If
you own a short-haired breed, consider getting a warm coat or sweater for your
dog. Look for one with a high collar or turtleneck that covers your dog from the
base of her tail on top and to the belly underneath. While this may seem like
a luxury, it is a necessity for many dogs.
- Never
leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator
in the winter, holding in the cold. Your companion animal could freeze to death.
- If
your dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, take him
outdoors only long enough to relieve himself.
- Puppies
do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs and may be difficult to housebreak
during the winter. If necessary, paper train your puppy inside if he appears to
be sensitive to the weather.
- If
your dog spends a lot of time engaged in outdoor activities, increase his supply
of food, particularly protein, to keep his fur thick and healthy.
- Antifreeze,
even in very tiny doses, is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Because of its
sweet taste, animals are attracted to it. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills
from your vehicle. To prevent accidental poisonings, more and more people are
using animal-friendly products that contain propylene glycol rather than the traditional
products containing ethylene glycol. Call your veterinarian or The ASPCA National
Animal Poison Control Center (ASPCA/NAPCC) if you suspect your animal has been
poisoned.
- Never
shave your dog down to the skin in winter. Leave the coat in a longer style, which
provides more warmth. Remember that such a style will require more frequent brushing
due to dry winter air and static electricity. When you bathe your dog, make sure
she is completely dry before you take her out for a walk.
- Make
sure your companion animal has a warm place to sleep far away from all drafts
and off the floor, such as in a dog or cat bed or basket with a warm blanket or
pillow in it.
-
from:
ASPCA Companion Animal Services 424 East 92nd Street, New York, NY 10128-6804
(212) 876-7700, ext. 4421
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