It's 2018 and 27 years walking, boarding and training pups. I'm on my 3rd generation of dogs with 2 clients from day one. Thought for the day: Puppies are a blessing and balm after so many dear ones departed in 2017. A puppy's whirly, wagging tail makes my heart happy and always puts a smile on my face.

DUNCAN!

www.carolsdogclub.com

Come visit!

http://www.carolsdogclub.com/home.html

How Cold is too Cold for Your Dog?

Jennifer Coates, DVM

We all know that exercise and the mental stimulation being outdoors play are key to keeping our dogs healthy and happy, but what should we do when it’s cold outside? When do the risks of spending time in the cold outweigh the benefits of being outdoors? Let’s take a look at the dangers associated with winter weather and how we can still safely enjoy the great outdoors with our dogs.

All Dogs Aren’t Created Equal

Dogs are individuals. An outdoor temperature that feels downright balmy to one dog might send another in search of shelter. What are some of the variables that affect how dogs respond to the cold?

Coat type – Dogs with thick, double-layered coats tend to be the most cold-tolerant (think Siberian Huskies, Newfoundlands, or Samoyeds). In most cases, these breeds have been developed in Northern climates and may also have other anatomical, physiological, or behavioral attributes that allow them to thrive when it’s frigid. On the other hand, dogs who have exceptionally thin coats (e.g., Greyhounds) suffer the most in cold weather.

Coat color – On a clear day, black, brown, or other dark-coated dogs can absorb significant amounts of heat from sunlight, keeping them warmer in comparison to their light-coated brethren.

Size –Small dogs have a larger surface area to volume ratio. In other words, the smaller dogs are the more skin they have (in relation to their “insides”) through which to lose heat. Therefore, small dogs get colder more readily than do large dogs… all other things being equal.

Weight – Body fat is a good insulator. Thinner dogs tend to get colder quicker than do their heftier counterparts. That said, the health risks of being overweight far outweigh any benefits, so don’t fatten up your dogs during the winter months in a misguided attempt to protect them from the cold.

Conditioning – We’ve all experienced this one. Fifty degrees feels quite chilly in October, but after a long, cold winter, a fifty degree day in April can make us break out the shorts and t-shirts. Dogs who are used to cold temperatures handle them much better than do pets who aren’t.

Age and Health – The very young, the very old, and the sick are not as able to regulate their body temperatures in comparison to healthy dogs in the prime of their lives, and they therefore need greater protection from the cold.

All Temperatures Aren’t Created Equal

The temperature as it registers on a thermometer isn’t the only environmental factor that affects how dogs feel the cold.

Wind chill – A brisk breeze can quickly cut through a dog’s coat and greatly decreases its ability to insulate and protect against cold temperatures.

Dampness – Rain, wet snow, heavy fog, going for a swim… any form of dampness that soaks through the fur can quickly chill a dog even if the air temperature is not all that cold.

Cloud cover – Cloudy days tend to feel colder than do sunny days since dogs can’t soak up the sun and warm themselves.

Activity – If dogs are going to be very active while outside, they may generate enough extra body heat to keep them comfortable even if the temperature is quite low.

Cold Temperature Guidelines for Dogs

In general, cold temperatures should not become a problem for most dogs until they fall below 45°F, at which point some cold-averse dogs might begin to feel uncomfortable. When temperatures fall below 32°F, owners of small breed dogs, dogs with thin coats, and/or very young, old, or sick dogs should pay close attention to their pet’s well-being. Once temperatures drop under 20°F, all owners need to be aware that their dogs could potentially develop cold-associated health problems like hypothermia and frostbite.

The best way to monitor dogs when it’s cold is to keep a close eye on their behavior. If you notice your dog shivering, acting anxious, whining, slowing down, searching out warm locations, or holding up one or more paws, it’s time to head inside.

RIP our sweet Maggie - we love you

you are forever in our hearts

IT'S TIME TO PREPARE FOR UPCOMING FUN AND SAFE OUTDOOR SEASONS 

First Aid Tips For Your Pet

Would you know what to do if your pet hurt himself or suddenly became very sick? A pet-specific first aid kit, and the knowledge to use it, can go a long way in preventing more serious issues for your pets when you can't get to the vet right away. The following tips can help you get prepared.

Stocking Your First Aid Kit

Many of the items in your family’s first aid kit can be useful for your pets, too. However, it's a good idea to keep a separate one just for them and to store it in the same place as their other supplies. The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends keeping these items on hand:

• Gauze for wrapping wounds or muzzling an injured animal
• Adhesive tape to secure gauze or bandages
• Eye dropper or syringe to flush wounds or give medication
• Digital thermometer (to be inserted rectally)
• Milk of magnesia to absorb poison
• Hydrogen peroxide (3%) to induce vomiting
• NOTE: Always contact your veterinarian or local poison control center before inducing vomiting or treating an animal for poison. SEE BELOW: *chocolate-chart, **toxic-foods, ***poisonous-plants
• Leash and collar for transporting your pet
• Copy of your pet's medical records

Acting as the First Responder

While getting to a vet as soon as possible is very important, knowing what to do immediately following an emergency can aid your pet's recovery and make transportation to the vet easier. Consider the following:

• Cuts - Securing the wound with gauze and keeping pressure on it until the blood clots can minimize bleeding.
• Heatstroke - Wrapping a cold, wet towel around your pet's head and neck or pouring cool water over your pet can help reduce body temperature.
• Seizures - Keeping seizing pets away from furniture and stairs can help prevent further injury; tracking time between seizures can help your veterinarian diagnose the problem.
• Choking - Visible foreign objects in your pet’s mouth may be gently removed with pliers or tweezers, although caution is necessary to prevent the object from becoming further lodged.

Remaining Calm

Because pets are members of our family, it can be difficult not to panic when something is wrong. But it's important to approach injured pets calmly, gently and cautiously. Even the most well-natured animals can act aggressively when scared or in pain. Plus, maintaining a level head will help you administer the care your pet needs and get him to professional help — and on the mend — as soon as possible.

Emergency Contact Information

Along with your pet's medical records, it's a good idea to keep a list of important phone numbers and poison charts in your pet's first aid kit. This should include:

• Your veterinarian
• The nearest 24-hour emergency vet clinic
• Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435 (there may be a fee associated with this service)
• A neighbor or friend who can lend a helping hand, if necessary
• *   http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2007/10/pets/chocolate-chart-interactive
• **  http://www.risingwoods.org/OURFAMILY/THEDOGS/knowntoxicfoodsfordogs.htm
• *** http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/earthkind/landscape/poisonous-plants-resources/common-poisonous-plants-and-plant-parts/

CLARENCE

Rest in Peace our beautiful boy.

Love to Clarence's wonderful daddies.

PEEPS LOVING PUPS

Trap, Neuter and Release is the humane way to care for feral cat colonies

Meow Meow and her 3 kittens 

We are caring for our first of many feral cats to T-N-R in JC, NJ

yes yes yes

A BEAUTIFUL BOY NEEDS A NEW HOME

Notice from Angela (347) 840-2767

Name: Joey
Age: 3 years old
Lives in: Queens, New York
Breed: mix pitt

Joey loves, loves people especially kids, he lives in a house where kids are always around. As much as he loves kids he is not fond of his own kind. He barks when dogs come around. I think if he was able to spend more time with dogs he would adjust.

Joey uses a doggie door to go do his business, so he doesn't get walked much. He pretty much runs around the backyard.

Joey likes to be around people so he kinda follows us around the house and where ever we land that's where he lays down. We often use him as a soft foot rest- he loves that.

Joey is trained to go outside and does not go inside even when we close off the doggie door.

Joey needs a new home because no one is home with him for 10-12 hours per day during the week. He gets anxious when we are gone for such long periods of time and sometimes jumps the fence looking for us. It scares our neighbors. We don't want to chain him up outside for such long periods of time. I am afraid the neighbors may call the pound or possible hurt him.

We love Joey and hope to find him a family that would appreciate his kind, gentle disposition. Please help- thanks, Angela (347) 840-2767

Luv bugs Tino and Puppy Bear

We Love Your Dog

Plan         your
Valentine's    weekend
getaway now and don't fret
about your precious pooch.
~ TLC is our specialty ~
this ain't no kennel!
and we love,
love, love
play
!

Charley

photo by LKBerry

TRUTH

We really miss you Rudy

REMUS

An American Bulldog and a Great Guy!

A Haiku for Bonnie

powerhouse puppy 

high jumper taken too soon

rest in peace Bon Bon

BONNIE

THE BEGUILING BEAGLE

Jersey Jack

always a joy

It's a rough life lol!

DAISY

We LOVE pussycats too!

ZIGGY

Just sayin'...

BEULAH - Our August-September Star

This old girl came to us defensive and antisocial with all breeds and genders of dogs.

She has improved greatly in the comfort of her new extended pack with daily
face cleansing, massage, brushing, free play, pack walks, pack meals
and pack sleeping quarters.

Looking up to 2 consistent, human alphas for guidance is the mainstay 

in her emotionally challenging world. 

I offer training packages, personal on-on-one sessions and training walks in both
NJ and NYC.

I am so thankful for our Puppy Bear and Tillie Rose. All they give is joy, play and more joy to our Dog Club guests, neighborhood dogs and neighborhood cats (and all of us peeps too).

In Memory of My Sweet Bossy who Helped Me to Grow Up