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Winter
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Three Takes on Indoor Hide-and-Seek
There's no secret that hide-and-seek's a fun game to play indoors on wintry days for pets and kids alike. When I think of animal-friendly versions, a couple options come to mind – those where treats are hidden and sought out by nosy noses and those where family members are sniffed out . .
Winter Walk Time? Grab the Cooking Spray First!
If your pet's still hesitant about wintertime walks, and not as willing to wear the booties as you'd hope, try the tip I was emailed just this week: Prevent those painful ice balls between paw pads and spritz the paws with a cooking spray before talking that next potty break. You'll still need to wash his feet when he gets back in (which you should be doing anyway because of the possible poisons on the sidewalks), but this will at least combat the pain that makes summertime scampering look more like slinking down the street these days.
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Leave No Stone, Make That "Potty Rock," Unturned
Snow keeps falling around much of the country, but here's a product that can prove useful whether your surroundings include snow, grass, or sand. Back when we talked about wintry bathroom breaks that some pets would prefer to avoid, I spotted this item mentioned in the comments (thanks, flyingroo).
Pups with problems deciding where to go, meet Potty Rock ($15).
Will Your Dog Fetch Snowballs?
North's happy to announce we're in the middle of a veritable heat wave in SF since he's not a cold weather fan! If you live in a colder climate where your snow bunnies can run and play (and hopefully pee) in the white stuff, try tossing them a snowball. Say you don't have the similarly-shaped toy at the ready, would your fetch loving pets chase a snowball in a pinch?
I Need Your Help . . . My Dog Won't "Go" in the Snow!
Let's tackle a common problem with doggies in cold-weather climates – especially in cities where bathroom breaks come in the form of walks on snowy sidewalks. Even North was hesitant about potty time in Winter, preferring to do his business where there was the least amount of slush to trudge through (usually the curb). If you've also had (or still have!) this problem, let's come up with ways to help pups get over it or solutions to at least make it a lil easier on them in the meantime.
Do Tell: How Do You Treat Icy Sidewalks?
I've already mentioned the dangers of ice melts but what do you do when faced with steps full of snow?! I want to hear your best recommendations for environmentally (and pet) safe products to prevent slipping in wintry weather.
I know that some people use eco-tastic sand, grit, or gravel to add traction but keep plants and waterways safe, yet I imagine that can get kinda muddy, too.
Do Tell: Furry Friends Frolic and Play or Curl Up by the Fire?
Brrrrr, the temperatures are dropping and Winter's nearly here. Sigh. While we seemed a bit divided on the rain, how do your pets feel about the snow?Bare Bones: Reflective Gear
Now that it's nearly dark by the time I get home from work, it's time to start thinking about reflective gear for my four legged pal. Not only are there some pretty stylish and highly reflective rain jackets that pets can throw on before leaving the house for the evening potty walk, but if your pooch isn't the coat wearing type, you can always attach a safety light to his harness or collar to make sure he's seen even on the rainiest or darkest of nights.
Take for example this Buddy Beacon ($13) from Ruffwear.
Greatest American Dog Recap: "The Big Dig"
I think the latest episode of Greatest American Dog should have been called puppies! It's like TV gold, just mix it up by adding over a dozen adorable Golden Retriever pups. I caught up with Beth Joy, who was eliminated this week, and she opened up about the last episode and her cute pooch, Bella Starlet Dog.
Out and About: Winter in Vermont
For a family of snow bunnies, why should Fido sit out? Meet skijoring: a winter sport where the (intermediate level) cross-country skier is pulled over the snow by a dog. With a name coming from the Inuit word for “Let’s Go,” Atii Sled Dogs will evaluate any breed that weighs at least 35 pounds and likes to run.
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