Hi everyone, CEO Olivia here. The Canadian winter has arrived here at Knotty Toys for Good Dogs. It’s been very cold & the snow is already getting deep. Like every season, winter  brings challenges & potential danger for your good dog or cat.

When the body temperature of a dog or cat drops below the normal range of 100-102.5°F they begin to suffer from hypothermia & that can be fatal. Frost bite is also possible. A simple rule is, If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for us. We may have coats but being left outside for more than a few minutes during the winter just isn’t a good idea. For that matter, I believe a dog should be in the house with it’s pack & never tied up alone outside.

Automobile antifreeze, which is often sweet in taste & brightly colored, contains an ingredient called ethylene glycol that can be fatal to dogs & cats if not treated immediately after consumption. If you’re adding antifreeze to your vehicle, be sure to clean up any that may have spilled on the ground. (this is a year round danger really)

Ice-melting salts not only irritate & chap your good dog’s paws, they are also toxic. When salting your own driveway or sidewalks, look for pet-safe ice-melting products. It’s a must to wash your good dog’s feet every time they come home from a walk. Tiny salt pieces can become stuck between our toes & they can burn. Consider buying dog winter booties. There are many styles in a wide price range.

One more thing, before you start your vehicle, be sure to give the hood a smack with your hand or toot the horn before starting the engine. There may be a cat under your car or even under the hood seeking warmth.

My plans for this winter are simple; quick “business” trips, quick runs for exercise but mostly I’m going to snooze by the wood stove. What about you?

CEO Olivia ❤