Yep, it hasn’t been this cool since 1984. It is starting to look more like the start of Spring than the start of Summer.

It is also a bad season for fleas as I unfortunately found out. I have four dogs of my own and two of a family members that stay with a lot these days. They did not have nary a flea, but then about two weeks ago, the itching started. I wonder now if I inadvertently  brought in fleas from my daily pet sits or walks. However these nasty bugs came into being here in my home. Home they are, right in my dogs fur. Now it is not a cheap expense to get rid of fleas, believe me, especially with the number of dogs I have. I went to Petco today and not only purchased Frontline, but flea shampoo and powder, just to be safe. My pocket book  was a bit more empty. Its bath and flea control time tomorrow, even if the temps are not all the warm.

I encourage pet owners to take the steps to prevent fleas from taking over their furry four-legged companions. Just a quick trip to the pet store or your vet can save you the time and trouble of getting an infestation.

Actually I don’t mind the rain, that is one of the things people must deal with, when living in Oregon or Washington. However, not so much fun when your walking dogs. Not only do I get wet, but the poor dogs get soaked. Some have coats, others don’t care, they are out just to have fun on their walk. Its after the walk that the wet starts sinking in.

It is one of the things clients should think about when out in the rain with their dogs. Purchasing a raincoat or letting them walk ala’ natural. I do both when walking my dogs. Since I have six dogs, it takes a few minutes to get all their gear on. They are so excited that its hard trying to put a rain coat on jumping, wildly happy four-legged banshee’s (that is what I refer to mine as). Usually I will wait until the rain has slacked off and there is but a slight mist or trickle.

Today looks like one of those days that I will sit in wait and just when I think its safe, I will leash them all up and off we will go.

For those that are walking their dogs in this weather..happy rainy walking!

I am very excited to look out the window this morning and see yet another day of sun. Feels great.

Its also  great day to take your dogs out for a stroll. Just remember that even though its not in the high 80′s that dogs can still get over heated, so take plenty of water with you. If you have a white dog, like I do, remember to use dog safe sunscreen so they do burn. Yes, dogs can get sunburns just like humans.

Have a great Sunday from the House of Pawz (HoP)

It has been mighty cold here in the Northwest this last week. I realized just how cold when I took my four dogs for a walk yesterday. The sun was shining and the sky was clear, I was thinking sun means warmth, however  reality hit when the bitter cold wind slapped me full force as I stepped outside. I did have the foresight to put sweaters (made by their grandma) on each dog. My two biggest have very little hair and are at their appropriate body weight, meaning less fat to keep them warm. I did not, however, have the foresight to bring gloves with me. My fingers were like little icicles. Needless to say, we walked very fast yesterday.Later as my fingers were trying to thaw out, I began to think about how the cold weather affects our pets. I am happy they like the outdoors but want to take precaution against the elements as well, so I went online and found a few cold weather tips for your furry companions: Outerwear:Short-hair or extremely short-hair dogs should have some kind of outerwear if they are going to be outside for length of time. Larger dogs such as the Grey Hound Dobermans, Boxer, or Bully Breeds and smaller dogs, such as Chihuahuas, miniature Pinschers, and miniature Dachshunds are the most venerable and should not go out in extreme temperatures.  Paw care:If your dog should start to lift their feet off the ground, whining or dancing from paw to paw or stops when walking, then you should consider booties. Get your dog used to these earlier in the year when the weather is no so extreme. Once they are used to the booties, they will appreciate the effort. Watch for ice balls on longer haired dogs. These can be painful and feel like small rocks in between their toes. Keep the fur trimmed around the pads of their feet and in between the toes. You can also apply cow balm or Vaseline to their feet before hitting the snow bound paths or trails. Cooking spray does the trick as well. Be sure that anything you apply is safe for your dog to eat. If your walking your dog on salted sidewalks or roads be sure to wash their feet when you get home. Salt can irritate and crack the dogs foot pads. Outdoor pets:If you must keep your dog outside for any length of time, be sure they have the appropriate shelter. A covered dog house or shelter is the best. Keep these supplied with dry bedding, such as straw, blankets or strips of blankets. Since the dog goes in and out, they are bringing in the wetness with them, so make sure these items are changed on a regular basis. Keep your dogs weight up as this provides a layer of fat that can be beneficial to the outdoor temperatures. Provide plenty of clean water and check frequently to make sure it is not iced over. Most of all be aware of the cold temperatures and prepare accordingly. A little prevention goes a long way to happy, healthy pet.

Even though it is the rainy season, your dog or should I say furchild, still needs exercise.This occurred to me as I looked at my four dogs laying around the house in various lazy poses.

I did make a resolution to exercise more, didn’t I? Yes, of course and here were my inspirations to do just that. If I were to pose the question to these four furchildren of mine, they would grab the leashes, then sit in front of the door waiting expectantly. No questions asked.

But really, who wants to pull on all the rain gear, gather the leashes, poop bags and if you have it, dog rain gear?I must admit it is a daunting procedure for me, especially with four dogs. However, I know it is important for dogs to get the proper amount of exercise, rain or shine.

If you find yourself making excuses, fear not, there are always other solutions to the dilemma of getting soaked in the rain. One solution is find a new, innovative and fun exercise to do in the house, such as the laser pointers. Dogs and cats love chasing those things. Still another solution is to find a dog walker. Just like the postman, they are always out there, rain, shine, hot or cold. Never failing in their promise to the four-legged world that they will be there for them no matter what.

Back to the present, what to do with this pile of furry bodies staring at me, reminding me that, “Oh yes, thats right”, I am a dog walker and they need to be walked..now.