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THE BERNARDS-RIDGE CONNECTION
FEB/MARCH 2018
20 Years Emergency Veterinary Medicine Behind Us. ANIMAL PAWS BONDED & INSURED Nominated by National Animal Pet Sitting Association for 2015 for one of the Best Pet Sitting Services in the Nation. PETS ENJOY BEING HOME! Pet Sitting, LLC 18 Years of Loving Professional Pet Sitting Experience emai l: michele@animalpaws.net animalpaws.net Cell 908-963-031 1 Vacations, daily dog walking, overnight stays, client education on animal care. We do transportation, give insulin injections, SQ fluids, dog hikes. Visit our Connection On-Line ad to view our video The CONNECTIONS Please call for FREE consultation. Last minute bookings for existing clients. (no late fee) Mon.-Fri. 8-5pm Sat. 9-1pm Closed Sunday 67 CLAREMONT ROAD • BERNARDSVILLE 908-766-7114 • www.KenRent.com PARTY & TENT RENTALS & SALES E lite T axi & Limousine of B ernardsville 908.953.9999 www.EliteTaxiAndLimo.com Airports - NYC- Local Service 24/7 Professional - Dependable - Courteous Fully Licensed & Insured All drivers are Bernardsville & Basking Ridge residents. Bernardsville/Basking Ridge to Newark Airport $ 69 99 * *For Sedan between 6am & 11pm Plus gratuity. Cannot be combined with other offers. Expires 3/31/18. Sedans, SUVs, Limos Celebrating Our 7 Year Anniversary ONLY Thank You for Supporting our Local Business When temperatures drop and snow starts to coat the ground outside, it’s important to adjust your pet’s daily routine so you can keep him happy, safe, and comfortable until the buds of spring begin to bloom. Caring for your pet in the win- ter is a multi-pronged effort that will require some thought and preparation. Here are seven things you can do to make this your pet’s best winter ever. 1. Take Care of Your Dog’s Paws A dog’s legs, tail, and ears are most susceptible to frostbite. While there’s not much you can do for the tail and ears – besides keeping your walks short or walking during daylight hours – booties will provide some welcome warmth to your dog’s paws. Booties can also protect your dog from harmful chemicals like deicers. While some ice melts are clearly marked as safe for pets, many others are not. If your dog licks his paws after walking on deicer, he may be at risk of getting sick. For dogs who refuse to wear booties – baby socks fit snugly and will keep their paws warm. You may use a towel to wipe their paws after a walk. If you notice your dog stepped in salt, rinse the area as soon as possible. 2. Adjust Daily Calories for Changes in Activity A dog’s diet is precisely calibrated to give him all the vitamins, minerals, and calories he needs to thrive. But when a dog’s activity level changes drastically, as it can in the winter, adjustments need to be made to ensure adequate nutrition. My dog loves the snow. She’ll go out five or six times a day when it snows to play. On those days, she may need more calories because of the increase in exercise. Other dogs don’t like to go out at all – even for potty breaks. Because they’re less active, they should consume fewer calories. If you’re unsure what’s best for your dog and his activity level, consult with your vet to come up with a plan. 3. Play with Your Pet’s Food When it comes to how you feed your dog, there is fun, creative ways that will both satisfy his hunger and give him a bit of a workout. For dogs that are food-motivated, you can encourage activity by spreading meals throughout different parts of the house or throwing kibble to have your pet chase it down a hallway. Mentally stim- ulating dogs can also be a great way to get them moving with food-dispensing toys and interac- tive or puzzle toys. 4. Block Heat Sources Dogs, and especially cats, may seek sources of heat in your house as nice places to cuddle up or take a quick nap. But be careful these spots may present burn risks for pets, because they aren’t aware of how hot they can get. Cats may try to curl up next to a radiator or jump up on a wood- burning stove. Owners should make these places inaccessible to their pets during winter months. 5. No Off-Leash Time While your dog might love running around out- doors without a leash, it can be especially risky when the temperatures drop. Be Careful around ponds and near water, make sure dogs are on a leash. Accidental falls through ice may occur if a body of water isn’t fully frozen. Additionally, dogs that are not on a leash are at an increased risk of being hit by a vehicle, including snow plows. 6. Increase Intervals Between Baths Moisturizer is your best friend during the winter, but your pet doesn’t have the same luxury. Baths tend to dry out their skin the same way it does yours. While it’s not the most serious of prob- lems, dry skin can cause an animal some discom- fort. It is not good to cut out baths this time of year, not only for the obvious (smelly) reasons, but also because some animals have allergies and require regular baths. That said, you may want to cut back on the frequency of baths, and speak with your vet to find a shampoo that’s more moisturizing than the average one. 7. Keep a Blizzard Checklist Handy If you live in a part of the country that’s prone to the occasional blizzard, it’s critical to have a checklist handy. This will help ensure you have everything your pet may need, in case you’re stranded for a few days. You will need Blankets for warmth, battery-operated flashlights in case you lose power, clean water, plenty of food, medications, and something to stay entertained. You may want to keep all these things in one place. “If you’re thinking about leaving before the snow, make sure you have all these things together, in case you need them. Enjoy the rest of your winter stay warm! Remember your veterinarian is your best bet. Hope your holidays were great! Happy and healthy New Year to you and your 4 footed ones! SEVEN TIPS FOR WINTER By: Michele Patanio, Animal Paws Pet Sitting LLC 908-963-0311 animalpaws.net www.theconnectionsnj.com