Day: February 14, 2010

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Sunbear Squad Watch Tip of the Week: Feb 14th

The Sunbear Squad has resolved to make a difference for neglected and abused companion animals. They are transforming animal lovers into animal welfare defenders — with knowledge, tools, and inspiration.

URGENT Watch Tip: Watch out for “outside” pets during cold winter months. They need more food to maintain weight. Can you see the hipbones? Call the authorities! Be a Good Samaritan for animals.

Be Sunbear Squad Informed
►5 Simple Things
►Bill of Rights for Pets
►Risk Factor List
►Learn about Abuse
►Action Guidelines
Be Sunbear Squad Active
►Neighborhood Watch
►YouNet FAQ
►Start a Squad
►Free Materials
Be Sunbear Squad Prepared
►Wallet Card
►Roadside Rescue Kit
►Disaster Plans
►Reciprocal Fostering
►SCRAPS Breathing		 Be Sunbear Squad Inspired
►Roadkilled Blessings
►Be a Good Samaritan
►Inspirational Sayings
►Avoid Dog Slang
►Humane Awards

More from Anna Nirva, Sunbear Squad Founder:

Paw pads do not protect dogs and cats from injury like your winter boots protect your feet

Dogs and cats can suffer from extreme weather just like people can, and their paws are no exception. You might be surprised to learn that injuries to thick paw pads and tender spaces between the pads are actually slow to heal, according to vetmedicine.about.com. Read about common risks to paws in cold and snowy conditions—which may be especially useful in the wake of recent storms in warm climates.

  • Frozen pads: extreme cold, dry conditions cause pad surfaces to freeze or get overly dry, and they can crack open, causing bleeding. Companion animals who are susceptible to this need improved shelter, or better monitoring during playtime or walks.
  • Ice balls between pads: consider a non-toxic spray “paw de-icer” for pets or try canine boots. Some rub petroleum jelly between the pads. If your dog has a lot of hair between the pads, keep the hair clipped short to prevent larger ice balls from forming.
  • Salt and chemical de-icers: wash off their paws with a wet towel after walks, or use a bucket of warm water for paw-dipping, to ensure your pet won’t ingest toxic chemicals.
  • Cut feet and legs: snow conceals sharp objects, so stay on known paths and walkways to avoid injury to your companion animal.

And a word of caution about antifreeze drips in the garage: it tastes sweet, and your furry friends may lick it; children might also! Even small amounts of antifreeze can be deadly! Wipe drips and spills immediately and clean the cement with a safe detergent. Some state legislatures are considering requiring antifreeze manufacturers to add a bitter flavorings to their formulations to prevent deaths of children and pets. We are all for that!