🐾 Brrr… Even the Dog Wants His Long Johns! 🥶🐶

Mr. Mutt Ruff Has a Bone to Pick With Old Man Winter!

Well, howl at the moon and somebody fetch me a blanket!

It’s me again, Mr. Mutt Ruff, your four-legged correspondent here at Critter Corner.

And I’ve got something mighty important to discuss.

WHO TURNED DOWN THE THERMOSTAT OUTSIDE?!

One minute I’m enjoying the sunshine, sniffing every fence post between here and the next county, and minding my own doggone business.

The next minute, somebody opens the back door and a blast of cold air hits me right between the whiskers!

Now, I don’t know who’s in charge of this weather business, but I’d like to file a formal complaint.

Preferably from underneath a warm blanket.

With a biscuit.

Maybe two.

🥶 Just Because I’ve Got Fur Doesn’t Mean I’m Wearing a Furnace!

Now, some humans seem to think that because we critters come equipped with fur coats, we’re automatically prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws our way.

Well, excuse my wagging tail, but that ain’t exactly how it works!

Some dogs have thick coats that help them tolerate cold weather better than others.

But little dogs, short-haired dogs, puppies, senior dogs, and those with certain health conditions can have a harder time staying warm.

And even the big, fluffy fellows aren’t immune to dangerous cold.

If your dog starts shivering, lifting its paws, tucking its tail, hunching over, whining, or refusing to walk, that’s a pretty good sign it’s time to head inside.

Prolonged exposure can cause frostbite or dangerous hypothermia. If either is suspected, seek veterinary care immediately.

Personally, I prefer to make my feelings known by standing at the door and giving my human the look.

You know the one.

The “I’ve been outside for forty~seven seconds and this is unacceptable” look.

Works almost every time.

🐾 These Paws Were Made for Walkin’… Not for Ice Skatin’!

Let’s talk about feet.

Because while you humans are stomping around in boots thick enough to survive an expedition to the North Pole, some of us are out here walking barefoot!

Ice, snow, road salt, and chemical deicers can irritate our paws.

And if we lick those chemicals off later, we could swallow something harmful.

So here’s a little favor you can do for your furry friends.

After winter walks, gently wipe or rinse their paws and dry them thoroughly. Don’t forget their legs and bellies if they’ve been exposed to road chemicals.

Check between their toes for packed snow, ice, salt, or anything that doesn’t belong there.

Some dogs also benefit from properly fitted booties or veterinarian-approved paw protectants.

Now, I can’t promise we’ll all appreciate the booties.

Some of us may walk like we’re auditioning for a very unusual dance competition.

But keeping our paws protected is worth a little awkwardness.

🐱 A Word From the Cat Department!

Now, I don’t generally make a habit of speaking on behalf of cats.

We’ve had our differences.

Mostly involving my favorite chair.

But this is important.

Outdoor cats sometimes seek warmth around parked vehicles, including beneath hoods and near engines.

So before starting your vehicle on a cold day, check around it and give the hood a firm tap. Allow time for any hidden animal to move away before starting the engine.

It could save a kitty’s life.

And please remember that cats need protection from cold weather, too.

Keeping them indoors is the safest choice whenever possible.

For community cats living outdoors, a properly designed, dry, insulated shelter with straw bedding can provide important protection. Blankets and towels can absorb moisture and become dangerously cold in outdoor shelters.

Fresh, unfrozen water and appropriate food are important, too.

There.

I’ve said something nice about cats.

Somebody write down the date.

🚗 That Puddle Ain’t a Water Bowl!

Here’s something that isn’t funny, folks.

Antifreeze containing ethylene glycol can be deadly to dogs and cats.

Even a small amount can cause a life-threatening poisoning.

Keep containers securely stored, clean up spills promptly, and never let pets investigate suspicious puddles around vehicles.

If you suspect your pet has swallowed antifreeze, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.

Don’t wait for symptoms to appear.

And don’t try home remedies.

You can also contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888.426.4435 for guidance. A consultation fee may apply.

Sometimes looking out for our four~legged family members means noticing dangers before they get a chance to cause harm.

🛏️ Every Critter Deserves a Warm Place to Rest

Now, I realize some humans have very strong opinions about dogs sleeping on the furniture.

I respect those opinions.

I simply don’t agree with them.

But even if your furry companion doesn’t have a reserved spot on the couch, please make sure there’s a warm, dry place to sleep away from drafts.

A comfortable pet bed with suitable bedding can make a big difference.

And remember that animals spending time outdoors still need access to fresh, unfrozen drinking water.

When temperatures become dangerously cold, bring pets indoors.

If an animal must spend extended time outdoors, consult a veterinarian about suitable shelter and care for that animal’s individual needs. Even insulated shelters cannot make extreme cold safe for every pet.

And one more thing!

Those parked vehicles can become dangerously cold inside, too.

So don’t leave your furry companion unattended in a vehicle during freezing weather.

🌙 Shorter Days Call for a Little Extra Caution

Here’s another thing worth mentioning as November rolls around.

It gets dark mighty early!

And while I happen to think my handsome face should be visible from three counties away, apparently that’s not how headlights work.

So when walking your dog in the early morning or evening, consider reflective gear and carry a flashlight.

Keep pets securely leashed, especially around slippery roads, frozen ponds, and unfamiliar places.

And make sure their identification tags and microchip contact information are current.

Because as much as I enjoy exploring…

Getting lost in the cold is one adventure nobody needs.

❤️ Sometimes Love Comes With Four Paws and a Cold Nose

Now, before I go, I’ve got one more thing to say.

We critters don’t always understand why you humans are so busy.

We don’t know about bills.

Or appointments.

Or all those things that make you sigh while staring at your telephone.

But we do know when you come home.

We know the sound of your footsteps.

We know which chair you like best.

And we know when you’ve had a hard day.

Sometimes we can’t do much about the troubles you’re carrying.

But we can sit beside you.

Rest a paw on your knee.

Or remind you that somebody in this world thinks you’re the greatest thing since sliced bacon.

And trust me…

That’s a mighty high compliment coming from a dog.

So as the colder weather settles across Northeast Iowa, take a little extra care of the animals who depend on you.

Check those paws.

Watch the temperature.

Keep them warm and safe.

And maybe, just maybe, share a little extra cuddle time.

Because we may have four paws, floppy ears, and an occasional disagreement with the vacuum cleaner…

But the love we give comes straight from the heart. ❤️🐾

Until next time, this is Mr. Mutt Ruff, signing off from Critter Corner.

Now, if you’ll excuse me…

I believe somebody just opened a bag of treats in the kitchen.

And as an investigative reporter, I feel obligated to look into it.

WOOF! 🐶❤️

Critter Corner ~ Word ’Round Town

Deliverance Hope ~ word-round-town.com