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Winterizing Your Dog              Here are some things to remember

Parasite control:  don’t forget about parasites just because the weather’s cooler.  We recommend giving heartworm medication year round because it also protects your pet against roundworms, whipworms and hookworms.  Since roundworms and hookworms can infect people, protecting your pet protects you too.  Fleas can be a problem in the fall as well, especially as indoor/outdoor cats start spending more time in the house.  Products like Frontline and Advantage/Advantix help protect your pet from fleas and ticks.  Giardia, a protozoan parasite, can be a problem for dogs that spend a lot of time hiking or hunting in the back country.

Outside temperature:  will your older pet be able to spend another winter outside?  Let us score your pet’s body condition with a physical exam.

Toe nails:  too long, broken, cracked or chipped nails can become snagged and torn while your dog is enjoying the great outdoors.  A pre-emptive nail trim is a good idea before hitting the trails.  

Vaccinations:  make sure vaccinations are updated and your dog has had an annual health exam before taking off on a big hunting trip.  Depending on the area you cover, special vaccinations like rattlesnake toxoid and Lyme disease might be recommended.  

Hair and coat:  trimming the hair between the toes can help prevent snow packing and make it easier to find and remove cheat grass.  Keep feathers on the legs, ears and tail trimmed to minimize stickers and cockleburs.  

Muscle and joint pain:  supplements like Adequan, omega fatty acids, glucosamine and chondroitin are a good idea for active dogs.  Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories like Deramaxx, Metacam and Rimadyl have helped a lot of dogs remain active despite arthritic changes.  

If your dog is on long term medication, remember to have his or her blood checked every year to make sure it’s safe to keep taking that medication.  

Remember to condition dogs slowly to help avoid soft tissue injuries like sprains and strains—a dog that spent the summer on the couch needs to be eased back into work in fall and winter.  

Protect your Idaho Dog with identification:  your dog’s rabies tag, city license tag and name tag will all help bring them home if they become lost; a microchip will protect them even if they lose their collar.  

Interested in an ID tag or microchip?  We offer HomeAgain microchipping, rabies tags (with each rabies vaccination), initial Boise license tags and name tags to help keep your dog safe.