Hello, Patch Pet Lovers!
Meet BEAUFORD… a beautiful Maine Coon kitty for whom I provide care. BEAUFORD absolutely loves to go outside and enjoy fresh air and nature; however, he does not like to get his feet wet!!!
Meet LEILA… a gorgeous Border Collie mix I also am so fortunate to work with. LEILA loves her walks, doesn't mind the cold weather, but does NOT want her feet wet, either!!!
Aside from your beloved pet not having the opportunity to enjoy their favorite everyday activity, the inability to go for a walk may compromise a pet's health and cause behavioral changes.
Lack of exercise may cause weight gain, stiffness, mobility issues, irregularity and/or inability to poop, just to name a few.
Metabolic changes may gravely affect pets taking medication when their level of activity decreases.
Behavioral changes may develop due to stress from built-up, excessive energy and change in routine.
So what does a pet parent do? A few modalities I've used as alternatives to maintaining a pet's engagement in exercise:
- Treadmills in extreme heat and cold weather
- Indoor games and activities
- Mental stimulation - 10 minutes of mental stimulation is equivalent to 30 minutes of physical activity!
- Food- and treat-release toys and games
- And if your furry baby will not go out to do their business, I recommend a set of booties.
My preference is booties with Velcro and a zipper, but, at minimum, a Velcro strap, so they may be adjusted. (So long as the noise from the Velcro will not cause anxiety for your pet!)
Some things to consider before putting booties on your pet:
- It is important nails are trimmed.
- Select the correct size to avoid circulation and movement being restricted if they are too small, or causing your pet to trip if they are too large.
- Proper introduction to booties is paramount if your pet is not accustomed to wearing anything on their feet and/or they have sensitivities to their paws being touched.
- If your pet suffers with noise phobias, do a test with the sound by unfastening Velcro (on another item) to see if there is a reaction. If your furry baby is uncomfortable with the sound, choose a style absent of Velcro.
Above is SIMON'… the love of my life, was wearing booties to protect his feet from getting splinters while relaxing on our deck. Another reason for a pet to wear booties is to protect their paws from toxic rock salt and harmful ice melt. Some booties, depending on the material, may also protect paws from the heat in the increased temperatures.
Please let me know if you need assistance choosing the appropriate booties for your furry baby or need help working with your beloved pet so they feel comfortable putting them on.
CAUTION: BOOTIES WILL NOT PREVENT SLIPPING… some have a traction tread, but ice is ice!!!
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Helping to keep beloved furry babies healthy and safe... and pet parents informed!
Wishing everyone lots of furry fun and precious purring moments throughout the holiday season!
Find out what's happening in Cinnaminsonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Lori
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Find out what's happening in Cinnaminsonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
http://cinnaminson.patch.com/blogs/ive-got-the-scoop-on-pets
I've Got the 'Scoop'!, LLC, in Palmyra
Pet Love, Enrichment, and Care...
as though YOU were there!!!
(856) 906-7111
