When chilly temperatures set in, don’t overlook the importance of keeping your dog safe and comfortable. Even with a furry coat, dogs still need help keeping warm in winter.

Of course, some dog breeds are better suited to cold weather, like those with a double coat that provides insulation against the elements. However, other dog breeds can’t tolerate the cold because of their coat type, size, body structure, or other characteristics.

Here are the dog breeds that are most vulnerable to cold weather conditions.
1. Chinese Crested

These petite and fine-boned dogs won’t tolerate cold temperatures well and should wear a dog coat outside when the temperature drops. Chinese Cresteds can benefit from wearing a light layer of doggy clothing inside, too, if your home is drafty.

2. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are prone to getting cold quickly. Maturing to a weight of less than 6 pounds, these pups are well suited for the warm climate of their Mexican homeland.

Chihuahuas can lose body heat rapidly when the temperature plummets, so it’s important to minimize cold weather exposure. Fortunately, the small size of this breed makes it easy for them to exercise indoors.

3. Basenji
Hailing from Africa, the short-haired Basenji is best known for their coiled tail and unique yodel. These dogs are athletic and energetic, making outdoor activities like running, hiking, and agility excellent ways to challenge their mind and body.

But very cold weather can put a damper on these outdoor activities, and the Basenji’s short, fine coat won’t insulate the dog against freezing temperatures for very long.

4. French Bulldog
Frenchies don’t do well with hot weather because of their short muzzle, which makes it harder for them to regulate their body temperature. But this flat-faced dog breed can’t tolerate cold weather very well, either.

That’s because French Bulldogs have a short, thin coat that doesn’t provide much insulation when the temperature drops. A dog sweater or jacket can provide some protection, but it’s best to avoid prolonged outdoor activities with a Frenchie in extreme weather, whether hot or cold.

5. Greyhound
Capable of blazing fast speeds, the Greyhound has a lean physique with very little body fat and a very thin coat that allows for rapid heat dissipation. While these features make these dogs track stars, they’re less suited for cold weather conditions.

Keep outdoor exposure brief when temperatures are below freezing, and don’t be surprised if your Greyhound needs a layer of clothing to stay warm.

6. Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound looks like a petite version of the Greyhound, and the two breeds share many physical characteristics, including a slender body and a short, thin coat. Based on those factors, this toy breed doesn’t fare well in cold weather and must be protected from freezing temperatures outside and drafty conditions inside.

Italian Greyhounds are known to be affectionate lap dogs, so don’t be surprised if they snuggle up to you even more when the weather turns chilly. 

7. Whippet
The lanky Whippet is built for speed and is closely related to the Greyhound. The breed has a short coat, thin skin, and very little body fat, so there’s not much to insulate against cold weather.
When the weather takes a turn, Whippets need protection from the elements, including warm clothing and perhaps even doggy boots to protect their paw pads from ice.

8. Pug
The Pug is a popular flat-faced dog breed, but that short muzzle makes the breed more susceptible to breathing issues and prone to overheating. But cold weather outings also need to be kept short, as Pugs have a short coat that doesn’t provide much protection against the cold.

Because Pugs aren’t known for being overly energetic, a short burst of indoor play during inclement weather is usually OK.

9. Yorkshire Terrier
A Yorkshire Terrier is a pint-sized companion that weighs less than 10 pounds but has a big personality. Their spirited and energetic nature makes these dogs naturally curious and up for adventure, but their small size means they shouldn’t be exposed to cold temperatures for very long, or they could be at risk for hypothermia. 

10. Miniature Pinscher
The small size and short coat of the Miniature Pinscher mean this breed can’t tolerate cold weather very well at all. Reaching no more than about 12 inches tall and 10 pounds in weight, these small dogs are prone to losing body heat rapidly—especially with just a smooth, thin coat of hair covering their body.
​
When the weather turns cold, you’ll need to rely on interactive indoor activities to tire out a Min Pin’s body and mind.

WRITTEN BY
Erica Puisis
Freelance Writer

 Hi Liz,

Did you know that dogs and cats can develop diabetes just like humans? In fact, November is designated as Pet Diabetes Month to help raise awareness that, while diabetes may not be "curable," with early detection (through regular wellness bloodwork) and care, many pets with diabetes can live a good quality of life with you. With this in mind, we want to share with you signs of diabetes, so you know what to look out for in your pets. 

Is my pet predisposed to diabetes? 

Pets with obesity, overactive thyroid, pancreatitis, and Cushing’s Disease are more likely to develop diabetes, and this risk increases with age—especially when cats reach the age of 6 and older and dogs 7 years and up.  
Early signs that could be indicative of diabetes:

• Increased urination
• Excessive drinking
• Weight loss
• Appetite changes (i.e., eating more or less food)
• Cloudy eyes (dogs only)
• Chronic or recurring infections, especially skin and urinary infections

If you notice any of these changes in your pet, please make an appointment [MSAH} and we will evaluate what’s going on. If diabetes has developed, there are many ways we can care for your pet together that is manageable for both of you and keeps them happy. 

For more information about diabetes in pets, check out "How to Care for a Diabetic Pet” from Happy Healthy Pets.

With cancer in dogs and cats, early detection and treatment are critical. By detecting cancer early, you can work with your veterinarian to increase the chance of cure or remission.

But noticing the subtle signs of cancer early enough can be difficult if you don’t know what you are looking for, and sometimes the signs can be so subtle that pet parents may mistake them as a normal part of aging.

Talk to your veterinarian if you notice any of the following subtle signs of cancer in your pet. If the cause is cancer, you can catch it early and start a treatment plan.

1. Weight LossUnexplained weight loss in dogs and cats—especially when a pet isn’t on a calorie-restricted diet—can be a sign of cancer. While some cancers can cause quick and dramatic weight loss that is hard to miss, it’s more common that the weight loss is gradual over time. It can be so gradual that, initially, it goes unnoticed by the pet parent.

Sometimes, weight loss isn’t even noticed until the pet is taken to the veterinarian and the change in weight only becomes obvious when compared to historical weight measurements.

If a pet is losing weight even though they’re eating normally, then the top diseases to consider are diabetes mellitus, conditions that affect the digestive tract’s ability to digest and absorb nutrients, hyperthyroidism (more common in cats), and cancer.

2. Lumps and BumpsWhile lumps, bumps, and other skin changes are easier to notice on short-haired dogs or cats, many times they go unnoticed on long-haired pets.

Pet parents will also often postpone a veterinary visit if a lump is small; however, you cannot determine if a skin lump is cancerous based on the size. Even the smallest skin lumps can be cancerous.

Tumors of the mammary chain—also known as breast cancer—are often missed by pet owners. Female dogs and cats most commonly develop breast cancer when they were not spayed early in life.
Dogs and cats are also subject to cancers of the gastrointestinal system, vascular system, liver, kidneys, urinary bladder, endocrine glands, immune system, lymphatic system, and reproductive organs. These cancers may cause fluid to accumulate or masses to form in the belly. If your pet is large or overweight, you may not notice any changes until they become life-threatening.
Another place where lumps and bumps can be hidden is in the mouth. Dogs and cats can get oral tumors on the gums, palate, or tongue. Tumors under the tongue are very hard to find—unless you are looking for them!

3. Changes in CoatA normal, healthy pet has a glossy, full coat. Changes in the coat can indicate cancer, such as:

• Hair loss
• Brittle or dry hair
• Excessive dandruff or scaling
• Skin infections that don’t respond well to treatment
• Excessive shedding

Skin cancers can directly affect a pet’s coat, but so can cancer elsewhere in the body. For example, cancers of the endocrine system, such as tumors on the pituitary, thyroid, or adrenal glands, can all cause changes in your pet’s coat.

Overgrooming, no grooming, or excessive licking at a body part can also be subtle signs of cancer in both dogs and cats. If a body part is painful due to cancer, a dog may excessively lick that area, which can cause brown lick stains and hair loss.

If a cat feels sick or is in pain, they may not groom enough or at all, which can lead to a matted, unkempt coat. Alternatively, cats are also known to overgroom and pull out hair in response to stress or pain.

4. Changes in Appetite
An increased or decreased appetite can be subtle signs of cancer in dogs and cats. If a pet is feeling yucky or is in pain, then they may not want to eat. Conversely, other cancers can cause a pet to eat more than normal. Some cancers consume a lot of calories, which will increase a pet’s appetite (if they are feeling well enough to eat).

Certain types of aggressive, malignant cancers can cause a pet to eat normal or more than normal amounts of food and still lose weight. And benign tumors of the adrenal or pituitary glands can cause a condition called Cushing’s disease that leads to hormonal changes and an increased appetite.

5. Changes in Urination or Bowel MovementsChanges in your pet’s bathroom schedule are worthy of note when it comes to early detection. Different types of cancer can cause changes in your pet’s potty habits, from an increased need for potty time to constipation.
For example:

• Cancer of the gastrointestinal system can cause diarrhea and/or constipation.
• Cancer of the adrenal gland, pituitary gland, thyroid gland, liver, or kidneys can increase thirst in dogs and cats and lead to an increased need to urinate. 
• Cancer of the urinary system can increase the urge to pee but sometimes obstruct the urethra, which makes it difficult to urinate. So, pets with urinary cancer may have to pee frequently, have accidents inside the house, or seem to strain when urinating.

6. Changes in BehaviorA change in behavior can also be a subtle sign of brain cancer, metabolic changes associated with cancer, or cancer pain. This includes:

• A lack of energy or lack of interest in the things that used to bring your pet joy
• Accidents in the house
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Pacing
• Increased aggression or clinginess
• Seizures or tremors can also be a sign of cancer, and unless you witness them, they can be missed by pet parents. Some signs that may indicate a pet has experienced a seizure include loss of balance, twitching, excessive drooling, and temporary blindness.

7. CoughingCancer can cause dogs and cats to cough, so any dog or cat that develops a persistent cough needs to be seen by a veterinarian. A persistent cough can be a potential sign of a tumor pressing on an airway, fluid in or around the lungs, or lung tumors.

Persistent coughing can also be a sign of other pet health issues, so if your pet has a cough they cannot seem to kick, it’s always best to take them to their veterinarian.

How You Can Help Detect Cancer in Pets EarlyVeterinarians are trained to notice any abnormalities in your dog or cat, and a veterinary examination is your best weapon against cancer.

However, most pets only see their veterinarian once or twice a year. So, it’s helpful if you play an active role in monitoring your pet’s health as well. As a pet parent, you see your pet every day, which means you can keep a look out for these potential subtle signs of cancer.

To do at-home checks, you can run your hands over your pet to feel for any lumps or bumps and visually inspect your pet. Don’t forget to inspect the nipples and surrounding tissues in female dogs and cats for any changes, lumps, or bumps.

Feel your pet’s rib cage for any signs of weight gain or loss, or better yet, weigh them monthly and keep a log so you can notice trends early. Look in your pet’s mouth and check their teeth and gums. Hold a treat out, and let your pet lick the treat while you visually inspect the top and bottom of the tongue.

Pet guardians know their pets best, and by conducting these monthly at-home inspections, you may be more likely to catch subtle signs of cancer early enough to make a difference.
WRITTEN BY
Sarah Wooten, DVMVeterinarian
Dr. Sarah Wooten graduated from UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 2002. A member of the American Society of Veterinary Journalists,...

Feeling safe is an essential need for every living creature, just like having access to clean water and food. While humans can choose to retreat to a quite place, install security cameras and alarm systems when they’re scared, dogs doesn’t have that choice. That’s why creating a safe and quiet place for your dog is vital for your dog’s physical and mental health.

What Does Safe Mean For Dogs?
Safe means being “protected from or not exposed to danger or risk: not likely to be harmed” per Merriam-Webster dictionary. This means a dog learns to feel safe and secure when they are away from scary things, such as other dogs, visiting guests, repairmen, children or loud sounds.

Choosing A Safe Place
This step is critical and depends on your dog’s needs. It’s best to choose a bedroom that’s easily closed off by a secure door. By far, choosing the master bedroom works best as it smells like the dog’s pet parents. Also, your dog can practice nightly and enjoy sleeping in the room with her pet parents, which is another great way to teach your dog that this room is safe, relaxing and comfortable.

Creating A Safe Space
Once a bedroom has been located, it’s time to set up the room to address your dog’s needs.

• Your dog should have access to a very comfortable bed and water bowl.
• To drown out noises, place a white noise machine or large box fan (used on medium to high volume) near the door or windows. White noise drowns out construction, thunderstorm, visitors talking loudly, barking dogs or any other scary noises from stressing your dog.
• Tightly close drapes and blinds to prevent sounds (such as construction) or shadows (from people or dogs walking by) from distracting of scarring your dog.
• If a dog is afraid of lightening, turn on a light to prevent prevent lightening flashes from lighting up the bedroom.
• Plug in or regularly spray a calming pheromone (such as Adaptial) in the room.
• Essential oils are very calming to for dogs, try adding 2-3 drops of a dog safe essential oil into a diffuser in a far corner of the room.

Teaching Your Dog To Enjoy Their New Space
Before placing your dog into her safe place when visitors arrive, you should plant to spend 2 weeks teaching your dog that her safe place is truly safe.

1. Grab high value treats, such as string cheese. Walk to your dog’s safe place and toss food inside the room. Do this 10 times (don’t close the door yet) twice a day. Practice this for two days
2. Using high value treats, toss a large chunk of cheese or several small peas size pieces inside the room. When your dog goes inside to eat the treats, close the door for one second, then open the door. Dog this 10 times twice a day. Practice this for 2 days.
3. Follow step 2 but increase the time that the door is closed. Start with 2 seconds and slowly add 1-2 seconds per training session. If your dog should scratch at the door or whine, take a step back and decrease the duration of the door closed. Practice 10-20 times and twice a day.
4. When your quietly dog can stay behind the door for 5 minutes, give your dog a yummy food filled Kong toy. Do this everything you place your dog inside her safe place.
5. Now turn on the sound machine and essential oil diffuser and toss your dog a food stuffed toy every time she goes into her safe place.
6. Slow increase the time.

When To Use Your Dog’s Safe Place?
Place your dog into her space place whenever she needs it. Most dogs enjoy lounging in their safe place during dinner and birthday parties, when guests visit, when strangers arrive, during thunderstorms or during construction. Let your dog chose to go to her safe place whenever she needs it.

Many dogs dislike lots of commotion or loud parties, they would rather relax in their safe place. Additionally, you never know if your dog will eat something or get out the front door. When in doubt, keep your dog safe in her safe room.

Safe Place For Multiple Dogs?
It’s best to keep dogs separate in their safe space. When unpredicted scary things appear, many dogs may become so stressed and take their frustration out on the other dog. Plus, it’s never safe to have two dogs in a room with food stuffed Kongs. Place each dog in a crate or behind a secure barrier when unsupervised. If housemate dogs have squabbled in the best, it may be best to give them their own safe room (two different rooms with securely closed doors)

Which Dogs Should Have A Safe Place? All dogs should have a safe place.
​Most dogs enjoy their crate it it’s not located near high traffic areas, near windows or doors. Ideally, a dog’s crate should be placed into a bedroom that has a door, which can be closed. This prevents someone or something walking near or toward a dog, when they are crated.

If you have any questions about creating or teaching your dog to enjoy a safe space, please contact us.  ​https://positivepooch.net/

Rabbits are hopping into homes and hearts more than ever in recent years, and it’s important that pet parents know how to safely handle and pick them up. Bunnies, like all small pets, can be easily injured without proper support. Once you understand the basics, you and your bun will have everything you need to be as inseparable as any other pet parent and their furry friend.
Here's how to pick up a rabbit without scaring or injuring them.

How to Hold a Rabbit

1. Gather Your Rabbit
To get started, find a safe area to handle your rabbit. Starting on the floor is the safest choice, in an area with no obstacles (nothing to knock over or break) and preferably a blanket, rug, or carpeting to soften any impacts should your rabbit break loose.  With your area set, lure your rabbit with treats so they can get used to your setup and settle in.

2. Pet the Rabbit
To hold a rabbit, you must touch under their belly and under their rump. As prey animals, rabbits can be skittish by nature and may hop, thump, or run if you try to touch their belly or back end.

To help your rabbit prepare for being picked up, begin by petting areas they’re used to (such as along the back and scruff) and slowly introduce your petting to new areas, like behind their back legs, under their chest, and on their belly.

At this stage, don’t lift them up yet—just see how your bunny reacts to being touched. If they startle badly, repeat this step for as long as it takes for them to get used to you touching the necessary areas.

3. Pick Up Your Rabbit
When you and your rabbit are ready, it is best to settle next to your rabbit, either behind or to their side. Scoop one hand under their chest, and another under their back legs or rump, drawing them into your lap or chest as you do so.

You want to do this swiftly, though not rushed, and with confidence. If your rabbit startles or tries to jump, hold them firmly to your body for their comfort and safety.

A rabbit will only feel safe being held if they:

• Feel supported at both the front and back end
• Are in a stable hold
• Are held to your body rather than in the air

It is critical to use both hands—one at the front and one at the back of the rabbit.

Bunnies, like all small pets, can be easily injured without proper support.Depending on how you are sitting or standing when holding a rabbit, it may be more secure to hold your rabbit’s chest and shoulders from the side or above. You may also hug them into your body, under their back legs, or the classic hold of under both the chest and rump. The hand at the front of the rabbit should span underneath and to the side or top of the shoulders to provide better control.

Old dogs often experience a decline in their physical abilities and health, which can impact their ability to keep up on walks and necessitate extra special care. This change is a natural part of the aging process in dogs, just as it is in humans.  According to VCA Hospitals: Small dogs are considered senior citizens of the canine community when they reach 11-12 years of age. Their medium-sized friends become seniors at 10 years of age. Their larger-sized colleagues are seniors at 8 years of age. And, finally, their giant-breed counterparts are seniors at 7 years old.

Here are several reasons why older dogs might struggle with walks and require more attention:
𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐬:
One of the most common issues in older dogs is arthritis, a condition that causes joint pain and stiffness. This can make it difficult and painful for them to walk, run, or even stand. Regular, gentle exercise can help, but care must be taken not to overexert an arthritic dog.

𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐜𝐥𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐬:
As dogs age, they naturally lose some of their stamina and muscle mass. This decline can make it hard for them to keep up on longer walks. Older dogs may tire more quickly and need shorter, more frequent walks instead of long excursions.

𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞:
Aging can also affect a dog's senses. Loss of hearing and vision can make walks more challenging and potentially frightening for an older dog. They may become more anxious or hesitant, especially in unfamiliar or busy environments.

𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐈𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐞𝐬:
Older dogs often have chronic health issues such as heart disease, kidney disease, or other conditions that can affect their energy levels and overall health. These conditions may require specific care routines and can limit the amount and intensity of exercise they can safely handle.

To care for an older dog, it's important to adapt to their changing needs.
Suggestions:

• Walk with THEIR pace;
• Don't tug at them to keep going;
• Shorten the walk;
• Use a supportive leash for short distances, if your dog enjoys his walks.