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Hey, Katie K-9!KatieK9@readthecitizen.comwww.KTK9.com 651-429-5433 |
Hey, Katie K-9!
How cold is too cold for our Boxer/Lab mix Tucker? What should I be watching for? Thanks,
Marty
Hey, Marty and Tucker!
As with humans, we are all different with our tolerance of the weather. Until Tucker acclimates to the cooler weather, pay attention. If he is shivering, he might need a dog coat. Pay attention more to the wind chills: anything under 10 below can cause frostbite in dogs if they are outside for any amount of time.
Another thing I worry about is the salt they use on the roads and sidewalks. When you get home, be sure to wipe the paws off really well, and don't forget to wipe between the toes. The chemicals in the salt can make dogs very sick when they lick their paws. At home, I do not use any chemicals anywhere.
For slippery sidewalks, I use chicken grit #2. A 50# bag costs about $6. You can get it at the Hugo Feed Mill. It is great to keep in the truck of your car in case you get stuck; it WILL get you out. Most people use kitty litter, but when the litter gets wet it turns to muck. Chicken grit is small pieces of granite. In the spring, you just sweep it up and put it in a bucket for next winter.
Here's to staying warm!
Katie K-9
Hey, Katie K-9!
We have a two-year-old Cocker Spaniel that we got from the Hurricane Katrina rescue effort. He's absolutely wonderful and very well-behaved. My only complaint is that he eats the poop out of our cat litter box. We aren't able to get the litter box out of his reach without inhibiting the cat access as well. Any advice on how to get him to stop this unpleasant habit?
Thank you.
Karrie
Hey, Karrie!
All dogs love to eat the "kitty snacks" a/k/a cat doodoos. If dogs eat "kitty snacks" regularly, they can get very sick. Litter box hoods don't stop most dogs. If you cannot isolate the cat box in a closet or up high where the dog cannot reach, consider purchasing the Clevercat ® Top Entry Litterbox. This is a deep bin with a lid on top with a cat access in it. Manufactured by Clevercat Innovations, it is available locally at PetCo in Maplewood for $34.99 plus tax. Touted as "virtually dog-proof," one member of our newspaper staff has used it with great success in a household with a medium- sized dog and two cats. Check it out online at www. clevercatinnovations.com.
Dogs will also get fat and kidney and liver problems can result from eating cat food on a regular basis because of the high protein in cat food. The best solution is to build a shelf, maybe in your laundry room, where you can feed your cats - about four feet off the floor. If for some reason your cat can't jump, then you will have to build a narrow ramp for him to go up. If you want to elevate your kitty litter box, this is a good place to put it, as well - just build the shelf a little longer.
Here's to better eating habits.
Katie K-9
Hey, Katie K-9!
All I need is your formula to get rid of the skunk odor!
We all thank you!
Renee
Hey, Renee!
I am sorry you need this:
Skunk Formula
1 quart 3% Hydrogen Peroxide
1/4 cup baking soda
1 teaspoon Dawn liquid dish soap
Mix together in a pail; it will foam up a lot. Gently sponge on you or your pet, being sure to keep it out of their eyes and mouth. Leave on for at least 3 minutes. If your dog tries to shake it off, place your hand on the dog's shoulders and give a deep "AHHHH." Keep the dog on a leash so you have better control. Rinse off with warm water. Repeat if necessary.
Here's to smelling better!
Katie K-9
Hey, Katie K-9!
My grand-dog is a boxer and stays with us occasionally. After I feed her, she drools from one side of her mouth like a faucet for hours. Any ideas?
Sarah
Hey, Sarah!
It could be a problem with her teeth or gums on that side of her mouth. Have your veterinarian take a look to be sure all is well in her mouth. Boxers do drool, along with many other breeds; however, some are worse than others. If all checks out okay, just carry a drool rag (a small hand towel) and keep her off the furniture until the drooling settles down.
Katie K-9
Send in your dog questions to "Hey, Katie K-9!" by mailing them to The Citizen, P. O. Box 393, Hugo, MN 55038 or e-mailing them to Katie at KatieK-9@ReadTheCitizen.com (We recently changed her e-mail address so make sure you're using her current one.)
Listen to Katie on her radio show every Saturday morning from 8-10 a.m. on FM107.1.