Tag: Boston dogs

Your Dog’s Winter Weight and the “Thrifty Gene”

Poppy, our Westie, puts on a little weight every winter. Ed, who weighs her regularly and keeps a log, has noticed this seasonal increase for the past three years.

Besides snow walking, Poppy loves “snow hopping” (her favorite sport). Both give her a good workout and help control winter weight for all of us!

This winter, because she’s had more exercise than in past years, we’re scratching our heads to figure it out. We weigh her food and monitor her treats so we’d know if she were eating more. She’s not. Is there something in a dog’s nature that hangs on to calories in winter? Does her metabolism slow down?

The Thrifty Gene

After some research, we learned the answer to those questions is,”Yes!” Ken Tudor, DVM, on the Pet MD website wrote, “Shorter days signal to the dog brain that winter is coming. This sets off hormonal changes to slow metabolism and conserve calorie expenditure.” He says, “These changes also promote the deposition of fat. This phenomenon is a result of a genetic adaptation called the ‘thrifty gene.’ The thrifty gene prepares the dog for the harsh winter and allows for normal performance in harsh conditions.”

We have to offset the thrifty gene with more attention to the “food in/exercise out” balance. Just as it is with humans, dogs have to eat less or exercise more to keep from gaining weight.

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino adapted for BostonZest from one of our City Paws newspaper columns.
Photos: ©2017 Penny & Ed Cherubino

January 8, 2017
How Cold Is Too Cold for Your Sunday Dog?

As winter arrives and temperatures fall, we all worry about dogs out in the cold and ask ourselves, “How cold is too cold for a dog?” We gained new insights on this topic in a recent article by veterinarian Jennifer Coates, DVM for the website PetMD.com.

It Depends on the Dog

Just as some of us feel the cold more than others, some dogs are cold averse too and will try to cut short every trip outside in winter. Others (like all three of our West Highland White Terriers) love the cold and will stay out until they become pupsicles, if you let them.

Dogs like Huskies, Newfoundlands, and Samoyeds have a heavy double coat and a solid body type to protect them from the cold. On the other hand, lean-bodied, short-coated breeds, such as Greyhounds, need protection from the cold.

Small dogs tend to get colder quicker than larger ones. As our first two Westies aged, we became far more careful about the length of time they spent outside. A dog’s general health is also a factor in deciding how long your walks should be.

How much a dog is acclimatized to the cold should be taken into account. A recent transplant from a southern state may feel the cold far more than a New England dog that has been spending time outside all winter.

What’s more, every cold day is not the same. In winter, we become sunseekers choosing a route that will keep us, and our my dog Poppy, in bright sunshine whenever possible. Rain, wind, and icy surfaces can all reduce the time you will want to allow a dog to be outside.

General Guidelines

Dr. Coates offered the following, “In general, cold temperatures should not become a problem for most dogs until they fall below 45°F, at which point some cold-averse dogs might begin to feel uncomfortable.

"When temperatures fall below 32°F, owners of small breed dogs, dogs with thin coats, and/or very young, old, or sick dogs should pay close attention to their pet’s well-being.

"Once temperatures drop under 20°F, all owners need to be aware that their dogs could potentially develop cold-associated health problems like hypothermia and frostbite.”

Signs of Trouble

Dr. Kim Smyth, Staff Veterinarian and Pet Health Writer at Petplan explains, “Symptoms of hypothermia in pets range from weakness and shivering to inaudible heartbeat and trouble breathing, depending on severity.” If symptoms are present, she recommends the animal be moved to a warm area, wrapped in blankets, and transported to a veterinary care facility.

To Coat or Not to Coat

If you have a dog that needs some protection from the cold, there are certainly a wide variety of coats, sweaters, and jackets on the market. A friend recently purchased a combo coat set for her Greyhound Marley. It consists of a light fleece jacket for moderate days, an insulated coat for cold days, and a waterproof raincoat for wet days.

Coats not only keep a dog warm, but they also keep them clean. We put a toddler t-shirt under Poppy’s winter jacket to cover more of her fur. T-shirts are much easier to clean than a dog’s belly.

The next time you check the wind chill and add a few layers as you dress for a dog walk, ask yourself what you can do to see that your dog will be just as comfortable as you both stroll the streets of the city.

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino (Adapted for BostonZest from one of our City Paws newspaper columns.)
Photos: ©2012-2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Related articles

Thanks to All the Sunday Dog People Who Did it Right & Shame on Scofflaws

Give a Big "Thank You" to Your Dog Walker!

The Dogs of the Boston Public Library Collections

December 11, 2016
How Cold Is Too Cold for Your Sunday Dog?

As winter arrives and temperatures fall, we all worry about dogs out in the cold and ask ourselves, “How cold is too cold for a dog?” We gained new insights on this topic in a recent article by veterinarian Jennifer Coates, DVM for the website PetMD.com.

It Depends on the Dog

Just as some of us feel the cold more than others, some dogs are cold averse too and will try to cut short every trip outside in winter. Others (like all three of our West Highland White Terriers) love the cold and will stay out until they become pupsicles, if you let them.

Dogs like Huskies, Newfoundlands, and Samoyeds have a heavy double coat and a solid body type to protect them from the cold. On the other hand, lean-bodied, short-coated breeds, such as Greyhounds, need protection from the cold.

Small dogs tend to get colder quicker than larger ones. As our first two Westies aged, we became far more careful about the length of time they spent outside. A dog’s general health is also a factor in deciding how long your walks should be.

How much a dog is acclimatized to the cold should be taken into account. A recent transplant from a southern state may feel the cold far more than a New England dog that has been spending time outside all winter.

What’s more, every cold day is not the same. In winter, we become sunseekers choosing a route that will keep us, and our my dog Poppy, in bright sunshine whenever possible. Rain, wind, and icy surfaces can all reduce the time you will want to allow a dog to be outside.

General Guidelines

Dr. Coates offered the following, “In general, cold temperatures should not become a problem for most dogs until they fall below 45°F, at which point some cold-averse dogs might begin to feel uncomfortable.

"When temperatures fall below 32°F, owners of small breed dogs, dogs with thin coats, and/or very young, old, or sick dogs should pay close attention to their pet’s well-being.

"Once temperatures drop under 20°F, all owners need to be aware that their dogs could potentially develop cold-associated health problems like hypothermia and frostbite.”

Signs of Trouble

Dr. Kim Smyth, Staff Veterinarian and Pet Health Writer at Petplan explains, “Symptoms of hypothermia in pets range from weakness and shivering to inaudible heartbeat and trouble breathing, depending on severity.” If symptoms are present, she recommends the animal be moved to a warm area, wrapped in blankets, and transported to a veterinary care facility.

To Coat or Not to Coat

If you have a dog that needs some protection from the cold, there are certainly a wide variety of coats, sweaters, and jackets on the market. A friend recently purchased a combo coat set for her Greyhound Marley. It consists of a light fleece jacket for moderate days, an insulated coat for cold days, and a waterproof raincoat for wet days.

Coats not only keep a dog warm, but they also keep them clean. We put a toddler t-shirt under Poppy’s winter jacket to cover more of her fur. T-shirts are much easier to clean than a dog’s belly.

The next time you check the wind chill and add a few layers as you dress for a dog walk, ask yourself what you can do to see that your dog will be just as comfortable as you both stroll the streets of the city.

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino (Adapted for BostonZest from one of our City Paws newspaper columns.)
Photos: ©2012-2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Related articles

Thanks to All the Sunday Dog People Who Did it Right & Shame on Scofflaws

Give a Big "Thank You" to Your Dog Walker!

The Dogs of the Boston Public Library Collections

December 11, 2016
Four of Our Favorite Things for Dogs and Dog Lovers

Living with a dog, there are a few things we are really happy to have around. Since it's the time of year for gifting, we want to share these ideas with you.

Pawz Dog Boots

Poppy gets a lot of attention in her little red boots. (Or "Ruby Slippers" as one woman on Newbury Street called them. We like that term and have adopted it.)

The photo above is from Poppy's first day wearing Pawz Water-Proof Dog Boots. She accepted them right away and gave them a good workout as she experienced her first measurable snowfall as a wee pup!

Since they do wear out, you can even give these as a thank you gift to another pup who is a good pal to your dog.

Mambe 100% Waterproof Furniture or Bed Covers

We have told you about our wonderful Mambe waterproof furniture covers before, here:

The Mambe Pet Blanket Gets a Paws Up from All Three of Us!

Has someone hosted you and your dog in the past and perhaps is going to welcome you this holiday season? What could be a better appreciation gift to your host or hostess and a reliable cover to protect their furniture or bedding from accidental wetness?

Mambes are not inexpensive but they are worth the price and would be great to have at any regular destination. We take a twin size one when we travel to cover the sofa in our apartment or hotel room and to put down the center of the bed at night to make a safe place for Poppy.

Headlamp

Trying to hold a flashlight while examining a pet's ear, paw, or mouth is frustrating. You need two hands for the job and an assistant to distract the critter if possible. These headlamps allow you to direct the light where your eyes are focused. You will find dozens of other uses for them when you are doing DYI or crafts. We also find them useful when taking Poppy for a last walk of the night on a dark beach.

When you have a dog that eats with gusto, you may find yourself with spills and frustration as the pup chases the dish around the floor. For years we used sticky mats to hold the bowl to a tray. Then we found the ezpz line of silicone placemat and bowl combinations. Poppy's favorite is the ezpz Happy Bowl – One-piece silicone placemat + bowl, shown above.

We wrote about this in more detail here:

We Found an ezpz Happy Bowl Solution for Poppy, Our Enthusiastic Eater!

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Related articles

Spread a Little Local Love for the Rest of Valentine's Month

Ready or Not the Snow & Ice Will Fall

December 4, 2016
Four of Our Favorite Things for Dogs and Dog Lovers

Living with a dog, there are a few things we are really happy to have around. Since it's the time of year for gifting, we want to share these ideas with you.

Pawz Dog Boots

Poppy gets a lot of attention in her little red boots. (Or "Ruby Slippers" as one woman on Newbury Street called them. We like that term and have adopted it.)

The photo above is from Poppy's first day wearing Pawz Water-Proof Dog Boots. She accepted them right away and gave them a good workout as she experienced her first measurable snowfall as a wee pup!

Since they do wear out, you can even give these as a thank you gift to another pup who is a good pal to your dog.

Mambe 100% Waterproof Furniture or Bed Covers

We have told you about our wonderful Mambe waterproof furniture covers before, here:

The Mambe Pet Blanket Gets a Paws Up from All Three of Us!

Has someone hosted you and your dog in the past and perhaps is going to welcome you this holiday season? What could be a better appreciation gift to your host or hostess and a reliable cover to protect their furniture or bedding from accidental wetness?

Mambes are not inexpensive but they are worth the price and would be great to have at any regular destination. We take a twin size one when we travel to cover the sofa in our apartment or hotel room and to put down the center of the bed at night to make a safe place for Poppy.

Headlamp

Trying to hold a flashlight while examining a pet's ear, paw, or mouth is frustrating. You need two hands for the job and an assistant to distract the critter if possible. These headlamps allow you to direct the light where your eyes are focused. You will find dozens of other uses for them when you are doing DYI or crafts. We also find them useful when taking Poppy for a last walk of the night on a dark beach.

When you have a dog that eats with gusto, you may find yourself with spills and frustration as the pup chases the dish around the floor. For years we used sticky mats to hold the bowl to a tray. Then we found the ezpz line of silicone placemat and bowl combinations. Poppy's favorite is the ezpz Happy Bowl – One-piece silicone placemat + bowl, shown above.

We wrote about this in more detail here:

We Found an ezpz Happy Bowl Solution for Poppy, Our Enthusiastic Eater!

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Related articles

Spread a Little Local Love for the Rest of Valentine's Month

Ready or Not the Snow & Ice Will Fall

December 4, 2016
It’s That Time of Year! Holiday Season Pet Safety

The holiday season and winter, in general, present some dangers and inconvenience for those of us with beloved cats or dogs in our lives. From deicers on sidewalks to ribbons on holiday gifts, we have to be alert and proactive to protect our pals.

Curious Kitties

Playful and curious cats can find a lot of ways to get into trouble around holiday greenery, decorations, and packages. Tinsel is not just pretty, it is attractive and could be deadly to cats.

The folks at Pet Insurers warn, “The shiny, dangling decoration reflects light and can move in the slightest draft — appearing to come alive to watchful critters.” They explain that if consumed, “… this foreign body ingestion could actually be fatal as it twists and bunches inside your pet’s intestines. Immediate veterinary care is required.”

The same is true of ribbon. While it might be fun to see your cat or dog play with a piece of ribbon, don’t encourage this dangerous behavior and make sure ribbon is kept out of the reach of those playful mouths.

Fragile glass ornaments are best placed high on the tree out of the reach of pets. Broken decorations can cut paws or mouths and are a real danger if ingested. Electrical cords and holiday lights pose a risk of shock, if chewed by pets. And candles could be hazardous to everyone if knocked over by a playful paw.

Danger Outdoors

Winter is a dangerous time for any animal unattended outdoors. Cats have been known to seek the heat of warm car engines which can put them in peril. Dogs can ingest antifreeze or poisons meant for rodents. Keeping your pets indoors or on a leash is always smart but especially so in winter. A lost house pet would not have the coat or skills needed to survive on its own in sub-freezing conditions.

Deicers used on roads and sidewalks pose a different type of threat to our dogs. I’ve had two dogs who were very sensitive to salt and were subject to sore, irritated paws every winter. I wash my Westie Poppy’s paws any time she has come into contact with salt or a deicer even if she has worn her Pawz boots.

In addition to sore feet, salt and chemical deicers can also cause gastrointestinal upsets that could need veterinary care. In addition to cleaning your pet’s feet, ask your building, your neighbors, and the city to use sand and paw safe deicers in place of salt.

Holiday Plants and Food

Holiday entertaining can mean leaving food within reach of pets when we are distracted by party preparations or guests. Chocolate, some nuts, cookies, cakes, and high fat foods can all make your dog or cat sick.

Holiday plants, particularly pine needles, mistletoe, poinsettias, and holly, can cause vomiting and diarrhea, difficulty breathing, collapse, erratic behavior, hallucinations, depression, and even death when ingested. Lilies, often used in floral arrangements, are particularly dangerous for cats.

Save Time for Your Pets

Holidays put a lot of demands on our schedules but it’s important to pencil in some special time with our pets. In addition to unconditional appreciation for you and any time you choose to spend with them, our pets help lower our stress levels and blood pressure.

While it’s fun to buy gifts for our furry friends, they seem to love time spent with us best. Our Poppy always appears happiest when my husband is tossing one of her oldest toys across the room in an endless game of fetch. Or sitting with her cuddled up on one of us.

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino

November 27, 2016
It’s That Time of Year! Holiday Season Pet Safety

The holiday season and winter, in general, present some dangers and inconvenience for those of us with beloved cats or dogs in our lives. From deicers on sidewalks to ribbons on holiday gifts, we have to be alert and proactive to protect our pals.

Curious Kitties

Playful and curious cats can find a lot of ways to get into trouble around holiday greenery, decorations, and packages. Tinsel is not just pretty, it is attractive and could be deadly to cats.

The folks at Pet Insurers warn, “The shiny, dangling decoration reflects light and can move in the slightest draft — appearing to come alive to watchful critters.” They explain that if consumed, “… this foreign body ingestion could actually be fatal as it twists and bunches inside your pet’s intestines. Immediate veterinary care is required.”

The same is true of ribbon. While it might be fun to see your cat or dog play with a piece of ribbon, don’t encourage this dangerous behavior and make sure ribbon is kept out of the reach of those playful mouths.

Fragile glass ornaments are best placed high on the tree out of the reach of pets. Broken decorations can cut paws or mouths and are a real danger if ingested. Electrical cords and holiday lights pose a risk of shock, if chewed by pets. And candles could be hazardous to everyone if knocked over by a playful paw.

Danger Outdoors

Winter is a dangerous time for any animal unattended outdoors. Cats have been known to seek the heat of warm car engines which can put them in peril. Dogs can ingest antifreeze or poisons meant for rodents. Keeping your pets indoors or on a leash is always smart but especially so in winter. A lost house pet would not have the coat or skills needed to survive on its own in sub-freezing conditions.

Deicers used on roads and sidewalks pose a different type of threat to our dogs. I’ve had two dogs who were very sensitive to salt and were subject to sore, irritated paws every winter. I wash my Westie Poppy’s paws any time she has come into contact with salt or a deicer even if she has worn her Pawz boots.

In addition to sore feet, salt and chemical deicers can also cause gastrointestinal upsets that could need veterinary care. In addition to cleaning your pet’s feet, ask your building, your neighbors, and the city to use sand and paw safe deicers in place of salt.

Holiday Plants and Food

Holiday entertaining can mean leaving food within reach of pets when we are distracted by party preparations or guests. Chocolate, some nuts, cookies, cakes, and high fat foods can all make your dog or cat sick.

Holiday plants, particularly pine needles, mistletoe, poinsettias, and holly, can cause vomiting and diarrhea, difficulty breathing, collapse, erratic behavior, hallucinations, depression, and even death when ingested. Lilies, often used in floral arrangements, are particularly dangerous for cats.

Save Time for Your Pets

Holidays put a lot of demands on our schedules but it’s important to pencil in some special time with our pets. In addition to unconditional appreciation for you and any time you choose to spend with them, our pets help lower our stress levels and blood pressure.

While it’s fun to buy gifts for our furry friends, they seem to love time spent with us best. Our Poppy always appears happiest when my husband is tossing one of her oldest toys across the room in an endless game of fetch. Or sitting with her cuddled up on one of us.

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino

November 27, 2016
Sunday Dog Dexter Just Loves Leaves!

I came across Dexter and his person on an early morning walk. Another pup was trying to tempt Dexter to play, but he just wanted to enjoy his pile of leaves.

He didn't want to pose for a photo. He just just wanted to be Zen with his leaves while the season for leaf piles lasts.

Enjoy those leaves, Dexter! See ya soon, walking in the park.

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photo: ©2016 Penny Cherubino

Related articles

Boston Fireworks from Another Time …

November 20, 2016
Sunday Dog Dexter Just Loves Leaves!

I came across Dexter and his person on an early morning walk. Another pup was trying to tempt Dexter to play, but he just wanted to enjoy his pile of leaves.

He didn't want to pose for a photo. He just just wanted to be Zen with his leaves while the season for leaf piles lasts.

Enjoy those leaves, Dexter! See ya soon, walking in the park.

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photo: ©2016 Penny Cherubino

Related articles

Boston Fireworks from Another Time …

November 20, 2016
Little Sky Poses So Pretty as Our Sunday Dog

We think there is model potential in this little dog. When we asked for a photo, Little Sky graciously sat perfectly still next to Lucy Stone on the Boston Women's Memorial and showed us what she feels is the best side of her pretty face.

We think this little beauty is a stunner from any angle. See you in the park, Sky!

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©2016 Penny Cherubino

Related articles

Does a Sculptor Think About Snow?

November 13, 2016