Creating an Invaluable Bond through Caring for Your Pet

     Walking is equally as important to you as your dog during the winter months. However, there will be some extra precautions you will need to take to protect your dog from the harsh winter elements.

As the weather starts to turn cold, make sure that you and your dog are up to date on receiving vaccinations. You do not want to be stuck at home feeling terrible as a result of the cold.

Vaccinations will protect both you and your dog from potential illness. Take precautions to make sure that your dog does not get frostbite or hyperthermia.

These conditions mean that your dog's life is in serious danger. Try to take shorter walks, invest in a booties or a sweater for your dog, and take the walk during the hottest part of the day.

However, if your dog becomes threatened by hypothermia, get him or her to a warm place as soon as possible. You may need to call for help, and your dog will need to visit the veterinarian.

Think about your children and how you would protect them. Many of the same principles will apply to the safety and protection of your dog.

Some families find that taking a walk is too difficult or time consuming of a task. Their solution to this problem is to simply let the dog out to wander in the streets for a while.

This is very dangerous. You would not let your young children participate in this same activity.

Household pets have not grown up on the streets and they do not know the danger. Naturally, they are curious and like to explore.

They will try new things, but those things may be poisonous or harmful to them. The biggest danger to pets by far is the numerous moving vehicles.

Black pets are especially susceptible to this danger because drivers cannot see them in the dark until it is too late. The number one cause of death for dark-colored pets is moving vehicles, not the hopeful old-age.

However, white pets are as especially susceptible to this threat during the winter. The snow falls make them blend in with the snow as well until it is too late.

It is also good to keep in mind that while dogs are commonly domestic animals, they were not always that way. They still have wild instincts.

If they are allowed to roam free it is likely that they will wander onto another dog's territory and your dog will be attacked. Or another dog might wander onto your dog's territory and your dog will attack the other dog.

This could result in the serious injury or death of one or both of the dogs. Other dogs are not the only threat of this nature either.

Owls, raccoons, foxes, wolves, cougars, porcupines and skunks are all known to have severely injured or killed beloved pets. There are also mean people that have a vendetta against pets and will not hesitate to harm them.

Others do not like pets because they are obsessed with keeping their yards absolutely perfect. These people become angry and will also resort to harming your pet.

Pellet guns have been used on pets before to chase them away. It is also a common occurrence for pets to get lost.

Although there are a few miraculous stories of how pets return home to their masters after miraculous distances, this is not a common occurrence.

More often than not, families will never see their pet again. This is especially true when young pets wander off.

Many times these pets die, but sometimes other people take them in and care for them. Another thing that many people do not think about it what they feed their pet.

Pets should only be fed pet food in the proper amounts on a regular schedule. Table scraps are incredibly unhealthy for your pet.

With the proper nutrition, your dog will stay in prime physical condition and will be able to handle the cold and any illness he or she may contract much better.

Pets that are overweight cannot move easily and they will be more susceptible to death in situations where they need to move quickly. Pets are like humans, they will also face many more medical problems if they are obese.

As you properly care for your pet, a lasting bond will develop between you and your pet. This bond is absolutely invaluable and will bring you much happiness throughout the years.