From the HSUS:
1). Make sure your pet wears an identification tag to enable him/her to be returned to you if lost.
2.) To Prevent animal behaviorial problems, make sure you enroll your new puppy or dog in behavioral training classes, and visit www.petsforlife.org .(Including the entire family in the classes also helps with behaviorial problems that may arise, especially with children. Spaying or neutering your puppy at an early age can help eliminate a lot of territorial and behavior problems before they get started.)
3.) Animal behavioral problems can be health related. Make sure your pet has a complete medical exam by a veterinarian at least once a year.
4.) Prepare for disasters. Make sure you have a plan for your pet in the event of a hurrican, tornatdo, fire or flood.
5.) Plan for your pet's future in case something happens to you and visit: www.humanesociety.org/petsinwills for more information.
6.) Learn how to avoid dog bites, and how to prevent your dog from biting by going to www.NoDogBites.org .
7.) Have a heart, be smart and make sure your pet is spayed or neutered!
WINTER TIPS FOR DOGS OUTSIDE from the CCAPL:
1.) If your dog is tied outside to a dog box, make sure the dog's box is adequate for the size of dog and it has plenty of bedding and free of drafts along the exterior edges where the sides meet.Caulking these areas really help. Suggestions for bedding are cedar chips or straw. Although straw at times can harbor flea eggs. Blankets or rugs are not recommended as these can become tangled in the chain or rope.
2.) If you use a chain, make sure the chain has swivels at each end so the chain does not kink. The law requires the chain be at least 8 feet in length.
3.) During the winter months, put vaseline on the inside of water dishes so if the water becomes frozen, it releases easier when dipped in a bucket of warmer water. Water more than once a day especially if the water freezes due to cold conditions. Eating snow is not an option to water. This can cause stomach cramping in dogs and it is very uncomfortable and may require veterinarian care and possibly dehydration in your dog. Eating snow also lowers their body temperature and takes more food and water too keep warmer.
4.) If your dog is an inside dog, watch your dog closely when it is outside so that it does not go off of its territory. Be respectful of your neighbor's property. If your dog does relieve itself, clean it up and dispose of it on your own property or in your own gargage can.
5.) When there is snow on the ground, or during a snowstorm, it is difficult for your dog to see as well, and also familiar landmarks may not be detected by their nose. It is easier for your dog to get lost during a snowstorm than any other time. Especially the elderly dogs as their senses are not as acute as when they were young or in their prime.
6.) Periodically check the dog's collar for tightness. Two fingers sideways under the collar is adequate. Watch for added hair growth during the winter months and make sure the collar is not to tight.
7.) If you have a dog tied to a dog box outside, set aside an exercise time when the dog can be free to run and play. Obedience classes help tremendously with control, as does spaying and neutering. If you do not want your dog to run free on its own, put your dog on a soft long rope with a clip on the end attached to the collar while you hold onto the other end. That way you still have control of the dog, and he is at least getting some exercise and so are you and the children! This is also a good time (after the dog has released some it its pent-up energy from being tied), to teach your dog responsive techniques such as fetching a ball, tug-of-war with a braided rope, or doing some light commands such as coming to you when called by his/her name. Always praise your dog for coming to you!
More tips to be added soon.
