Tips For Keeping Your Pet Safe and Warm This Winter

• Keep an eye on the temperature. When it falls below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s best to keep your pet indoors. Short-haired dogs, cats and puppies should be kept indoors when the temperature dips below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Compare the amount of exercise your dog receives during the colder months to warmer months. If your dog is indoors more at this time of year, it’s probably getting less exercise and may need less food. However, if your pet is outside often in the winter months, it may need more food to burn the calories necessary to produce more body heat
• Use a damp towel to wipe your pet’s feet and underside. Ice-melting chemicals can irritate and burn the pads of your pet’s feet and can cause serious injury if ingested. Another way to protect your dog’s feet is to spray the pads of their feet with cooking spray or you can purchase boots for your pet.
• Keep an eye on the temperature. When it falls below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s best to keep your pet indoors. Short-haired dogs, cats and puppies should be kept indoors when the temperature dips below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Keep your pet’s coat well groomed. Matted fur won’t properly protect your pet from the cold.
• Provide a dry, draft-free doghouse if you must keep your dog outside for any period of time. It should be large enough to allow your dog to sit and lay down comfortably but small enough to hold in its body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The doghouse should be turned to face away from the wind, and the doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic.
• Regularly check your pet’s water to make sure it’s not frozen. When your pet is outside, make sure there is plenty of fresh drinking water available. Animals can’t burn calories without a fresh supply of water, and if they can’t burn calories, they’ll get cold. Also, use a tip-resistant, ceramic or hard plastic water bowl rather than a metal one, as your pet’s tongue can stick and freeze to a cold metal.
• Check your garage and driveway for antifreeze. Antifreeze tastes sweet to pets, but most brands are poisonous if consumed. Should your pet ingest any amount of antifreeze, contact your veterinarian immediately.

§  Never leave pets alone in cars. When the engine is off, a car can act as a refrigerator, holding in the cold.

§  Pets can get frostbite too. Watch for red, gray or whitish areas on your dog’s nose, ears and feet. Also, watch out for “ice balls,” or balls of slushy snow that form between your dog’s toes. Keeping fur between the toes clipped is a good way to prevent this.

§  Please make sure your dog is licensed and has a current ID tag.

Information provided by www.ny1.com and the www.sspca.org.

Services and Rates§

What services do you offer?

Specializing in doggie play groups we also offer on-leash dog walking, cat visits, small pet visits, private boarding, pet taxi to the groomer or vet and medication administration.

Do you provide care for exotic pets?

We are happy to provide care for all of the pets in your home.  We have rabbits, birds and iguanas on our client list just to name a few.  If you have a unique pet and we will do our best to meet your expectations.

What areas do you serve?

Kat’s Dog Walking serves Dorchester, MA (Lower Mills, Neponset, Fields Corner, Savin Hill, Jones Hill) and South Boston, MA

What sets us apart from the rest?

At Kat’s Dog Walking our #1 goal is to make sure all of your pet’s needs are met with the utmost care and compassion.  When your pet is in our care you can rest assure that it is being closely supervised at all times.   We take pride in always doing our best and keeping you informed on your pet’s progress.  We love our work and we hope you do too!

Are you insured and bonded?

Kat’s Dog Walking is insured and bonded through Pet Sitters International by Travelers Insurance.

What is my first step to receiving services?

A free in-home consultation is the first step in getting your pet’s needs met.  During this time we can get to know you and your pet and find out exactly what services you need.  You can show us where his/her things are kept. (Water, food, treats, etc.)  During this time we can also answer any questions you may have for us.

What if I need last minute coverage?

We will do our best to accommodate any last minute requests for services.  We keep the towns that we service limited so that we can be available to do so.

Can you provide references?

Absolutely! Do not hesitate to ask.

How long have you been in business?

Kat’s Dog Walking had been in business for six years.

Shore Things – Maxwell, Bailey , Zagi and Sam romped through the waters of Dorchester Bay yesterday near Victory Park in Dorchester under the supervision of their walker, Katherine Heatley. Sunny Skies….