Winter freezing weather is not a friend to our pets. Fortunately we in the the Fort Mil Tega Cay SC area don’t experience harsh winter weather conditions but we do get our share of below freezing nights and a few below freezing dayss. So what should you do to prepare your pet for winter weather?

The HSUS is offering the following suggestions to help keep all pets safe through the cold winter months.

* Don’t leave pets outdoors when the temperature drops below freezing. Dogs need outdoor exercise but take care not to keep them out for lengthy periods during very cold weather. Short-coated dogs may feel more comfortable wearing a sweater during walks. Dogs and cats are safer indoors in all sorts of weather. Animals should never be left outdoors unattended as they risk being stolen or otherwise being harmed.

Signs of hypothermia include: weak pulse, dilated pupils, decreased heart rate, extreme shivering, pale or blue mucous membranes, body temperature below 95 degrees, stupor and unconsciousness. Consequences of extreme hypothermia may include neurological problems including coma, heart problems and kidney failure. Check with your veterinarian for more information.

* Wind-chill can threaten a pet’s life, no matter what the temperature. Outdoor dogs must be protected by a dry, draft-free doghouse that is large enough to allow the dog to sit and lie down comfortably, but small enough to hold in his/her body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. Read the rest…

Christmas is a great time of year. Everyone including our pets get into the spirit. I found a video I’d like to share with dogs singing their favorite Christmas song. Enjoy from the Tega Cay Pet Nanny.

Halloween is a fun time for kids. But what about pets? If you want your pet to be the life of your Halloween party or neighborhood trick or treat walk, you can find plenty of sources to find pet costumes. The picture above is from costumecraze.com which is one of many internet costumes websites.

But Halloween can be a dangerous time for your pet too. The ASPCA put together a top ten saftey list for your pet to consider at Halloween.

Here is the ASPCA’s top ten Halloween pet safety tips:

1. No tricks, no treats: That bowlful of candy is for trick-or-treaters, not for Scruffy and Fluffy.

• Chocolate in all forms-especially dark or baking chocolate-can be very dangerous for dogs and cats. Symptoms of significant chocolate ingestion may include vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, increased thirst, urination and heart rate-and even seizures. Read the rest…

Looking for a reliable pet sitter? Here are some quotes from some of the Pet Nanny customers:

Nancy Joubert writes…

Each time we went out of town, Michelle’s service has been terrific, she is extremely reliable, trustworthy and flexible.

Andy Monahan writes…

The Pet Nanny is friendly, professional, reliable and well organized. The bottom line is that I trust her completely.

Kara Sanford writes… Read the rest…