Monthly Newsletter
For The Love of Animals is an independently owned and family operated pet supply store.
Welcome to our January newsletter.
Welcome to our January newsletter. It's hard to believe we're about to enter into 2012, and what a year it's been. All of us at For The Love of Animals wish you a very happy and healthy 2012. This month I've included tips on how to keep your pet safe during the winter months, as well as reminder of our reduced holiday hours. We also announce our anniversary contest winners. We still have some holiday themed gifts for that special pet or pet lover in your life.
Anniversary contest winners
Congratulations to Jenica M, Stewart C and Donna M, the 3 winners in our anniversary contest. Each winner receives a $25.00 gift certificate. Thanks to everyone who participated in our contest. Stay tuned for our next contest held in the Spring.
Still some holiday themed gifts available
We still have quite a few holiday gifts for your pets and pet lovers. Currently we have everything from holiday stuffed animals, holiday treats and holiday themed toys. We also have pewter animal key chains for that special pet lover in your life. Come check it out and pick up something for that special pet or person in your life.
Holiday hours reminder - please note the late openings:
Saturday December 24 - 12 pm to 7 pm
Sunday & Monday December 25 & 26 - Closed
Tuesday & Wednesday December 27 & 28 - 12 pm to 7 pm
Thursday & Friday December 29 to 30 - 12 pm to 8 pm
Saturday December 31 - 12 pm to 7 pm
Sunday January 01 - Closed
Regular hours resume on Monday January 02, 2012
From our family to yours, we wish everyone a very happy and safe holiday!
Tips on how to keep your pet safe during the winter months
Most pets enjoy being outside and playing in the snow. It is also a time of real hazards. Here are a few tips to help make sure your pet is kept safe this winter both inside and outside.
Avoid Pet Burns
Be sure to keep pets away from fire places, wood stoves and other heating surfaces. When stoking a fire, keep pets away. A single burning ember or a hot poker can cause severe burns. A jumping cat, wagging tail, or running dogs can easily knock a candle over. Be sure the candle is heavy enough to stay put, and that it has a dome on it to keep pets safe.
Cars and Pets Don't Mix
The ethylene glycol in antifreeze is extremely toxic and can be fatal, even in small doses. There are many brands of antifreeze made with propylene glycol (reduces both the toxicity and flavour appeal) which are safer around pets and wildlife. Be sure to cap the jug tightly and keep out of the reach of children and curious pets.
Cats are known to warm up next to a warm engine. This can be fatal when the engine is started and the cat is hit by the vehicle's fan. Blowing the horn and bang on your car's hood before starting the engine will often scare a cat away.
Dangerous Weather Elements
Frostbite can happen when your pet is exposed to freezing cold temperatures, especially if accompanied by high winds. Frostbitten areas may appear gray, white, or red, and may peel. Paws, ears, tail and nose are most likely to be affected by frostbite. If frostbite is suspected, the frostbitten area should be soaked in warm water for 20 minutes. Don't rub the frostbitten tissue. As soon as the pet has warmed up, wrap him in blankets and bring him immediately to the nearest veterinarian.
Make sure to keep your dog warm by putting a sweater or coat on them if they have short hair or are small. Also, animals that suffer from medical conditions such as heart disease or kidney disease etc are less able to regulate their body heat. Pets that are very old or young are also more vulnerable to the cold.
The salt used to melt ice on driveways and sidewalks can burn your dogs paws. He could also suffer from diarrhea and vomiting if he licks his paws and ingests some of the salt. Your dogs paws and stomach should be wiped with warm water and a damp cloth after being outdoors in treated snow to remove any salt and other chemicals. Products such as Invisible Boot, or actual dog boots, also help to protect your dogs paws from the salt and ice.
Arthritis
Just like people, arthritis in pets is aggravated by the cold weather. A thick blanket wrapped around a hot water bottle, warm rice or oat bag can be helpful.
Dry, Irritated Skin
Animals can suffer from dry, itchy skin due to indoor heating during the winter months, just like humans. Essential fatty acid supplements can help some pets, but in the case of extreme irritation that causes a pet to scratch and bite at his skin to the point of opening sores, consult a veterinarian.
Most importantly, enjoy the winter months with your pet!
Subscribing or unsubscribing to our newsletter
If our newsletter was forwarded to you, why not subscribe and never miss an issue. To subscribe to our monthly newsletter, send an email to info@loveofanimals.ca with "subscribe" in the subject. Be assured that your email address will never be given out or sold. Alternatively, if you decide you no longer want to receive our newsletter, send an email to info@loveofanimals.ca with "unsubscribe" in the subject.
That wraps it up for our last newsletter of the year. We wish you all a very happy and healthy 2012 and hope to see you at the store soon!
Marilyn Murray ~ Owner