There are many options in weather protection for your outdoor pet, i.e. mesh tarps, which filter sunrays to a degree but allows air through and most importantly allows rain through so the tarp does not pool with rainwater and cave in your kennel. Mesh tarps are great addition to the sides of your kennel to block the morning or the hot late afternoon sun

A pitched steel frame roof with gable end front covered tends to form a parachute, which holds heat that radiates downward in the summer.  A better solution is a roof with many trusses that will bear some weight (snow) with open ends creating a vent for hot summer heat.

1.       Kennel roof with several steel trusses and a sun blocker tarp:
   Pros – easily assembled or disassembled; tarp is inexpensive to replace and is attractive.
   Cons – a good tarp needs to be replaced  every 3-5 years whereas a very inexpensive blue or silver tarp needs to be replaced  in just a few months. 
2.       Kennel roof with several wooden trusses and shingles:
   Pros – good solid structure, more or less permanent structure.
   Cons – expensive, not easily assembled and may need a permit to build. May need experienced Carpenter to erect 
3. Kennel roof with several trusses made of wood or metal and a steel roof:
   Pros – good solid structure, more or less permanent structure.
   Cons – expensive , not easily assembled, may need a permit to build, holds in the summer heat, radiates heat downward, noisy in the rain. May need experienced Carpenter to erect

Four Steps to help your pet to have a healthy winter
1. Indoor exercise
Invest in a treadmill or exercise wheel to keep your pet in shape.
I am finely getting some use out of the treadmill my wife had to have from last years new years resolution
2. Give’em a Bone
chewing on a bone helps relieve anxiety and builds energy
3. Challenge their mind
Puzzle and treat dispensing times keep your pet’s brain active
4. Reward them with a meal
Switch treats with food to cut calories

Beware, Holiday Dangers

Pets can become very ill from a variety of common holiday meal items, including table butter, meat and candy. These foods can result in gastrointestinal upsets and pancreatitis, a painful and sometimes fatal condition. When these conditions occur, pets might exhibit depression, vomiting, abdominal pain or lack of appetite. Eating tinsel, ornaments and garlands, even drinking holiday tree sap water, can lead to serious stomach irritation. In addition, poisoning from xylitol (a sugar-free ingredient found in baking goods, candy, and chewing gum) can cause a severe blood sugar problem leading to weakness, depression, and seizures.

Chocolate is another common cause of holiday accidents for pets. Many types of concentrated chocolate, particularly baking chocolate or dark chocolate, can cause serious health problems depending on the size of the dog.

During the holidays, prevention is really the key. Place high risk items and holiday foods out of reach. Dogs also like to chew on electrical cords, gift ribbons and strings. Watch for symptoms of restlessness, tremors, seizures, vomiting and diarrhea and seek immediate veterinary treatment for them.  Of course, our pets’ health and well-being is a responsibility that goes beyond just the holidays.

A few things to look for

• Candles and hot wax
• Candies, chocolate and foil wrappers
• Alcoholic beverages
• Electrical cords (uncovered or untapped)
• Ribbon, string and yarn
• Metal ornament hooks
• Tree tinsel and confetti
  Rubber bands
• Beads and buttons
• Poinsettias, holly, mistletoe and greens
• Stagnant tree stand water and chemicals
• Intricate or fragile ornaments
• Rock salt and antifreeze
• Poultry bones and meat drippings

Winter side tarps for dog kennels
Early snow, I haven’t raked up my leaves yet!
It‘s not too early to protect your pet from frigid cold air.
Side winter tarps help keep blowing snow, rain, or leaves from entering your pet’s kennel.

Things in your kitchen that are poisonous to dogs & cats!

As cool weather approaches, the smell of baked goods in our kitchen not only warms our home but our hearts as well
It’s scary how many common food items in our kitchen are poisonous to our pets!
Some of these food items, while safe to you, may cause serious problems if ingested by our dogs and cats.
Here is the list of some kitchen products that are best kept away from our pets.

1. Chocolate
2. Grapes, raisins and currants
3. Sugar free gun and candy
4. Onions and garlic
5. Human meds.
6. Household cleaners
7. Unbaked bread and cookie dough