Courtesy of the ASPCA, the following guidelines will help you protect your companion animals when the mercury dips.

1) Keep your cat inside. Outdoors, felines can freeze, become lost or be stolen, injured or killed. Cats who are allowed to stray are exposed to infectious diseases, including rabies, from other cats, dogs and wildlife.

2) During the winter, outdoor cats sometimes sleep under the hoods of cars. When the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed by the fan belt. If there are outdoor cats in your area, bang loudly on the car hood before starting the engine to give the cat a chance to escape.

3) Never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm-dogs can lose their scent and easily become lost.  More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season, so make sure yours always wears ID tags.

4) Thoroughly wipe off your dog’s legs and stomach when he comes in out of the sleet, snow or ice. He can ingest salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals while licking his paws, and his paw pads may also bleed from snow or encrusted ice.

5) Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth. When you bathe your dog in the colder months, be sure to completely dry him before taking him out for a walk. Own a short-haired breed? Consider getting him a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly.  For many dogs, this is regulation winter wear.

6) Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death.

7) Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs, and may be difficult to housebreak during the winter. If your puppy appears to be sensitive to the weather, you may opt to paper-train him inside. If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, take him outdoors only to relieve himself.

Does your dog spend a lot of time engaged in outdoor activities? Increase his supply of food, particularly protein, to keep him-and his fur-in tip-top shape.

9) Like coolant, antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle, and consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol. Visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center more information.

10) Make sure your companion animal has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafts. A cozy dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow is perfect.

These are just a few tips to help you and your pet enjoy the wonderful winter season at Lake Tahoe.

About two very long months ago, we rescued a very funny looking speckled pup.

What were we thinking?

He has been such a handful. Willful, stubborn, wild, jumping, biting, adorable, smart, funny and lovable. 

We have aged with Rudy. He still is funny looking, but we do love him.

So far, he’s great with the horses, a pain in the tushy for Jesse (our Border Collie) and keeping us exercised.

He hasn’t done too much damage yet.

We love our dogs here at Schwartz-Stanton Group. We have such a variety too including Finn (a lab/sharpei mix), Sam (a german shephard mix) Jesse (a border collie mix), Rudy (a blue heeler/australian cattle dog mix) and Bentley, the pure bred chow chow.   Summer is time for lots of fun and a great time to enjoy with your dog.  You’ll be spending more time outdoors.  While all this fun is good, it is also the time when you pet is at risk for heat-related illness and injury.    Here are some tips to keep your dog cool but this does not replace advice or care from a veterinarian.  If your pet shows any signs of distress or injury contact your vet immediately.

Sunburn - Pets can get sunburned.  Short-haired pets, white and lightly colored pets are especially susceptible.   Long-term exposure can lead to skin damage and sometimes even skin cancer.  If your pet is fair-haired, limit the amount of time your pet is in direct sunlight and that includes sitting in a sunny window.

Heat Stroke – Watch for signs of heat stroke.  This includes rapid panting, hot skin, twitching muscles.  Heat stroke or heat stress can happen quickly and it can be fatal.   To prevent heat stroke, keep you pet indoors during the high heat of midday.  Be sure to have the air conditioning on and/or place your pet in a well ventilated area with circulating fans.  If you pet show signs of heat stroke get your pet to your veterinarian as soon as possible.  Large double-coated breeds, dogs breed for cold climates and those with short faces are at higher risk.

Water - Always provide your dog with plenty of fresh water.

Exercise - Refrain from exercising your dog during the hottest part of the day.  Try switching your daily walks to early morning or after sundown when the weather is cooler.  Watch for hot pavement and sandy beaches. . .paws can burn easily.

Vaccinations – Be sure you vaccinations are current and talk to your vet about a preventative treatment program for fleas and ticks.

Never Leave Your Dog in a Parked Car – Heat is heat even when parked in the shade with the windows open.  Don’t leave your dog in a parked car during the summer.  It is dangerous and it puts your dog at risk.

Provide Shade – If you dog loves to lounge in the yard or hang out of the deck, be sure there is a shady place for your dog to enjoy and provide plenty of water.

Have fun this summer.