Sunday, January 31, 2021

A Nosy Sunday Selfie

Pup Astrid didn't get to show off her face this past week, because her usual day to post instead contained a review for a cat tree. Astrid did show up in the background of a photo or two in that review, but she informed me that she should get to share a selfie today. So, here's a nosy sort of selfie from pup Astrid.

Happy Sunday, friends!


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Doodle of the Day

Today's doodle is the late-coming illustration for the poem I shared for Angel Sammy's Thoroughly Poetic Thursday challenge this past week. It was a poem inspired by an I Love Lucy prompt, but I threw in some kitties, and it's just a silly little doodle for a silly little rhyme. If you'd like to read the accompanying poem, just click here.


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Tip of the Day

Today is likely our last tip in our winter safety series. For this last tip, we're going to do an overview of winter weather concerns, and remind you of some of the signs to look out for that might indicate a furbaby is struggling with the winter elements. To begin, when outdoors in the cold winter months, closely observe your kitty or pup and watch for shivering, a hunched up position, restlessness, whining, lifting paws off of the ground, redness of the ears, and other signs that the furbaby is becoming too cold. On extremely cold days, frostbite and hypothermia can happen fast, which is why it is not only important to closely monitor a furbaby who might need to venture outdoors even for a short time, but to also reduce time outdoors as much as possible. Also monitor your kitties and pups indoors, and ensure that they are remaining warm with sufficient heating and bedding.

Coldness, frostbite, and hypothermia are not the only issues that can arise in the winter, though. Injury to the paws, for example, is another potential. Pups and kitties who go outdoors can be affected by the cold ground, and by the snow, ice, and ice melts that might cover the ground in the winter. For this reason, be watchful for paw pads that are dry, cracking, bleeding, or otherwise injured, and monitor for lifting of the paws or altered ambulation.

The winter issues don't end there, though, as many more potential concerns can arise from the harsh cold of winter. For example, dryness of winter air and heated homes can lead to dryness of the coat and skin  When it comes to this, be on the lookout for itching, scratching, dander, and a dull coat. Yet another system of the body that can be affected by the winter months is the respiratory system. Dry, cold air can affect asthma and other such ailments, so be on the alert for coughing and other similar signs.

Winter can be a harsh time of the year, as you all certainly know. It can be hard on us, and also of course our furbabies. For this reason, always monitor your furbaby when outdoors but also when indoors. Over the past couple of weeks we've discussed some of the potential ways to combat the various issues that might arise due to the harsh winter weather. What it comes down to, though, is that it is important to monitor your furbaby, and if you have any concerns regarding their health and comfort, to never hesitate discussing this with your veterinarian in order to keep your kitty or pup as cozy as possible even on those cold winter days.

11 comments:

The Florida Furkids said...

Sweet nose selfie. The doodle is fun!

The Florida Furkids

meowmeowmans said...

For a moment, we thought maybe it was Woof Woof Wednesday! Hi Astrid!

Catscue said...

Good to have you back Astrid, I love that photo, what a sweet girl you are. The doodle is fun and thank you for those winter safety tips.

Eastside Cats said...

The Hubby suggested that I stick my arm into The Cat Hotel, to make sure the warming pad is working. Unfortunately, I'd have to have a 10-foot long arm, because of the windbreaks that keep the wind and snow out! I tested the pad when I put it in, in late Autumn, but there is always the worry that it's not working. However, The PO'M seems okay, so we'll just have to hope it's working.

Timmy Tomcat said...

Astrid the nose knows and that is a great doodle for this weeks poem

Marvelous Marv said...

|The doodle is PURRFECT and we have a plaque on the wall Astrid, Happiness is a cold wet nose and an wagging tail! Wou look marvellous darling! Have a Fabulishiously Happy Day!

The J-Cats said...

That is an adorable nosy selfie, Astrid.
And we simply LOVE the doodle (Mummy says looking at all those cakes makes her hungry - MOL).

Dash Kitten Crew said...

What an epic schnozzle portrait!!

pilch92 said...

Nice selfie Astrid. Very cute drawing and great tips. My poor Angel Prancie has frostbitten ears when she showed up at our doors. XO

Melissa, Mudpie and Angel Truffles (Mochas, Mysteries and Meows) said...

That doodle is adorable, just like your nose, Astrid!

messymimi said...

Astrid, i am glad you took over for a Sunday selfie. Fun doodle, too!