Winter may feel like it's winding down, but native New Englanders know another big storm is always just around the corner. Winters here can be treacherous, and this one has been no different. (Actually, despite blizzard Nemo we might be catching a break compared to the misery the middle of the country is going through). Anyways, as we dry off from yet another soggy day, here is a guide to the must-have supplies your dog needs to stay healthy and happy during the winter months.

Waterproof jacket. Even if your dog loves the snow and never gets cold, he should have a waterproof jacket for those wet weather days. Don't think of it as 'dressing up your dog', think of it as 'saving your clothes and furniture from that wet dog smell'. Even a lightweight jacket will keep the majority of your pet's fur dry. Tanner and Dash makes good quality items, and Fab Dog has awesome raincoats that fold into their own little pouch. Bonus: it rains in the summer too, so this purchase will get a lot of use.

Pet-friendly ice melt. Imagine walking around barefoot over the piles of salt we throw on our driveways and sidewalks every day. Common road salt (the kind that most cities use on roads) can burn poor pooches' paws, and causes cracks and irritation. If they lick their paws to get it off, salt can also wreak havoc with their digestive system. Be kind to your pup by using pet-friendly ice melt like Paw Thaw. You should be able to find this at any hardware or pet store in your area.

Dog booties / paw salve. Until everyone starts using pet-friendly ice melt, we need other ways to protect our pups. The best way to avoid salt burns, irritation and ingestion is by covering up your dog's paws with booties when they go outside. Most dogs will resist at first, but in the long run they will thank you. MuttLucks are a great option. For those dogs that absolutely won't put up with wearing booties (mine is among that group), try using a salve on their paws such as Musher's Secret. These salves act as sort of a "doggie Chap-Stik" by coating the dog's paws with wax, helping to avoid getting salt on the pads of the paws and soothing them if it does. Bonus: Musher's Secret is also great in the summertime for protecting against burns from hot sidewalks.

Doggie chamois. Even if your dog wears a jacket and booties, he's bound to track snow, salt and mud into the house after walks. Stash a chamois near your door for a quick wipe down. The extra time spent wiping down Fido will be worth it when you don't have to wash your floors every day. A great option is the super absorbent (and machine washable) BowWow Pet Shammy. I own two, because one always seems to be in the wash! Warning: they do lose absorbency after each wash, but they hold the dirt better than towels (i.e. the dirt s

With your dogs outfitted so well for winter weather, they'll want to stay outside all day. So dog owners should stock up on their long underwear, wool socks and thick gloves. It's cold out there!

The other day Daisy and I were walking down the street, and a woman with her adorable 4 month old puppy approached. The woman, trying her best to control the puppy but hardly succeeding, asked brightly, "Is she friendly?!"

 The question threw me. Daisy is incredibly friendly. She loves people and adores children. She plays at the dog park, and she's been welcomed in nursing homes and retail stores. But Daisy is anxious around other dogs on leash. Especially puppies; All the jumping, licking and overall lack of personal space bugs her. 

I'm sure the woman with the puppy was trying to be polite when asking before she let her dog come up to Daisy. But it's not just about being "unfriendly". It can be a lot more complicated, and most dog owners don't have the time, patience or energy to explain the subtleties (not that other dog owners care to listen either). Whether to save time or face, I've lied and told people she was sick. (Tell someone your dog had giardia and watch how fast they leave you alone!) Mostly I use, "yes she's friendly, but she's in training", which is true. She's in training to overcome her anxiety around dogs.

Why do I bring all of this up? I recently found a new, fantastic way to tell dog owners to give you some space. Because in reality it is truly about needing space, not about being unfriendly. The idea is called The Yellow Dog Project and I think it's brilliant:

In order for The Yellow Dog Project to work, everyone has to know about it. So spread the word! And the next time you pass a dog on the street, remember that all dogs are friendly in their own way! Some just need a little space :)

AdopTee's will have yellow ribbons available at our upcoming events for a $1 donation to a local shelter, along with additional information about The Yellow Dog Project.

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