Woof and Whinney News December 2025
- Melissa Brady
- Dec 3, 2025
- 5 min read
K9 Fit for Life
Winter Safety Tips
Winter brings its own set of challenges for our four-legged family members, and at K9 Fit For Life, keeping your pups safe, healthy, and thriving through the colder months is always our priority. Here are some essential winter safety reminders to help your dog stay comfortable and protected all season long:
· Protect Those Paws- Snow, ice, and salt can irritate paws and cause cracking. Check your dog's paws after walks, wipe them clean, and consider using paw balm or booties for added protection.
· Limit Exposure in Extreme Cold- Even cold-tolerant breeds can suffer from frostbite or hypothermia. Keep outdoor time short during freezing temperatures and pay attention to shivering, lifting paws, or slowing down.
· Dress Smart- Short-haired, senior, small, or medically sensitive dogs may benefit from a well-fitted winter coat. Choose gear that keeps them warm without restricting movement.
· Keep Them Dry- Wet fur chills fast. After walks in snow or slush, dry your dog thoroughly - especially the belly legs, and paws.
· Maintain Safe Footing- Icey sidewalks and driveways can cause slips. Walk carefully with your dog and avoid areas treated with harsh de-icers. Use pet-safe ice melt around your home whenever possible.
· Watch Calorie Intake- Some dogs burn more energy staying warm, while others become less active in winter. Monitor body conditions and adjust food as needed to maintain a healthy weight.
· Hydration Still Matters- Dogs need plenty of fresh water in winter, even when it's cold. Don’t rely on snow – always offer unfrozen water indoors and outdoors.
· Avoid Antifreeze and Chemicals- Antifreeze is highly toxic and has a sweet taste that can attract pets. Keep all winter chemicals stored securely and clean spills immediately.
· Exercise for the Body and Mind- Winter can limit outdoor play, so keep your dog active with indoor training, enrichment games, and structured movement – perfect ways to support strength and reduce winter boredom.
· Stay Visible- Shorter days mean more walks in the dark. Use reflective collars, leashes, or lights to make sure both you and your dog are seen.
At K9 Fit For Life, our mission is to help you keep your dog healthy, confident, and fit year-round. With a little extra awareness and the right winter routine, your pup can enjoy a safe, happy, and active season. Stay warm, stay mindful, and keep moving forward – Training and wellness are truly for life!!
Equine Fit For Life
Winter Safety Tips
At Equine Fit For Life, keeping your horses healthy, comfortable, and performing at their best is at the heart of everything we do. As winter settles in, we want to share some of our favorite cold-weather safety reminders to help you support your horse’s mind, body, and overall well-being through the season.
· Keep Hydration a Priority- Dehydration is common in winter. Be sure your horse has access to clean, unfrozen water always.
· Fuel the Body with Forage- Horses generate warmth through digestion, so providing extra hay during frigid temperatures helps them stay warm naturally. Strong body, strong performance.
· Hands-on Body Checks- Winter coats can hide a lot. At Equine Fit For Life, we encourage regular hands-on checks so you can catch weight changes early and adjust nutrition before issues arise.
· Warm, Dry Shelter Matters- Whether it’s a run-in shed or a well-ventilated barn, make sure your horse has a place to escape wind, rain, and snow. Comfort supports physical and mental wellness.
· Maintain Safe Footing- Ice and packed snow can lead to slips and injuries. Keep paths as clear as possible, use sand when needed, and check turnout areas for icy patches.
· Hoof Care Doesn’t Take a Winter Break- Regular farrier visits are essential year-round. Clean hooves daily to prevent snow and ice buildup that can impact balance and movement.
· Monitor Health Closely- Cold weather can stress the immune system. Keep an eye out for changes in behavior, appetite, or energy. Early detection keeps your horse thriving through the season.
· Smart Blanketing- If you blanket, choose appropriate weights, and check daily for rubbing or shifting. The goal is comfort – not overheating.
· Keep Them Moving- Movement is at the core of Equine Fit For Life. Even light exercise on safe footing supports better circulation, stronger muscles, and a healthier mind.
· Stay Prepared- Storms and cold snaps can be unpredictable. Keep emergency supplies ready and make sure your winter is in place.
At Equine Fit For Life, we are dedicated to helping you and your horse enjoy a safe, happy, healthy winter. With the right care, attention, and movement, this season can be just as rewarding as any other. From all of us to you and your equine partners – stay warm, stay safe, and keep thriving!
Big News!
As we continue to revamp K9 Fit for Life and build Equine Fit for Life, please keep in mind that some of our services will not be available this month. We have so many things in the works. Here are some of the things you can look forward to:
New Merch – This will be ready in January.
New Services – Up and running (contact us for the Service and Price list)
Seminars, meet the trainer events, and book signings.
Gift Certificates for all our services
Canine and Equine massage therapy (Hands on and Cryotherapy) is in the works, and we will be offering these great services soon.
K9 Fit for Life’s book that was published in July, is a NUMBER ONE BEST SELLER on Amazon in three different categories! The holidays are right around the corner. Do you know someone who is getting a puppy? This is a great resource for the family who needs training help, or a great gift for someone bringing home a new dog. You will find this book on Amazon and Barnes and Noble, as well as in some local pet boutiques and bookstores. If you have purchased and read it, please leave a review. Thank you to all who have continued to support me.
Here are the links for the book:
Woof and Whinny Highlights:
I would like to highlight the achievements of all K9FFL pups and EQFFL horses. If your pup or horse has received an award, completed a program, or took place in a competition, let me know about it so we can all see the amazing achievements! I also highlight them on the Facebook page and Instagram page.
We have many pups finishing up their program and pups just starting…. Check back in January’s Newsletter for their achievements!
Check out K9FFL and EQFFL on Instagram and Facebook for events and other exciting things!
Thank you all for the continued support throughout the last 10 years and I hope to see you soon!!
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