Charlie's weekend adventure- MacKenzie King Estate

Dogs too get bored of the same food, the same walk and the same dog friends. We to get bored too. That's why every weekend we try a new walk or hike. We are lucking that we live in Ottawa since we have so many trails and walks that we can go to under half an hour. We have shared some in the past. See below links to MacKenzie King Estate and other hiking trails in the Gatineau.

Walking and Hiking in the Gatineau

Hiking and Walking at the Mackenzie King Estate

How to tell your dog is cold.

Some dogs have a great coat to keep them warm in the winter and other dogs don't. So how how long can they endure the cold?  You need to look for signs and recognizing when it's time to go home.

First Signs of a cold dog.

1. Ice between their toes or on their body
2. Dog is shaking or shivering due to wetness, cold or both.

If you don't take action early your dog will have blisters and/or swelling as well as some frostbite.

Second Degree 

Second degree frostbite will result in skin blisters. Skin turns a very pale/gray colour on their ears, feet,toes and tails.

Third Degree

Third degree may result in gangrene resulting in amputation of affection area and sometimes death.

Dogs like Charlie have a double-coated fur to protect him from the cold weather and wet weather but they too have their limits. If you have a hairless dog, a dog with little fur, or you live, walk and run in a very cold climate, I recommend a coat made for your dog. You can also buy boots for your dog as well.

Always monitor your pet. Keep them safe. They rely on your judgement.

Charlie at The Mackenzie King Estate

Charlie at the Ruins

Most don't know that MacKenzie King, former Canadian Prime Minister in 1921–1926, 1926–1930 and 1935–1948 served was a devoted dog owner.

He had Irish Terriers, first three he named Pat. He praised his terrier friends as "a God-sent little angel in the guise of a dog, my dear little saviour"

MacKenzie King was not a people person but he really loved his dogs! I think he would have enjoyed seeing all the dogs walking in his estate.

Charlie enjoyed the Estate, he liked the ruins, paths, water fall (even if it was frozen), the trails and the cross country ski trails. Snow shoeing is good here too!

Charlie heard that the gardens are nice in the summer and a great place to have high tea.

Link for more info
http://www.ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places-to-visit/mackenzie-king-estate/visitor-information

Dogs that love to cuddle.

Want to cuddle with your dog? Cuddling with your dog is good for you in so many ways. Cuddling can lower your stress levels, lower your blood pressure, lower your risk of a stroke, can beat depression and help reduce pain and it's good for your dog too!

Studies have also shown that cuddling with your dog releases oxytocin in both you and in your pet. Oxytocin has a calming and soothing affect on pet and human. So enjoy cuddles on the couch and good long walks with your dog.

Here is a list of dogs that like to cuddle.

1. Duck Toller- Charlie loves to cuddle.
2. Labrador Retriever.
3. Golden Retriever.
4. Basset Hound
5. Maltese
6. Pug
5. Maltese
6. Collie

Tips for hiking with your dog.

Hiking with you dog can be fun for you and your dog. You should pack dog and trail treats when hiking in the city or on the trail. Bring water too, especially in the summer. Not all dogs are suitable for long hike so you need to be realistic about your dogs endurance and capabilities. Always make sure that the trails are suitable for your dog.
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Walking your dog is good for your health.

If you have a dog your likely walking more than non-dog owners. This is a good thing! 

You likely happier than non-dog owners too. Other benefits of having a dog is that you likely have an improved sense of well-being.Also walking your dog 30 minutes a day at least 3 times a week reduces your blood pressure, increases your energy and is likely to lower your weight by 5%.And on top of all that you get the love of your dog.

Dogs go into the snow with their snowsuits already on!

Most dogs like the snow. Check out Charlie, you can see he is loving it!

Even though your dog loves the snow make sure his ears don't freeze, especially if they are small or pointed. Also all that salt on the sidewalk and roads can irritate your dogs paws. If your dog licks his salty paws he could get sick. Try washing your dogs paws with some warm water when he comes in the house.

(Keeps your house cleaner too)

Dogs regulate their body temperature in part through their paws, so make sure your dog isn't exposed to the ice and snow more than a few hours at a time. Always keep an eye on your dog. Not all dogs are the same.

Charlie with his new collar light

Charlie in the neighbourhood

Charlie in the leaves

To big for me!

A friendly guy in the neighbourhood. Charlie's not sure about him though.