Porky and Buddy Pet Health – How To Cope With ‘Mud Season’

by Contributor | March 28, 2016 7:30 am

Dear readers,
It’s great that spring is in the air. But, with it comes the dreaded “mud season!”

We have run this column before, but we are looking outside at the rain and the mud holes springing up everywhere and thinking it might come in handy in the next few weeks.

Plus it makes us laugh.

So our apologies if it looks familiar, and at the same time, our thanks for being such a loyal reader!

Dear Porky and Buddy,
Help!  I don’t mean to sound shallow and I really really love all my pets, but I dread the coming of spring, otherwise known as the “mud season.” No matter how hard I try, I just cannot keep them from constantly tracking mud into the house and all over the carpets and it is so frustrating. Do you have any practical suggestions?
Ken

Dear Ken,
Here’s one suggestion: Replace all your carpeting with industrial strength tile, put drain holes in the center of every room and a faucet on the wall where you can just attach a hose. No we’re just kidding. It doesn’t need to be industrial strength, any good quality tile will do. No we’re still kidding.

We actually love mud season, but we understand that people have houses and carpets and want to take care of them, even though we think it is a little shallow, as you suggest.

In spite of our opinion, there are some practical steps that you can take that will get you through the worst of it without having to shovel out wheelbarrows full of mud from your floors.

Start by just putting a shallow pan of water near every door where pets come in.

A big litter pan is the right depth and size.

In all likelihood, you will not be able to persuade your cats (if they go outside) to walk through, as cats have a modicum of common sense, but your dogs will do it for you.

And wet feet are a lot better than muddy feet.

Then, also at every door, have a supply of old towels.

We lay one out just inside the entrance, so every pet is pretty much guaranteed to walk on a towel before he or she gets to a carpet and you will also have an extra towel on hand to do any additional wiping.

Is it pretty?

No, you will not see this system in House Beautiful, and you will have to remember to pick them up before company comes, but it is a practical low-cost way to deal with an irksome problem.

And it wouldn’t hurt to also invest in a really good carpet shampooer.

After you’re done cleaning, come to the Fools for Fur Balls Party on April 1 from 6 to 10 p.m. at Bridie Manor, 1 Bridie Square, Oswego.

Music, snacks, contests, prizes, cash bar.

Admission $20.

A benefit for the fur balls of the Humane Society.

And don’t forget to enter your pet’s picture in the Fools for Fur Balls Foto Contest.

You can find the link on our website and our Facebook page.

The Oswego County Humane Society provides spay/neuter services and assistance, fostering and adoption of animals in urgent need, humane education programs, and information and referrals to animal lovers throughout Oswego County.

Located at 110 W. Second St., Oswego, NY.

Phone: (315) 207-1070.

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.oswegohumane.org

Because People and Pets Are Good for Each Other.

Source URL: https://oswegocountytoday.com/community/porky-and-buddy-pet-health-how-to-cope-with-mud-season/

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