Jennifer's Dog Grooming

01/22/2026

🚨 ARCTIC BLAST ALERT: DO NOT LEAVE PETS OUTSIDE 🚨

Macon County, we are heading into a dangerous stretch of weather. Starting this evening (Thursday), temperatures are crashing, and we are not expected to see "safe" wind chills again until next Tuesday, Jan 27th.

We are facing wind chills between -10°F and -20°F for the next several days. This is not "tough it out" weather—this is frostbite and hypothermia weather.

🐾 THE RULE OF THUMB: If it is too cold for you to stand at the door without a coat, it is too cold for your pet to be outside.

PLEASE FOLLOW THESE SAFETY GUIDELINES:

🥶 BRING THEM INSIDE. This is the only 100% safe option. Even breeds with thick coats are at risk with wind chills this low. If they must be outside for potty breaks, keep it short. In and out.

🔥 PROVIDE A SAFE HEAT SOURCE. If a dog is outdoors, a simple dog house is NOT enough in these temperatures. You should provide a safe heat source inside their shelter to prevent freezing.

🏠 CHECK THEIR SHELTER.

USE STRAW, NOT BLANKETS. Blankets get wet, freeze, and steal body heat. Straw retains heat and stays dry.

Ensure the shelter is off the ground, wind-proof, insulated and dry.

🧂 WATCH THE PAWS. Salt and chemicals on roads can burn paw pads. Wipe their feet when they come inside. Watch for ice balls forming between toes.

🚗 BANG ON THE HOOD. Outdoor cats often crawl into warm car engines to sleep. Give your hood a loud bang before you start your car to prevent a tragedy.

👀 SEE SOMETHING? SAY SOMETHING. If you see an animal without shelter, water, or shivering in distress, do not ignore it.

📞 WHO TO CALL:

Macon County Animal Control: (217) 425-4508

Dispatch: (217) 424-1311 (Please use the Dispatch number for after-hours calls between 10pm-8am, or if the shelter is closed due to weather).

Stay safe and keep your four-legged family members warm!

01/17/2025

Xylitol can be found in a lot of products and it's now being labeled as Birch Sugar because it's extracted from Birch bark. It's toxic to dogs, cats and ferrets. Check your peanut butter ingredients before you give your animals any and if they get into something they shouldn't have, read the ingredients to know if you should get them to the vet right away!

https://www.aardvarkanimalhospital.com/post/beware-of-birch-sugar-xylitol-s-new-name-and-hidden-dangers-for-dogs-cats-and-ferrets

11/01/2024

11/30/2023

Please be careful what you give your pets. This is a common ingredient in off brand peanut butter.

08/20/2023

Check your "sugar-free" labels! Xylitol / Birch Sugar / Birch Sap are all the same ingredient and can be very toxic to your pets.

Xylitol is quickly absorbed by the GI tract and starts to cause drops in blood sugar that can be deadly if left untreated. Xylitol can also cause liver issues that may not be seen right away.

Signs of toxicity include: vomiting, weakness, incoordination and seizure activity. If you suspect or know your pet got into a product containing xylitol contact your primary veterinarian or AEC right away.

11/20/2022