GRANDVILLE, Mich. –– It is undeniably winter in West Michigan. This means snow, wind, and bitter cold air are making it difficult to even go outside for a short amount of time. As hard as it is for us, the same goes for our pets! They may love to play in the snow and make it seem as if they're not affected by the cold weather, but it's your responsibility to ultimately care for them and keep them safe. Take a look at our tips for keeping pets safe during the winter and cold weather, and take any necessary precautions when the temperatures take a dip!

• Keep the Basics Plenty: Pets who spend lots of time outdoors use lots of energy to keep warm. Make sure they have fresh water in a freeze-safe plastic bowl, and have eaten enough food. A little more food than normal during the winter months can help with the energy deficiency. 
• Protect Paws Before and After Going Outside: Pets going outdoors, even if it is a short walk, can be affected by the salt and ice on their paws. Using petroleum jelly or another type of pet-safe moisturizer will help protect their pads before going out. It's also a good idea to wipe paw pads with a damp towel to rid them of salt that can dry them out and irritate the pets mouth if they lick them. Pay attention to in-between the toes and remove any snow clumps or salt. You might consider boots sold at pet stores if temperatures or ice conditions are bad. Your pets might have trouble with boots at first (see the funny video below), but they'll get used to them. Make sure to also keep your pet from licking or eating any road salt, which can cause excess water consumption and vomiting. 

• Avoid Bathing if Possible: If you can get away without a bath, do so to let the essential oils do their job. Just like us, pets will get dry, flaky skin because of the cold which can be irritating and itchy. Running a humidifier inside your home will help. If you do need to bathe them, use a good moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. 
• Keep Them Inside: If it's too cold outside for you, it's too cold for your pets. Your pets are happiest and the safest inside on unbearably cold days. It's also a good idea to provide a warm blanket and pillow or bedding so they can keep warm during their downtime inside. You can make them even more comfortable, and help their dry skin, by running a humidifier throughout the day - this is a good thing to do for the humans in your home, too! 

We love our pets like family, so we treat them like family! There are plenty of things you can do together during the cold weather that'll keep your pets healthy and active. Let them try their paws at a puzzle toy, train them on new or old tricks, and play their favorite game (like fetch or tug) indoors when you can. Make sure to keep pets safe during the winter and cold weather by following the tips listed above. Just as a reminder, never leave your pup(s) in the car for long in any extreme temperatures.

You can keep your family safe in the winter, too with a Honda like the CR-V or the brand new 2018 Honda Accord that comes standard with the most advanced suite of safety features, Honda Sending,  It's no secret Honda is one of the most awarded brands on the market. If a new Honda isn't in your budget we have plenty of safe and winter friendly options in our used inventory we'd love to show you.

Give RiverTown Honda a call at (877) 236-9113, or visit us at 4260 Kenowa Ave. Grandville, MI 49418, one mile west of RiverTown Mall.

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GRANDVILLE, Mich.,––The Fourth of July is just around the corner, and now is the time to prepare! Because the Fourth falls on a Tuesday, that leaves many families with a long weekend for traveling, relaxing, and setting off fireworks to celebrate the holiday. It can be nerve wracking to do fireworks at home with little ones and pets around, because they can be loud and dangerous. There are some basic firework safety tips you and your family can follow for the Fourth of July weekend to keep everyone safe and happy.

1. Light One Firework at a Time

While you may want to set them all off at one time for a grand spectacle, it's better to be safe and light one at a time. This will allow you the time you need to move away from the lit firework quickly, and your crowd the chance to enjoy each and every firework!

2. Light Fireworks Away from Your Home 

If possible, take your fireworks to the backyard or a nearby open field to reduce risk of fires or other accidents. The further you can light fireworks from your house or other buildings, the better! Make sure your audience is sitting far away from where the fireworks are being lit as well.

3.  Only Allow Adults to Light Fireworks

It can be tempting to let your children help with lighting the fireworks because it's exciting and you want them to be involved. You can avoid the risk of injury by only allowing adults to light the fireworks. Even little fireworks like bang snaps and sparklers can be dangerous for little ones to handle.

4. Never Re-Light Dud Fireworks

If you light a firework only to find out it's a dud, leave it be. You can either throw it in your water bucket or let it rest where it landed to make sure it's safe. Either way, there was something wrong with the dud in the first place and it could cause you more danger to try and make it work.

5. Keep Your Pets in a Quiet Place Throughout the Weekend

Pets have sensitive hearing and can often become anxious with fireworks or other loud noises. Wherever you travel this weekend, be kind and provide your pet a safe, quiet place for them to be. You can also try using a Thunder Shirt or lavender paw balm to help calm nervous pets.

6. Never Bring Your Pets to a Firework Show

You may want to share an awesome firework show with your furry friends, but again, it can be anxiety inducing and very scary for them. Do your best to make them feel comfortable, safe, and loved and never bring them to a firework show.

7. Keep a Metal Bucket and Plenty of Water Handy

If you're lighting your own fireworks at home, even small ones, keep a metal bucket and plenty of water handy. Use the metal bucket to put firework remains or duds in, and use the water to douse hot fireworks or sparklers as needed.

8. Go to a Local Fireworks Show! 

You can let the professionals handle the fireworks, and enjoy a big show by attending a local fireworks show. There's one right in Grandville on the 4th of July at the Middle School at Dark! There will also be other fun activities in the City of Grandville for you and the family to enjoy this weekend.

We hope these firework safety tips for the Fourth of July weekend help keep you, your family, and your pets safe and happy this holiday! If you're traveling for the holiday, make sure to have your oil changed, tires inspected, and fluids topped off before you leave. We can help with all of this and more at RiverTown Honda. Check our available coupons, and stop by our Express Service Lane with or without an appointment for services in 90 minutes or less. For even more tips on how to maintain your car for safety on the road, check out our routine maintenance tips and Summer Car Care advice.

Give RiverTown Honda a call at (877) 236-9113, or visit us at 4260 Kenowa Ave. Grandville, MI 49418, one mile west of RiverTown Mall.

Visit Us Online: RiverTownHonda.com

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GRANDVILLE, Mich. –– Your pets are like family to you. You truly love them and want the best for them. The holidays can be a stressful time with all the hustle and bustle, especially if it involves traveling and new places. To make the best of the situation for them, we've come up with some tips on keeping pets safe and happy during the holidays.

• Stay on Schedule: As much as possible, try to keep their feeding, exercising, and bathroom times consistent. They are habitual creatures as much as we are and expect these things when they normally get them, and can be stressed if they don't. If you're somewhere new, daily exercise that involves just the two of you can reduce anxiety for them (and probably you too).
• Be Prepared: We hate to think of a pet running away or getting injured or sick, but it's best to be prepared. Always keep proper ID tags on them at all times, even if the jingling is annoying. Keep a photo of them with you, which you probably already have thanks your love for your pet and smart phones. Also, have your vet email records to you to keep with you in case of injury or illness. Tip: have them send it to an email accessible through your phone, then star or favorite the email for easy access. 
• Watch What They're Eating: With many hands exchanging food, and the desire for your beloved pet to enjoy what you're enjoying, they often eat things they shouldn't, leading to gastrointestinal problems and accidents. Things like chocolate, raisins, grapes, nuts, onions, and alcohol are toxic to dogs. We understand they're cute, but it's best to refrain from giving them non-pet food! If you're going away, make sure you bring a little extra food in case of an emergency. 
• In the Car: If they're coming along for the ride, make sure they're secured properly in the car with a crate, carrier, or harness solution. Always bring a bowl and water with you and be prepared to stop to let them go to the bathroom (bringing bags to clean up their mess is also recommended). You can keep them comfy by providing them a blanket. 
• At a Guest's Place: Keep them on their best behavior by brushing up on basic commands before leaving. Understand they can be excited or stressed by new smells, people, and other animals so talk to your guest beforehand to know how to deal. Bring a favorite, quiet toy and a quiet space (pet bed, or crate) for them to feel secure. 
• Include Them: Acknowledge them, play with them, and include them in the group. It's no fun to be locked in a room when there's a party going on (unless that's their choice). Be patient with them, and remember they too pick up on human emotions like stress and excitement.