Doggy Summer Care: Fun But Safe!

As loving dog owners we want to have some fun with our four-legged friends during the summer time.

But we also need to be aware of the dangers of not be careful enough.

If you are not in the car, your dog should not either!

Hot days can bring hot temperatures very quickly. It will take only a few minutes for the inside car temperature to raise up to 100.

So think twice when you run into the store thinking Fido will be fine for a few minutes with the windows rolled down. He will not!

Make your backyard safe

Learn about what flowers, shrubs, etc"can be harmful to your dog"s health. Not all dog will eat vegetation, but if yours does you should be aware of poisonous plants.

If your use fertilizers, you should buy organic ones and make sure to read all labels.

Bugs can be a real problem. Heartworm disease is transmitted by mosquitoes. So make sure to keep your birth bath water clean or any other places where water collects and where mosquitoes can breed.

Ticks can also be a nuisance in certain regions of the country. Deer ticks carry Lyme disease, which can be deadly to your dog (and yourself by the way). So use an effective repellent and check your dog (and your self) for ticks.

And most importantly, always keep your dog"s vaccinations up to date. If you are not sure call your veterinarian.

Swimming

Swimming is a great way for your dog to keep cool, exercise and have fun. But you should keep a few things in mind.

Pool chemicals can be toxic to your dog. Chlorine shock water treatments are usually safe if adequately diluted, but if directly ingested in a tablet form can result in severe ulcers of the mouth, stomach or esophagus.

Always make sure that your dog knows how and where to exit the pool.

If you take your dog to the beach, monitor his intake of salty water, as if swallowed in excess, this can result in poisoning.

If the pool stone patio gets hot from the beating sun, your dog can burn his sensitive padded feet. Hose it down once in while to keep the stone cool.

It is also a good idea to keep sunscreen (waterproof) on his nose if he"s going to spend a lot of tie in the water.

Exercise

Schedule your daily walks in the morning or evening. Walk in the grass which will be cooler then the pavement or sidewalks. Remember that your dog"s pad feet can easily blister.

Restrict running, chasing the ball, etc"Your dog does not know when to stop! You do.

Travel

A car trip can be very stressful for your Pooch. So make sure that he is comfortable traveling for long periods of time at once.

Stop often so he can relieve himself and give him plenty of fresh water. There are many dog friendly rest areas along our roads and highways.
You and your dog might even make new friends.

If he will be in a convertible, be aware of the effects of exposure to direct sun and possible flying debris in his eyes, mouth, etc...

Too much wind can also effect his eyes and ears. Again, never leave your dog in the car.

Drinking water

Always have water available inside and outside for your dog. Never give ice cold water to a hot dog as it could upset his system.

Now go out and have fun!