Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Summer Safety Tips for Dogs


It is officially Summer today, with the weather heating up, I thought we could all use a refresher about Doggy Safety, Victoria Stilwell at Animal Planet had these tips.

 Summertime is a great time to grab the leash and head outdoors! From vacations and pool parties to fun in the park, there are plenty of activities to share with your best furry friends. But make sure your pooch plays it cool with Victoria's top 10 favorite summer tips.
#1: Be Cool
Dogs can easily suffer from heat exhaustion, so be sure to walk them either early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the midday heat. Dogs' bodies are closer to the ground than ours, so they heat up quicker.
#2: Careful of the Feet
Try to walk your dog on grass and avoid hot asphalt. Walking on hot roads or sidewalks can cause your dog’s pads to get burned.
#3: Avoid Bloat
When you go out with your dog, be sure to take plenty of water with you, but don’t allow your dog to drink it all at once. Smaller, more regularly spaced doses help prevent bloat and other dangerous or uncomfortable conditions.
#4: Get Wet
Swimming is a great way to quickly cool off your hot dog, but be sure not to let your dog become overtired in the water. Even really good swimmers can tire to the point where it could get dangerous.
#5: Heat Kills
Hopefully it goes without saying that you shouldn’t leave your dog in an unattended car for even a couple minutes. This is well-known, but somehow we continue to hear horrific stories of pets that died from being locked up in a hot car. Don't do it!
#6: Floaties!
If you're out on a boat with your dog, be sure the dog is wearing a life preserver.
#7: Pee Careful
Even the most house-trained dogs often scent-mark new territory, so keep an eye on your dog when checking into a hotel room or vacation house.
#8: Away from Home
If you take your dog on vacation with you, be aware that the dog could feel heightened anxiety by being left alone in a new place. Try to avoid long spells away until your pet is acclimated.
#9: Watch the Sun
Some light-colored dogs need to wear sunscreen around their most vulnerable areas. Consult your vet to see if this is something that applies to your dog.
#10: Doggy Paddle
A really great way to cool your dog during the summer is to provide a kid’s paddling pool. Dogs sweat through their pads, so they can cool down quickly by getting their feet wet.

7 comments:

  1. Marina and Pepper TrofinJune 20, 2012 at 2:41 PM

    Petey, thanks for all these tips, I hope that all parents know about them?! Mommy is very careful with Rooney and I, she knows all about protecting us! Thanks and have a safe summer!

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  2. Great tips. I try to walk Sheba earlier in the morning & later at night to avoid the hottest part of the day.

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  3. Great tips! It is so important to take good care of our dogs during the summer!

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  4. The tip I'm most concerned with is tip #5! Even though EVERY ONE KNOWS NOT TO LEAVE ANIMALS IN A HOT CAR, JUST LIKE BABIES OR CHILDREN, people STILL do it! They just seem to forget how HOT IT GETS INSIDE THE CAR. If it's 80 degrees outside, it can get up to 95 or 100 degrees INSIDE the car! Maybe you should do something on here about this subject: ANIMALS LEFT IN CARS IN THE SUMMER. Can you do that, Petey? I would like to read that, I think that would be a good article.

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  5. I will research it, and put it up in a couple days. Thanks Mystic!

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  6. All great tips and although we know them it is important to hear them again. "Just this one quick time" can be the end of a wonderful pet companion.

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