It's summertime and the living is easy, but summer fun also brings
some inherent dangers to be aware of. Dog owners need to take extra
responsibility to make sure their pup is safe when temperatures heat up and
outdoor activity beckons.
Everyone knows you should never leave a dog in a hot car, but it's
also important to be aware that your pup can get heatstroke while they're
outside.
Heat Hazards
If your dog is outside on a hot day, make
sure he has a shady spot to rest in. Doghouses are not good shelter during the
summer as they can trap heat. You may want to fill a child's wading pool with
fresh water for your dog to cool off in. Never leave your dog in a closed
vehicle on a hot day. The temperature inside a car can rise to over 100 degrees
in a matter of minutes. Always provide plenty of cool, fresh water. Avoid
strenuous exercise on extremely hot days. Take walks in the early mornings or
evenings, when the sun's heat is less intense. Try to avoid prolonged exposure
to hot asphalt or sand, which can burn your dog's paws. Dogs that are
brachycephalic (short-faced), such as Bulldogs, Boxers, Japanese Chins, and
Pekingese, have an especially hard time in the heat because they do not pant as
efficiently as longer-faced dogs. Keep your brachycephalic dog inside with
air-conditioning. Lisa and I just got back from visiting our friends in Wilmington , N.C.
Beach Tips
Make sure your dog has a shady spot to
rest in and plenty of fresh water. Dogs, especially those with short hair,
white fur, and pink skin, can sunburn. Limit your dog's exposure during the day
and apply sunblock to his ears and nose 30 minutes before going outside. Check
with a lifeguard for daily water conditions. Dogs are easy targets for sea lice
and jellyfish. Running on the sand is strenuous exercise. A dog that is out of
shape can easily pull a tendon or ligament, so keep a check on your dog's
activity. Do not let your dog drink seawater; the salt will make him sick. Salt
and other minerals in ocean water can damage your dog's coat, so rinse him off
at the end of the day. Not all beaches permit dogs; check local ordinances
before heading out. Since we're talking about the beach this naturally leads us
to our final tip, water safety. Remember, while you may enjoy swimming, your
dog may not. For those that do, it's important they are not allowed to swim
without supervision. It sounds obvious, but every year dogs drown due to owner
negligence.
Water Safety
Most dogs enjoy swimming, but some cannot
swim, and others may hate the water. Be conscious of your dog's preferences and
skills before trying to make him swim. If you're swimming for the first time
with your dog, start in shallow water and coax him in by calling his name.
Encourage him with toys or treats. Or, let him follow another experienced dog
he is friendly with. Never throw your dog into the water. If your dog begins to
paddle with his front legs, lift his hind legs and help him float. He should quickly
catch on and keep his back end up. Don't let your dog overdo it; swimming is
very hard work and he may tire quickly. If swimming at the ocean, be careful of
strong tides. If you have your own pool, make sure your dog knows where the
stairs or ladder are located. Be sure that pool covers are firmly in place;
dogs have been known to slip in under openings in the covers and drown. Never
leave your dog unattended in water.
Summer is the time when ticks and fleas
are out in full force, it's important that your pets be treated. If you're not
sure about what to use contact your veterinarian for advice. Dogs can also have
more allergies in the summer so you need to be aware of the signs so you can
seek proper treatment. Lastly, with more outdoor activities comes more
accidents. Knowing how to care for your dog in case of an emergency can
potentially save his or her life.
