SUMMER SAFETY TIPS FOR DOGS..

     

         As February is included among the month considered as summer,

         it's time to mothball all your woollies and blankets in winter storage.

Summer is a time to get outside and spend it in the open, head to the beach or maybe the park. Time to get out with the family and with your family pet for some recreational activities. Summer can be fun for you and your pooch, but just as heat and sun can be dangerous to your health, the summer can leave your dog vulnerable to a number of health risks.

We may know our canine companions better than anyone else, but it is important to remember, most of us are not medical professionals.  If you are uncertain how to treat your dog’s medical needs, consult your veterinarian.

Here are some safety tips, so you can take some precautions to keep your dog, cool, happy and safe.

Water Best Friend:

Unlike humans, dogs and cats have few sweat glands, which hinder them from cooling off by sweating. Instead, they lose heat and moisture from their tongues by panting. This water loss needs to be replaced, so it’s important to keep some fresh drinking water available at all times. This is especially important when you take them out for long summer walks or car rides.

Keep Your Dog Hydrated:

Different dogs have different needs when battling the heat. Keep in mind that darker coats absorb more heat than lighter coats. Also, overweight dogs are at higher risk for dehydration. Carry a bottle of water when going on a walk with your dog. Better yet have your dog carry it for you in a backpack or a vest! The water in the bottles will keep the dog cooler and also give the dog a sense of purpose

Yes, it’s true, all breeds are not alike and some because of their nature.

“Remember that older, obese or short-nosed dogs (Pugs, Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Pekingese, Boxers, Shih Tzu’s and French Bulldogs) are less tolerant of heat.”  Also, older dogs, puppies and dogs with health issues can also be more susceptible to hot weather. Of course, you should keep a close eye on your dog in the heat, no matter what his breed, age or state of health.

 Dogs cool from the bottom up.

Make sure to spray the paws and stomach, not just the top of the dog, when spraying it with water. A wet towel does more good on the bottom of your dog than when laid on the top of its coat. You can try to cool him down by giving him cool water to drink – not cold water. Cold water may make him vomit.

Try to sponge him down with a cool wet towel or soak him in a tub of cool water and keep a fan on him. 

Outdoor Play

Pets may not be able to tolerate a brisk jog or lounging in the sun, so it's important to know your dog's limits and to recognize signs of heat stress in your pet.

Steer clear of long walks and strenuous exercise on hot, sunny days. Avoid prolonged sun exposure. Not only is there a risk of heat stroke dogs can get sunburns, too. Consider sunscreen for your dog if you are planning to spend time outdoors with your dog, find a shady spot and provide plenty of fresh, cool water. Try to take leisurely walks during the cooler times of the day, like the morning or evening hours. Remember to protect your dog's feet from getting scorched by hot pavement. Sunscreen for dogs can help protect your dog as well.

 Limit time on hot concrete and asphalt

Hot concrete and asphalt can easily burn a dog’s paws. Limit the time spent on both surfaces and spend more time on grass and cool sand. Be sure to look at your dog’s paws to check for discoloration, cuts, and bruises.

Signs of burned pads:

·   limping or refusing to walk

·   licking or chewing at the feet

·   pads darker in color

·   missing part of pad

·   blisters or redness

 Never leave your dog in a parked car.

Never leave your pet alone in a parked car, even for a few minutes.
The car heats up quickly and retains more heat than an open area, even if it is in the shade. Plus, a dog may get overexcited in the car due to passersby or panic from claustrophobia, making dehydration more likely. On longer trips, make sure you have water for the dog and keep the AC running

Automobiles: 

Despite the many warnings about this, each summer brings numerous accounts of dogs that become sick or even die of heat stroke because they were left in a car.

If you absolutely must bring your dog with you on errands, make sure you bring another person who can stay in the running, air-conditioned car with your dog. Otherwise, do your dog a favor – leave him at home.

Long Ride:

On longer trips, make sure you have water for the dog and keep the AC running

 Don't let your dog have his head out of the car window while you drive. It looks cool but it’s too easy for him to be struck by moving objects or catch a foreign body in the eye. Ouch!

Animals get car sick too. Consult your vet before you travel.

Take frequent breaks as your dog needs to stretch his legs just like yours do.

Get your dog a sturdy collar with your home address, contact number. Many pets have a microchip implanted. Carry photographs of your dog that can be copied to make it easier for identification, in case he scoots away to explore a new terrain and gets lost.

Coolant: 

Dogs are attracted to the sweet taste of engine coolant, and just a small amount can make your dog sick or even cause death. If your dog has ingested coolant take him to a vet right away 

Steer clear of fertilizers:

Some fertilizers and lawn care products can cause an allergic reaction in dogs. Speak with your vet about what types of lawn care products are best to use.  Always keep chemical bottles off the ground to keep dogs from accidentally ingesting them and becoming sick.

Shaving Your Dog:

 Having your furry friend trimmed may be a good idea, but make sure enough cover is left to protect skin from the sun's harmful rays

Often pet owners will shave down their dogs during the summer time, thinking this will help keep them cool. But ironically, shaving down a dog inhibits their ability to deal with the temperature change! So keep your dog well groomed by removing all its dead undercoat hair, but remember not to shave them down in order to help them tolerate the summer sun. Your dog's skin will also be at risk from the sun, so sunscreen is recommended. Make sure you use a sunscreen that is specifically made for your dog. Dogs that are shaved, have short white fur, or are hairless are most at risk of sun damage. Other areas of sensitivity are their noses and tips of their ears.

 Keep up grooming

Make sure to keep your dog’s fur and nails trimmed during the summer months. Too much fur can make it easier for dogs to overheat, for fur to become matted, and for bugs to stake a claim in the furry confines of your dog’s coat. Keeping your dog’s nails trimmed will help limit torn nails, which can easily become infected. 

 Flea and tick safety

Fleas and other bugs can carry infections and cause your dog to get sick. Avoid bug bites by giving your dog a vet-recommended regimen. Whether its drops, special shampoo, or a simple brush-through, you’ll ensure your dog’s safety no matter what insects may be around this summer.

Proper Shade

Don't be surprised to see your dog dig into shady patches of dirt — he's seeking a cool spot to hide from the heat. Basically, if you feel uncomfortable outside in the heat, it is safe to say your dog feels the same.

Dogs left in the yard need shade. While a dog house may seem like a good idea, it usually prevents air flow and can get extremely hot in summer. A better bet is to keep your dog next to a small wading pool filled with cool water.

Other options for outdoor dogs include letting them seek shelter beneath your house or deck, or letting them enjoy the cool shade of a large tree in the yard. Even a simple wood roof on four legs can provide adequate shade.

Summer Public Functions: 

Although some events are great for dogs to go out and socialize with other four-legged friends, some large outdoor festivals can be overwhelming and can increase the chance of injury, dehydration and exhaustion. If you do take your dog to an event, be cautious of the food scraps and trash on the ground, and remember to bring lots of water.

Apartments -Test your window screens

Speaking of open windows, if you plan to let some air into your apartment this way, be sure to test your screens. Ensure your pets can’t push them out. This is especially important if you live on a higher floor where a fall out a window might mean disaster! 

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.

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.

If your dog is out of shape, don’t encourage him to run on the sand. Running on a beach is strenuous exercise, and a dog that is out of shape can easily pull a tendon or ligament.

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Does your doggy paddle?

The majority of dogs can swim and they love it.  But dogs entering the water for the ‘first time’ should be tested.  Here are some important tips for teaching your dog how to swim. 

Never throw your dog into the water.

Start in shallow water, and call you dog’s name.  You can also try to coax him in with a treat or toy – but always keep your dog within reach.

Another way to introduce your dog to the water is with a dog that already swims and is friendly with your dog.  Let your dog follow his friend.

If your dog begins to doggy paddle with his front legs only, lift his hind legs and help him float. He should quickly catch on and will then keep his back end up.

Swimming is a great form of exercise, but don’t let your dog overdo it.  He will be using new muscles and may tire quickly.

Be careful of strong tides that are hazardous for even the best swimmers.

Never leave your dog unattended. You should always be in a position to help him get out of the water.

 

Heat Stroke:

Here's how to recognize heat stroke in your pet. If your dog is suffering from heat store, he will be:

Panting excessively

Have redness around his eyes

Show signs of weakness

Irritability

May start vomiting

Collapse

In extreme cases where your dog's gums are grayish, his tongue is blue, or he is unconscious, call your veterinarian. Severe heatstroke is an emergency, and you may need to make a quick trip to the veterinarian or emergency clinic

 Tips in brief:

Never, ever leave your dog alone, locked in the car.

Make sure your dog has unlimited access to fresh water.

Make sure your dog has access to shade when outside.

Take walks during the cooler hours of the day.

When walking, try to stay off hot surfaces (like asphalt) because it can burn your dog’s paws.

If you think its hot outside, it’s even hotter for your pet – make sure your pet has a means of cooling off.

Keep your dog free of external parasites (fleas, ticks) and heartworms – consult your veterinarian about the best product for your pets.

Consider clipping or shaving dogs with long coats (talk to your veterinarian first to see if it’s appropriate for your pet) and apply sunscreen to your dog’s skin if she or he has a thin coat.

Have your dog’s vaccinations updated. Diseases such as rabies, distemper and parvo are ever present dangers.

Heartworm is a common problem for dogs.  Keeping your dog free of heartworms is much cheaper, easier, and safer than treating them for full blown disease.

Most lawn and garden products may be hazardous. Even if you do not use chemical based lawn fertilizers, your neighbors may.  Dogs are more vulnerable than humans to lawn care chemicals since dogs run ‘barefoot’, they often roll, sniff and dig in the grass.  Some dogs even eat grass occasionally.

No matter how careful and responsible you may be, accidents can happen.  Make sure your vet’s phone number is close at hand and available to family members.

BOTTOM LINE - Keeping Your Dog Safe

Keep an eye on your dog. Don't leave her/him unattended. It's important to always exercise common sense and proceed with caution to help keep your dog safe, regardless of the season. Summertime comes with its own set of hazards, so make sure you are familiar with the risks. Learn what warning signs mean trouble. When in doubt, call your vet right away. When all is said and done, it will be much easier for you and your dog to enjoy the summer.

      Properly trained, a man can be dog’s best friend.

                                                           - Corey Ford