While the Summer months are fun for both you and your dog, they can also be detrimental to your dog’s health, if you don’t take the proper precautions.
For example, did you know that dogs don’t sweat like their people do? The fact is, that they sweat somewhat, but not enough to cool themselves off; thus, putting themselves at risk for heat stroke. A few simple rules to follow:
- NEVER leave your dog unattended in a parked car. Heat stroke can happen in a matter of minutes.
- Keep a travel bowl and water on hand, to keep them hydrated.
- Place a couple of ice cubes in your dog’s water. This is a sure way to help cool them down and they will enjoy playing with the ice cubes.
- Speaking of games, try hosing down your dog. This will cool him down and is sure to turn into his new favorite game.
- Dogs are natural born swimmers. However, they do not all excel at swimming. Never give your dog access to the pool while unattended. That means you will need to be diligent about taking away any stairs into the pool.
- Make sure your dog doesn’t over-do it when playing.
- Beware of Summertime barbecues and picnics as the foods are usually rich in fat and chock full of sodium. Not to mention the Summertime foods that are potentially deadly for your dog:
Grapes and raisins
Onions
Peach pits
Corn on the cob
The above list can prove to be deadly, depending on the size of your dog and how much he consumed.
- Many flowers are poisonous to dogs, if consumed. Symptoms of eating flowers range from belly pains, upset stomach, to organ shut down or even death. There are many websites that provide a list of the flowers that are hazardous to dogs.
- Everyone loves a good fireworks display…except for your dog. The loud noises from fireworks and thunder can create a lot of stress for your dog, causing him to pace, pant and bolt. By playing with your dog during fireworks or a thunderstorm, you distract him.
- Avoid walking or playing with your dog near tall grass or heavy brush. This is a breeding ground for ticks. There are many preventives on the market for your dog; check with your veterinarian which product will work best with your dog’s breed, his size and weight. Keep in mind, while we can use DEET products to repel pesky insects, DEET is unsafe for pets. You should never let your dog lick your leg once you have applied DEET.
Following just a few of these tips, can help you and your dog have a safe, healthy, happy Summer!
And, if you are going on vacation and need pet sitting services, feel free to contact us here!