The Dog Days of Summer!!
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| Finley Ellis |
AKC SUMMER SAFETY TIPS
• If kept outside, make sure your pet has plenty of shade.
• Make sure your dog has access to plenty of cool, fresh water 24 hours a day. If your
dog travels with you, bring along water and a bowl. (We always pack not only plenty of water in a GLASS container, but carry an ice chest filled with frozen water bottles and ice. Never carry your pet with you without these. You never know when your car could break down or have a flat tire, and the dogs system will not sweat and cool down like yours does in sun and heat while you wait for road side assistance.)
• Never leave your dog in a vehicle on a warm day. Even with the windows open the
temperature inside a car can rise to over 100 degrees in a matter of minutes. (Besides the risk of theft!!)
• It’s fun to take your dog with you to run errands, but if you can’t bring your dog inside
the store, it’s best to leave him home. Tying a dog outside a store is dangerous
because he is exposed to the hot sun and strangers who could be unkind.
• Avoid strenuous exercise on extremely hot days. Take walks in the early mornings
or LATE evenings, when the sun’s heat is less intense.
• Make sure your dog’s titers for vaccine immunity are up to date.
• Keep dogs off lawns that have been chemically treated or fertilized, and away from potentially toxic plants and
flowers. Visit http://www.akc.org/pdfs/
list of toxic plants.
• Mosquitoes (which carry heartworm disease) along with fleas and ticks are more
prevalent in warmer months. (check our health blog for plenty of safe care to avoid these: www.YourHealthyHonorDog.Com) • Many dogs like swimming, but some cannot swim or may not like the water. Be
conscious of your dog’s preferences and skills before putting him in the water.
Always supervise your pet while swimming.
• Chlorine from pools and bacteria from streams, lakes and ponds can be toxic for a
dog’s system. Always rinse your dog with clean water after swimming. Beware of the
wildlife that may pose a danger to your swimming pet. Some catfish are known for
attacking small dogs.