Our canine family members add a tremendous amount of joy during the summer playtime months, so please give them the love and care they deserve. No matter how often we hear that warning on the news or read the horror stories on the internet that tell us not to leave our dogs in the car during the summer, police are still breaking into vehicles to rescue dogs left inside. Emergency rooms are filled with dogs left for “just a few minutes” while their human families are shopping or banking. They were not always “forgotten”. What some pet parents don’t realize is that even when the outside temperature is in the low 80s, it only takes a few minutes for the temperature inside an automobile to become 102 degrees or more, even with the windows are slightly open.
Not too long after that, your dog will suffer from heat stroke. If a car is parked in the sun, the temperature inside can rise 30 degrees per minute obviously not taking more than just a few minutes to become a deadly situation. If you are going out for the day and there is a slight chance that your dog will not be allowed to accompany you inside a store or you might need to stop somewhere for lunch, please leave your dog home. It’s the kindest thing you can do. Make sure that wherever your dog is, he is cool and comfortable.
Brachycephalic dogs, which are dogs with indented foreheads and short snouts like bulldogs, shih tzus and pugs, puppies, older dogs, dogs with long or thick coats and dogs that are overweight or have health issues, especially respiratory and cardiovascular problems, should be given extra consideration during the summer months. If you keep your dog outdoors, make sure there is plenty of shade and fresh, clean water. Chipped ice will help keep it cooler and longer.
If you have areas on your property that collect standing water, DO NOT let your dog drink it, including the bird bath and the pool cover. It’s a pool party for intestinal parasites, known as giardia, which cause diarrhea and require antibiotic therapy.
The old garden hose is also off-limits unless you have a new “SAFE TO DRINK” garden hose. Hoses can be lined with dangerous levels of lead and fittings containing toxic chemicals. Additionally, the fitting can become rusted, and the hose is contaminated from lying on the ground with water in it. So, even though we all have fond memories of drinking from the garden hose as kids, it’s really not a good idea.
Another summer hazard hiding in plain sight is the blacktop road or even the sidewalk, blacktop driveways and blacktop trails used for bike riding, and brick walkways. I know that sounds pretty much like there’s nothing left to walk on, but in bright sunlight, some of these areas can be extremely hot and harmful to your dog’s paws. If you notice that your dog will not stand still and keeps shifting from leg to leg, it’s probably because the walkway is too hot, and you need to cross to an area with more shade. If you cannot keep the palm of your hand on the ground for ten seconds, it is too hot for your dog to walk on.
This is something I cannot get use to seeing: dogs riding in the back of pick-up trucks. This is so dangerous that it has become illegal in many states. Your dog may not attempt to jump out of the truck but any short stop might throw him into traffic.
Plant food, fertilizer, and insecticides, including Tick sprays, can be fatal if your pet ingests them. It is equally important that you know what’s growing in your garden, as over 700 plants can be harmful.
Just a word about swimming pools: if your dog has easy access in, make sure he knows how to exit. Simply teach him the way you would a young child, by leading him to the steps. A life vest is always a good idea.
