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Health
Tips
- Have your dog's vaccinations
updated if necessary. Diseases such as rabies, distemper and parvo
are ever-present dangers, and necessary precautions should be
taken.
- Beware of insect bites.
If your dog is bitten or stung, remove the stinger, and watch
the site for an allergic reaction. If a reaction occurs or if
there have been multiple wasp, bee or mosquito bites, take the
animal to the vet.
- Talk with your veterinarian
about flea and tick prevention medications.
- Heartworm is a common problem
for dogs. Take your dog to a vet for a heartworm check every spring,
and follow your vet's advice for heartworm precautions.
- Most lawn and garden products
may be hazardous. Make sure that plants and fertilizers within
the
 dog's reach are not toxic.
- The outdoors exposes dogs
to the elements. Dogs may need extra brushing and bathing to stay
clean and healthy.
- 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 all family members.
General
Summer Safety Concerns
- Never leave your dog unattended
in direct sunlight or in a closed vehicle. Heatstroke can occur
and lead to brain damage or death. Signs of heatstroke are panting,
drooling, rapid pulse and fever. Immediately immerse the dog in
cool water and seek emergency veterinary assistance.
- Never leave your dog unattended
in a hot, parked car. When it's only 80 degrees outside, the inside
of a car can heat up to more than 120 degrees in just minutes.
Leaving the windows partially rolled down will not help. Your
dog is susceptible to heat stroke and possible death in these
conditions.
- Always make sure your dog
has access to fresh water.
- All dogs should have proper
identification at all times. The AKC suggests a collar with an
ID tag, along with a tattoo or a microchip.
- Keep your dog on a leash
when he is outdoors to prevent accidents and injuries.
- Try to avoid strenuous exercise
with your dog on extremely hot days, and refrain from physical
activity when the sun's heat is most intense.
Beach
Tips
 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 your 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 dog-paddle
with his front legs only, life 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.
- Beware 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.
Information
adapted from the American Kennel Club (www.akc.org)
Feel free to pass along this information to those wanting the facts
about Summer Safety Tips.
Angel
says, "Thank you for keeping me safe in summer."
Click on Angel's picture to
visit her very own site.
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Dogs can get sunburned,
especially short-haired dogs and ones with pink skin and white
hair. Limit your dog's exposure when the sun is unusually strong,
and apply sunblock to to his ears and nose 30 minutes before going
outside.