A shady place for protection from the sun's heat is also vital for a pet's health and safety.2. Never leave a pet unattended in a vehicle. On a 78-degree day, the temperature inside a car in the shade is 90 degrees. In the sun, the temperature can reach 160 degrees in minutes. On a much milder day, even with the windows cracked, the temperature inside the vehicle can quickly shoot up over 100 degrees.3. Cookouts are fun for everyone, and the smell of food cooking is enticing to dogs. Keep pieces of foil, plastic, foam containers, bones, and hot foods out of your pet's reach.
These can cause injuries to his or her mouth and internal lacerations or blockages if swallowed. Chicken bones and others that splinter are especially dangerous. Keep a close eye on the grill-snatching a bite of food may be too tempting, and serious burns as well as overturned grills can result.4. Lawnmowers and outdoor tools pose serious dangers for pets. Lawnmower blades can not only cause irreparable damage to body parts, but can throw rocks or debris which can cause serious injuries. Other power tools and even simple garden tools can also cause injury if licked or stepped on in the wrong way.
Keep pets indoors or safe in another area when these tools are being used.5. Life jackets are a must if your dog goes boating with you. Even the strongest swimmer can become fatigued and drown. Be sure that the life jackets are Coast Guard approved and fit your dog properly. Always put them on your dog before you even leave the shore.6. Bug bites are a common problem in warmer weather. Watch for allergic reactions if your dog is bitten. These can cause breathing difficulty, which is a veterinary emergency.
7. Walk and play in early morning or early evening in hotter weather to prevent heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Take water and a bowl with you on long walks, so your dog (and you) can stay hydrated.Dogs enjoy being outdoors with us, and they often don't know when it's time to rest. Be alert for, Dog Tip Products, any signs of heat stroke in your pet. These include excessive panting, weakness, collapse, and unusual actions or reactions.If your pet does suffer heat stroke, immediately move him or her to a cool location.
Using a fan to circulate the air, giving the dog fresh water to drink, and letting the dog rest under close observation may be all that is required for mild cases. For more severe heat stroke, begin to bring down the external temperature by placing the dog in tepid or slightly cool water, making sure to keep his head out of the water, and call your veterinarian. Never ever give your dog ice or ice water. This causes the internal organs to cool down too fast and cause serious or life-threatening conditions.
Mary Jean Simpson has owned both purebred and mixed breed dogs and cats from the time she was a child. These also include rescued and foster dogs. She has trained dogs and participated in conformation, obedience, and agility trials as well as in exhibitions sponsored by the local kennel club of which she is a member. She is the current editor of The Guardian, the official newsletter of the White Shetland Sheepdog Association, Inc., and has written dog- and cat-related articles for other publications. She is currently owned by four dogs and two cats. For Dog Training Secrets, detailing ONLY the programs that work, please visit http://www.yourbestsources.com/DogTraining
