Venturing Outside with Your Doggo? Keep These Tips in Mind
May 29, 2020Why Obedience is the Best!
July 27, 2020
Summertime is the season of fun! And the season of heat. Before planning any outdoor activities with your pet, take a moment and think through the safety side. It’s important to understand what’s included in the scope of outdoor activities, considering many hazards may not always register with humans. Keep reading to stay informed on best summertime safety practices and for ideas on how to beat the heat with your pet!
Water Play
Water play goes beyond the beach or pool, and starts at home. If you have a hose you have a source of fun for your doggo! Before you let Fido run and plan in the hose water, let the stream run for a few minutes. Sometimes water will collect in a hose, and if it’s left to heat in scorching temperatures it can come out incredibly hot and hurt you and your pet. After the stream has safely run for a few minutes, check the temperature and then let your dog cool off while enjoying some water play. Sprinklers and kiddie pools are also great backyard options.
If you are going to a dog friendly pool or beach, make sure your dog can safely enter the water at a slope. Not all dogs are great swimmers, even if the breed is known for being water friendly. Keep an eye on your pets comfort level and wether indicators like lightening and aggressive waves or winds.
Dog on a Hot Tin Roof – or Walkway!
Just because your feet are safe from hot sidewalks and asphalt, that doesn’t mean your dog’s paws are protected or comfortable. If temperatures are rising in the midday hours, make sure you plan for early morning or evening activities. This not only protects the comfort of your dog’s paws, it reduces chances of heat exhaustion. And keep in mind that evenings may still create hot surfaces, depending on the day’s temperature. When in doubt, test it out!
Signs of Heat Stroke
Even with the upmost caution, your dog still may experience heatstroke. Signs and symptoms include excessive panting, lethargy, dark or red tongue and gums, balance issues, and even vomiting or blood stool. Immediate action includes cool water to drink or submerge the dog in (not icy), hosing them and ensuring they’re in a cool, shady area. If symptoms persist call your vet immediately. And even though it seems obvious.. Never leave your pet in the car!
Outdoor Eats to Avoid
When enjoying time outdoors, it’s important to be aware of what plants might be toxic to your pet. In some cases, it’s just pieces of the plant that are hazardous, but to ensure safety it’s best to just avoid the following altogether:
- Lillies
- Azaleas
- Castor bean
- Foxglove
- Oleander
- Sago palms
To chat with a professional about heat safety and your pet or for a free consultation, visit www.ItsADogsWorld.biz. It’s A Dog’s World is now open for all trainings and is implementing best safety and social distancing practices.