WARM WEATHER AND SUMMER HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS FOR DOG OWNERS

With a little awareness and a few simple precautions, dog owners can prevent many of the problems that arise with warmer weather and summer holidays and keep their dogs safe and healthy. 

Heartworm infection, fleas and ticks and allergies

The American Heartworm Society recommends that all dogs be tested annually for heartworm infection. Transmitted by mosquitoes, this serious parasitic disease can be fatal. 

Fleas and ticks can cause a host of problems, from flea allergy dermatitis to Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. 

Blooming plants, grasses and flowers can trigger allergies in dogs. Along with sneezing, a dog typically develops itchy skin and will persistently scratch, lick and bite to get relief. Ask your veterinarian for information on which prevention treatments are best for you and your dog. 

Beat the Heat

Remember that a parked car can become dangerously hot in only a few minutes. Dogs are not

efficient at cooling themselves. Panting and drinking water helps to cool them, but if they have only overheated air to breathe in a parked car, dogs can suffer brain and organ damage after just 15 minutes. 

Your light-colored dog’s coat can invite damage from the sun's ultraviolet rays, leading to sunburn and possible skin cancer. If your dog is light-colored and/or he lacks black pigment around the eyes, ears and nose, keep him out of the bright sun. Ask your veterinarian about sun block for your dog, preferably in a formula he can’t lick off. 

Do not dehydrate your pup by exercising it in the heat of the day. Save the run or long walk for early morning or late evening when it is cooler. Bring plenty of water with you and give him a drink whenever you take one. Be aware, too, that hot pavement can burn your dog’s paws. So if the pavement feels warm or hot to your hand, your dog will not like it. 

Fear of Thunderstorms

Fear of thunderstorms is common in dogs. Many dogs can sense a storm coming from the rapidly falling barometric pressure. Thus, your dog may show anxiety even before the storm can be heard. 

Dogs can sense fear or discomfort from people, so it is important you develop a calm attitude toward storms. Let your dog stay close, and try to distract him with play. Do not try to comfort him in a sympathetic voice; this will sound like praise and may increase his nervousness and confusion. 

Keep windows and curtains closed to reduce noise and bright flashes. Turn on a TV or radio at normal volume to distract your dog from loud noises and help him to relax. 

Provide your dog with a safe place to be during storms. Create a special den-like area in your home where your dog always feels safe and secure. If a storm is brewing, lead your dog to his special place to help him feel calm and protected.

Waterproof Your Dog

Many dogs enjoy swimming, no matter how clean or dirty the water. If your dog has had a dip in a lake or river, rinse him off to avoid ear mites, eye infections and pesky clingy insects which can imbed themselves into his fur. 

If your dog loves to jump into your swimming pool, make sure he knows how to get out safely. When a dog falls into a lake or river, his instinct tells him to turn around and get out from the point at which he fell in. However, in a swimming pool, a dog may drown if he follows this instinctive action. Therefore, teach your dog where and how to get out of the pool regardless of where he went in. 

Not all dogs like or know how to swim. If your dog appears eager to give swimming a try, let him get used to it gradually. Refrain from throwing a nervous, inexperienced swimmer into the water. 

Fourth of July

Animal shelters report that the July 4th holiday brings record numbers of runaway dogs to their doors. These dogs have been frightened and made frantic by fireworks. 

If you are going to a fireworks display, leave your dog at home where he will be safest and most comfortable. 

Keep your dog away from the front and back doors. Your dog may be under significant stress, which could result in unnecessary injury to others or cause him to dart out the door and become lost. 

Create a special area or “den” in your home where your dog feels safe. A properly introduced crate can be a calming refuge for him. 

Turn on a TV or radio at normal volume to distract your dog from loud noises and help him to relax. 

Always keep proper identification securely fastened to your dog’s collar in case he gets out. 

Consider talking to your veterinarian about implanting a universal microchip in your pet, and make sure that your veterinary hospital and animal shelter have your correct contact information in their database. 

Take advantage of the longer days and warmer temperatures to refresh your training skills and build upon your relationship with your dog. Remember that we all tend to hibernate a little over the winter. Start out slowly and reestablish the proper leash rules for you and your dog’s safety. Using basic obedience disciplines you can help reinforce the relationship you want to have with your dog. 

Jeri Wagner is a dog behavioral therapist and master trainer with Bark Busters Home Dog Training. Bark Busters’ natural training system leverages the same communications methods—body language and voice control—that dogs follow as part of their instinctive pack mentality. All training takes place right in the home where the problems generally occur. In every market where Bark Busters is established, a majority of veterinarians familiar with the technique recommend the company’s services. For more information, call 1-877-500-BARK (2275) or visit www.BarkBusters.com. 

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