My Friendly Pets

Happy Memorial Day!!! Memorial Day is the unofficial start to summer in the U.S. Many of us are enjoying outdoor activities like camping, hiking, or just a good old fashioned barbeque. We are now enjoying these outside activities because we have the beautiful late spring/early summer temperatures that make being outside a pleasure. But as the thermometer goes up, there are some really simple but important precautions to take with your dog, so that he/she enjoys the summer as much as you do.

Exercise is very important for all of us, including our dogs, however in high summer heat excessive exercise can be dangerous for EVERYONE! When walking or exercising your dog, try to do it in the morning or evening when the day is coolest. You will enjoy the experience more and so will your dog. Remember, while you have sneakers or sandals on, your dog doesn’t and hot asphalt can hurt and damage the pads of their feet.

It is always important to stay hydrated, but even more so in the heat of the summer. Your dog can get overheated and dehydrated very easily and it is necessary for you to recognize the signs of dehydration. Dogs don’t sweat as humans do, so an overheated dog will pant and drool in excess. The signs of dehydrations include bloodshot eyes, legarthy and a pale pallor to the skin. Keep fresh clean water for your dog and insure that they drink often.

Dogs love to romp in the grass. During the summer season, many mushrooms grow wild in our yards. Dogs find these mushrooms irresistible, but they are dangerous. Dogs can become very sick if they eat many of these mushrooms and in small dogs, it takes very few to make them sick. Pick the mushrooms and dispose of them so that the dog cannot get access to them as a late night snack.

And I can’t offer this summer dog safety tip enough. NEVER, NEVER leave your dog in the car for any reason in the summer. Even a few minutes in the sun, will cause temperatures in the car to rise very quickly. Many beloved pets are lost to people who thought they could keep their dog in their car - even if only for a few moments.

Be happy and be safe and enjoy a great Memorial Day.