In this second in a series of summer safety tips for you and your dog we will discuss the dangers of some of our favorite summer activities - barbecues and swimming at a beach or pool. By following some basic guidelines, you can safely enjoy these activities and your dog can enjoy them right along with you.
Who does not love a barbecue? It is a perfect way to spend time with family and friends, enjoy some good food and take advantage of the beautiful summer weather. If you are including your dog in your plans though, there are a number of things to be mindful of.
Be sure to keep your dog away from meat bones, corn cobs, foil, plastic wrap, and wooden skewers. Make sure these items are properly disposed of and that your dog cannot get to them. Your dog cannot digest these items and they can become lodged in the throat or intestines. If grease from food is spilled on stones or gravel, make sure your dog does not try to lick or eat it.
Be sure to keep your dog away from meat bones, corn cobs, foil, plastic wrap, and wooden skewers. Make sure these items are properly disposed of and that your dog cannot get to them. Your dog cannot digest these items and they can become lodged in the throat or intestines. If grease from food is spilled on stones or gravel, make sure your dog does not try to lick or eat it.
Keep pets away from food and alcoholic drinks. Also make certain to keep them away from insect repellents, citronella candles and fertilizers. Certain plants are also toxic to pets. Keep trash out of reach and, of course, keep your dog away from the grill itself.
Lastly, keep your dog in view and make sure he doesn’t wander off. Not only is there a risk of your dog getting lost, but if a dog becomes trapped in a greenhouse for example, the temperature inside can reach dangerous levels very quickly.
Lastly, keep your dog in view and make sure he doesn’t wander off. Not only is there a risk of your dog getting lost, but if a dog becomes trapped in a greenhouse for example, the temperature inside can reach dangerous levels very quickly.
Like humans, many dogs like to cool off with a nice swim on a hot day. If your dog will be swimming in a pool, be sure he knows where the steps are so he can get in and out easily. At a beach or lake, make sure your dog does not swim out too far or he may become too tired to swim back.
Do not allow your dog to drink chlorinated or salt water and be sure to wash off any pool chemicals, salt water, sand etc. after swimming as these can damage your dog’s skin.
Do not allow your dog to drink chlorinated or salt water and be sure to wash off any pool chemicals, salt water, sand etc. after swimming as these can damage your dog’s skin.
With any outdoor activities, even if your dog is playing in water, limit the amount of time spent in the heat and watch out for signs of heat stroke. It may also be a good idea to learn CPR. This link tells you how:
http://www.k9instinct.com/blog/cpr-for-your-dog-it-could-save-their-life-saving-your-pet-with-cpr
http://www.k9instinct.com/blog/cpr-for-your-dog-it-could-save-their-life-saving-your-pet-with-cpr
As our dogs increasingly join us for family outings and summer vacations, we want them to be part of the family and join in the fun. Knowing how to keep them safe is the first step toward ensuring that a good time is had by all.
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