Topic of the Month

7/2012: Outdoor Activity With Your Dog

It’s summertime, and it’s hot!  If you find yourself sweating in the summer heat, imagine your dog – he can only sweat through his tongue and the pads of his feet.  Though we want to spend as much time outside as possible, it is important to keep your pets safe and comfortable during outdoor activity. 

 

Overheating could be a problem for your dog if the right precautions aren’t taken.  Leaving your dog outside during the day could seem like a nice thought when you leave for work in the cool mornings, but leaving your dog outside for long periods of time without supervision – including in the car – is never a good idea.  As the day heats up, so does your pup.  Try to avoid midday walks when the temperature is at its highest, the hot sidewalk could potentially hurt their paws.  Keep fresh water and a shady spot readily available.  If you notice your dog getting too warm, a splash with the hose or a wade in a shallow tub of water might not be a bad idea.  Just make sure it’s not ice cold – contrary to popular belief, dogs can go into shock and get hypothermia in the summer.

 

Camping is a big hit during the warm months (and what fun is camping without your pooch?). But there are a few hazards to watch out for.  Unfortunately, there is no such thing as doggy bug spray.  Human bug spray should be avoided so that they don’t lick it off of their coat and ingest it.  A good tick preventative should also be used, but even if your dog is on one, be sure to check for ticks regularly. 

 

If your pup loves the water, there’s a good chance you’ll see some post-swim head shaking.  Water can build up in the ears and potentially cause an infection.  Try to avoid this by drying the ears off well after a swim with a towel.  Steer clear of using cotton balls or Q-tips since they could get pushed in too far.  Some people like to put life vests on their dogs, and good news – they make them especially for dogs that wrap around the body and even have a handle on top.  This could prove helpful if you’ve ever brought your dog boating and experienced how hard it is to pull them back aboard after a sporadic leap into the water.  

 

Chances are, your dog likes food.  Out in the woods, there could possibly be feasts of disgusting things your pup would be happy to eat or roll in, so put consideration into how far you’ll let your pet roam out of sight.  It is also important to watch what sorts of leftovers are dropped around the fire pit.  Speaking of fire pits – watch those tails! 

 

Some dogs get sore from all the running around they’ll be doing.  If you’re concerned about pain relievers, talk to your veterinarian before giving anything to your dog.  Medication that works wonders for us could be fatal to your pet.  You may also notice the pads of your dog’s feet become raw, but they will actually grow back on their own.  Antibiotics are unnecessary – and potentially dangerous due to the fact that all your dog will most likely do is lick it off.

 

If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to call your veterinarian. An accident could be easily avoided with a simple phone call.

 

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