Keeping Fido Safe in the Summer
By Erica Grow on June 27, 2012, 2:50pm
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You've head the tips a million times on keeping kids and pets safe when the mercury rises. But I have some tips for you, courtesy of Bark Busters of Connecticut, that you might not have thought about before! Fido might need more than water and ventilation to be safe and happy this summer. Check out these tips! (This article contains names of products, which I included for reference only and not as an endorsement).
1. Did you know that your dog can get a sunburn, too? If your dog's nose is a buff or pink color, he's probably vulnerable. "Your dog's light-colored coat can invite damage from the sun's ultraviolet rays, leading to sunburn and possible skin cancer", the Bark Busters say. Make sure your dog always has access to shade, and keep an eye on his nose and ears for a possible burn. There are sunscreens on the market specifically made for dogs, such as Epi-Pet, which is nontoxic if your dog should lick it off. Doggles protect your pup's eyes from the strong sunlight, too!
2. Dog anxiety can be a big issue in the summer because many dogs are frightened by thunderstorms. If you know there's a chance of thunderstorms while your dog will be home alone, make sure to leave him a chewy toy or something else that will ease his mind. For some dogs, a blanket or sweatshirt that smells like his owner is enough to keep him calm. Or, he might respond to a scent-dispersing plugin, like Comfort Zone, which approximates the scent of a newborn pup's mother. Other dogs need medication to keep them from going bonkers when the thunder starts booming!
If you're home with your pooch during the storm, it's important for you to keep calm, too, and speak to your pet in a normal tone. Bark Busters advises, "Do not try to comfort him with a sympathetic voice; this will... increase his nervousness and confusion". Try to distract Fido with a fun game, instead!
3. The summer season is also bug season, and when your dog takes a dip in a lake or a stream, he could easily emerge from the water with plenty of embedded critters. That's why it's important to towel-dry your dog shortly after he gets out of the water, and check his coat for bugs and ticks. Also, make sure the ears and eyes are clear of any trouble. And of course, if a body of water is deemed unsafe for humans, definitely do NOT let your dog jump in! Your pup will certainly get some water in his mouth and eyes, which could lead to a nasty infection.
Remember, nothing replaces the love and attention that our dogs need and deserve, so the most important thing to remember as a dog owner is to treat Fido like a member of the family, and everyone will have a great summer!
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