After my pet had a long, drawn-out battle with cancer, I realized that I needed to do a better job with understanding my pet's needs. I wanted to be there for them no matter what, so I started focusing on my other animals. They needed more love, attention, and medical care, so I focused on those things. I started taking them in for regular checkups and working on their physical appearance. I was able to spot a few other potentially catastrophic health conditions with my animals because of my actions. This blog is all about understanding your pet's needs.
Understanding Your Pet's Needs
Three Tips For Keeping Your Canine Companion Healthy During Summer Fun
Gisele Pereira
With summer just a few short weeks away, you're no doubt already making seasonal plans for backyard barbecues, hiking trips, and other types of fun-in-the-sun activities. Sharing these activities with a furry friend just makes summer better. However, it's important to be aware of potential hazards that could potentially harm your pooch. Following are three strategies for keeping your dog safe and healthy while enjoying classic summer activities.
Institute a "Don't Feed the Dog" Policy at Backyard Barbecues and Picnics
Many people can't resist slipping a dog a bit of people food during an outdoor picnic or barbecue, but this could actually have disastrous results for your furry friend. Chocolate, for instance, can cause a dog to become seriously ill and perhaps even die. Some people might think it's cute to give Fluffy a bowl full of beer, but alcoholic beverages are extremely toxic for dogs. Other food items that should not be given to dogs include onions, avocados. anything salty, or raw or under cooked meat and bones, Instead of providing guests with a list of foods that are off-limits to Fluffy, it's better to simply implement a "don't feed the dog" rule. If your guest list includes those who might have difficulties adhering to this, such as very young children, consider putting your dog in a safe place during the main meal or keeping a very close eye on it.
Keep Pets Safe From Pesticides
If you use pesticides in your lawn and garden area, keep pets off the area until it dries completely, and respect signs posted in public places such as parks that state that dogs aren't allowed at the time due to recent pesticide applications. Also, keep in mind that even if you don't use rodent poison on your property, your neighbor might -- and your dog can easily be poisoned by eating rodents or other animals that have died as a result of ingesting pest control preparations.
Beware of Burning Sands
Frolicking on the beach is one of the quintessential joys of summer, but keep in mind that hot sand can burn your dog's feet as well as get caught in the cracks and crevices of its foot pads. A good rule of thumb to follow is that if it's too hot for you to go barefoot, it's too hot for your dog to be on the beach with unprotected feet. Slipping a pair of well-fitting booties designed for summer activities onto your dog's feet can alleviate this problem. These should also be used when going for walks on paved sidewalks and paths when the summer sun is beating down on them.
If your dog does get hurt during any summer activities, contact a center like Covington Veterinary Hospital PC right away.
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