More Summer Dog Tips from admin's blog

Keep your puppy safe this summer!

Many breeds of dogs, like retrievers, Irish and English setters and Newfoundlands, are good swimmers. But just like humans, many dogs are not good swimmers. Breeds such as Boxers, dachshunds and pugs are not natural swimmers. If in doubt, buy your dog a canine life jacket and have her wear it when boating or near a body of water.

Have an escape strategy for your dog at a swimming pool or pond. Every summer, dogs drown in backyard swimming pools because they fall or jump in and can’t climb back out. Be sure there are stairs or some other way for the dog to climb out unaided.

When you and your dog are near rivers, beware of hidden currents. When swimming or chasing sticks, your dog can easily be over-powered and swept away.

Near lakes, beware of sudden drop-offs and sinkholes. Dogs can panic and drown, just like humans. Another hazard is blue-green algae. Avoid lakes or ponds with a scummy surface or bad odour. Blue-green algae can produce a toxin that can cause irritated skin or severe illness if your dog ingests the toxin by licking his fur or drinking the water.

When you and your dog are at the seaside, beware of currents and riptides. These are often difficult to see and if your dog gets into trouble in one of these, he can be swept out to sea in minutes. And obviously, large waves can mean big trouble for your dog. They say never turn your back on the sea, large waves can come unexpectedly.

Summertime means more time outdoors in the garden and more opportunity for dogs, especially puppies, to eat something they shouldn’t! Many common garden plants are poisonous to dogs if chewed on or ingested. Plants like lilies, azaleas, daffodil bulbs, ivy, delphiniums, rhubarb leaves and many more are poisonous to dogs. Many plant foods and fertilizers can be dangerous, as can those delicious-smelling charcoal briquets!

When hiking in the forest or through fields, be aware of the possibility of your dog (or yourself) picking up ticks. Ticks are very small and can carry serious diseases like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tick paralysis, among others. Check for ticks after every adventure and take the precaution of dosing your pet with a preventative. Tick prevention collars, monthly liquid treatment, or pills are all available to protect your pet.

Another increasingly common canine disease is heart worm. This is transmitted by bites from infected mosquitoes. Obviously, avoid mosquito-infested areas and talk to your vet about preventative heart worm medication for your dog. These are usually once a month pills given during mosquito season. We give our pup both heart worm and tick preventative pills once a month during the tick and mosquito seasons. She loves taking these pills and we can rest easier knowing she is protected. Talk to your vet- pills do cost money but they are a lot cheaper than treating a sick dog!