21 July . 2019
Keep your dog healthy and safe during summer with these tips
We love our dogs because they’re so eager to spend time with us, especially outside at all the dog-friendly amenities at Canyon Falls, like the Pooch Park, Hay Barn and miles of trails.
The fun can keep going in the summer months, as long as you follow some basic advice to keep your furry best friend healthy and safe. Here are some hot weather safety tips for your dog from the ASPCA.
- Visit the vet for a spring or early summer checkup, and make sure they get a heartworm test.
- Dogs can get dehydrated quickly, so make sure they have access to clean, fresh water at all times. If they stay outdoors for extended times, make sure they have a shady spot to rest. Keep them indoors when it’s extremely hot.
- Know the symptoms of overheating. They include excessive panting, difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rates, drooling, mild weakness, stupor and even collapse. Additional severe symptoms can include seizures, bloody diarrhea, vomiting and an elevated body temperature above 104 degrees.
- Dogs with flat faces, such as Pugs, cannot pant as effectively as longer-nosed dogs, making them more vulnerable to heatstroke. Other pets at risk include those who are elderly, overweight and have heart and lung diseases. Keep them inside and cool as much as possible.
- Never leave your dog in a parked vehicle. It can lead to fatal heat stroke in a very quick time and is illegal in several states. If you see a dog in a car on a hot day, try to locate the owner or call 911.
- Not all dogs are good swimmers, so don’t leave pets unsupervised around a pool. Introduce your dog to water gradually, and make sure he wears a flotation device when on a boat. Wash your dog after swimming to remove chlorine and salt from her fur. Don’t let dogs drink pool water, which has chemicals.
- Never shave your dog, although it’s OK to trim longer hair. The layers of dogs’ coats protect from overheating and sunburn. Be sure any sunscreen or insect repellent you use is labeled safe for animals.
- Don’t let your dog walk on hot asphalt for a long time. Sensitive paw pads can burn, and your dog’s body can overheat, since it’s close to the ground. Keep walks to a minimum during hot parts of the day.
- Keep summer products such as citronella candles, tiki torches, insect coils and insecticides out of your dog’s reach. They can be harmful if ingested. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 if you think your animal has consumed a poisonous substance.
- Summer is a popular time for picnics and barbecues, but remember that many foods can be poisonous to dogs. This includes alcohol and many human snacks, especially raisins, grapes, onions, chocolate and products containing the sweetener xylitol.
- Everyone loves fireworks but remember that lit fireworks can cause burns and trauma to dogs and people, and unused fireworks can contain hazardous ingredients. Many dogs are fearful of loud noises and can become lost, afraid and disoriented.
Now that we’ve talked about keeping Fido cool, check out these photos of our Hay Barn and Pooch Park.