Tips to Keep Your Dog Safe This Summer

Many of us are on the go this summer. There are lots of things to do and we don't want to miss any of the fun. Similarly, we don't want our dogs to miss it either. So, we, naively decide to let our dogs tag along with us. There are, however, some things that you need to know before allowing your dog to accompany you on your ventures. While our dogs may want to venture with us, it might not be the safest for the dog. Here are some tips to make sure that your dog stays safe this summer.

Dogs get hot much more quickly than humans. Think about it, they have a coat and no sweat glands. You can tell that your dog is heating up because your dog is slobbering a bit more than usual, their panting is getting heavier and quicker and the pads of their paws are extremely hot. Many people make the mistake of leaving their dog in the car while they go on short errands. This is the catalyst to many dog deaths. Even leaving your dog in the car for five minutes while you enter the post office to mail a package could be hazardous to your dog. Cars heat up in a matter of minutes. The metal and glass of a vehicle holds in the heat. People believe that if they crack or roll down a window, it will give the dog enough fresh air to survive. The truth is that hot air doesn't help. If you are going to leave your dog in the car, it is best to turn on the air. Of course, this is not very fuel efficient, but it is best for your dog.

If your dog shows signs of heat exhaustion, get him/her into the shade or a cool area immediately. If you have missed the warning signs, your dog might begin to be in even more danger. It is best to always carry some water and some towels. If
your dog begins to vomit, this is a sign that your dog has overheated. Don't give your dog lots of cold water. Give your dog sips of cool (not cold) water. Cold water will contract their stomach and make them vomit even more. Put cool to cold compresses on your dog's neck, chest and stomach. This will cool him/her down. Cool down your dog's paws by putting them into cool water. Slowly bring down your dog's body temperature. Call your vet to see if you should bring your dog in for a checkup. To avoid injury to your dog, always look for the increased panting, a blue tongue and hot paws. Respond to these signs quickly. Alternatively, you might consider leaving your dog at home, if you are going to be doing lots of errands. He/she can occupy themselves with a toy and if you really feel guilty, you can bring your dog home a treat.

There are just certain places that might be fun for your dog to go, but later, you will be suffering consequences. If your dog is a scavenger, he/she should avoid areas that will inevitably have lots of discarded food. It is quite possible that your dog will ingest something that won't agree with his/her stomach. It is also possible that your dog might steal food that has yet to be discarded. Many people do not think that it is "cute" when a strange dog steals a hamburger from their dinner plate. While you may not mind sharing with your dog, don't expect others to be as lovingly generous.

When dogs try to eat things that they are not supposed to eat, they can also choke themselves. Learning the Heimlich maneuver is important. If there are no dog first aid classes In your area, try finding a dog safety course online.

The Heimlich maneuver consists of first clearing your dog's airway. One hand must hold the mouth open. It is a dog's instinct to bite. A dog's throat is quite long, but you must reach far into the mouth. If the airway feels clear, but you know that he is choking, you will want to turn your dog upside down. Put his/her back toward your chest. If your dog is a large dog like mine is, you will probably need help for this. Give him/her five sharp thrusts in the abdomen Check if the object is in the throat. Try to expel the object quickly. If you get the object out and the dog is not breathing, you might want to give two short breaths into the dog's nose. Make sure that the mouth is closed. For further CPR training consult your pet trainer or vet. www.HealthyHappyDogs.com/CPR has comprehensive safety tips and some illustrations.

If, as a result of ingestion, your dog begins to vomit or have diarrhea, it is best to cover them with a warm blanket, give them sips of warm water and take them home. The vet might recommend some Pepto-Bismol to settle their stomach. Alternatively, I found that unsalted boiled chicken with cooked rice will settle a dog's stomach. Remember, no salt, no butter and no spices.

If you do take your dog to public functions, always bring a leash. The leash should not be so long that it is virtually ineffective and your dog travels everywhere. But, it should not be so short that every move is choking the dog. It is not appropriate for your dog to run around unattended. There are many people who are either afraid of dogs or who just dislike them for a variety of reasons. Although some people might think that an unruly dog is "cute," most find them annoying. Don't allow your dog to spoil the fun of others. It is a good idea to practice some obedience before you take your dog out into public. Leash corrections with a slip collar, when done correctly, will be helpful if your dog begins to exhibit unwanted behaviors. Make sure that you will be able to contain your dog in the shade, if he/she is misbehaving. Again, putting your dog in your vehicle is not a viable alternative unless the dog is in the shade. Even in the best of circumstances, you should not leave your dog unattended for too long. You should check on your dog every ten to fifteen minutes and watch for signs of nervousness or overheating. If your dog continues to misbehave or is nervous, consider leaving the function early. Don't make your dog and/or the public suffer through the awkward experience of you and your dog. This also applies if your dog is sick. Your dog needs to be home and it is your duty, regardless of the fun that you are having, to get your dog home and make him/her feel comfortable.