Tips for Summer Dog Safety

Although it is not intentional, could you be hurting your dog due to lack of awareness during the summer heat? Just like humans, dogs can experience heat-related problems and illnesses but if you take precautions, everyone can relax and play happily and healthily this season. If you know how canines cope with higher temperatures you can plan ahead to avoid potentially dangerous situations.

Dogs beat the heat by panting and sweating through their paws and nose to cool down and regulate their body temperature. How? As a dog breathes in, air travels through the nasal passage and cools before reaching the lungs. Be aware that short-snouted dogs have a harder time cooling down due to shorter nasal passages. Where does panting come into play? With higher heat and humidity, your dog’s heart and lungs work harder as your dog breathes in and out quicker to reduce their body temperature.


If you’re taking your dog out in warmer weather, here are some factors to remember:


Avoid hot pavement: One thing many dog owners overlook when it's sunny out is their dog's feet. Pads can be easily burned by hot pavement. Summer heat intensely warms pavements and if the pavement gets too hot it can burn your dog’s paws. Sand can also become very hot, so use this hand technique to check sandy surfaces, too. Press the back of your hand against the asphalt, concrete or sand for seven seconds to verify if it will be comfortable for your dog to walk on because if it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. Avoid these surfaces in the daytime or consider putting protective booties or paw wax (musher’s secret) on your dog’s paws for protection.

No sunburns allowed: The ear tips, bridge of the nose, around the eyes, and abdomen are all sensitive areas on a dog's skin. These areas have thinner skin and are more exposed. Consider purchasing a sun protector or high factor waterproof sunscreen made for dogs and whenever possible rest in the shade. If you have a white dog or one with thin hair, you should take extra precautions because they will burn more easily.



Grooming pays off in comfort: Daily grooming will help dogs shed their winter coats, making them more comfortable. Give long-haired dogs shorter summer cuts to keep them cooler. Regularly grooming your dog’s fur also allows you to check for ticks and fleas and to assure their skin and paws are in good shape.

Keep fleas and ticks away: Favored walking areas that are wooded and perhaps with long grasses are favorite hideaways for ticks and fleas. Regularly check your dog to monitor and remove ticks safely and prevent your dog from getting a parasite-related disease.

Water all around: Pack extra water for you and your dog on any excursion and make sure his or her water bowl is always filled and close by during hot weather.

Avoid water with blue-green algae: Unfortunately, a growing number of ponds, lakes and rivers become a breeding ground for blue-green algae during warmer weather. It's important to monitor waterways for unusual algae blooms and be alert to local advisories and warning signs around waterways.

Be cognizant of heat exhaustion or heat stroke: Dogs can rapidly succumb to heat stroke in hot, humid weather. Prevention is key. Avoid vigorous exercise on hot days, keep your dog hydrated, and do not leave him or her alone outside or in a warm space, especially a vehicle. However if you notice any of these signs in your dog or someone else's, they may be suffering heat stroke:

•     Vigorous panting

•     Dark red gums

•     Dry gums

•     Bloody vomiting or diarrhea

•     Lying down and unwilling or can’t get up

•     Staggering gait

•     Collapse and/or loss of consciousness

•     Thick saliva

•     Seizures

If the dog is suffering heat stroke:

•     Move the dog out of the heat.

•     Cool them off with a shower or tap water or place cool wet rags on their footpads and head.  
    Do not use ice-cold water because this can actually harm the dog further.

•     Offer the dog water but don’t force him or her to drink.

•     Call or visit the vet right away.

Note: Certain types of dogs are more sensitive to heat; these comprise elderly dogs; overweight dogs; and short-nosed breeds like Pugs, Bulldogs, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Boxers, and even Staffies. Take extreme precautions with these 
breeds during summer.

A little bit of knowledge and planning goes a long way in terms of putting together a safe and wonderful summer for you and your dog. Stay cool and enjoy!

For pet-sitting with a personal touch, contact Dee Hopkins at 810.522.6238 and Like us on Facebook.

Written by Dee Hopkins in collaboration with Ginger Sprinkle at nine dots branding & marketing company (ginger@ninedotsbranding.com).

Keep Your Dogs as Cool as You

It’s simple. There’s no excuse for leaving a dog in a car on a summer day. The temperature escalates extremely fast and – tragically – can kill an innocent pet before you know it. There are also many other seasonal circumstances that can put your beloved pet’s life in danger.

Following a few simple rules can prevent disaster while you and your dog are enjoying the hot weather.

•  Always pack a water bottle for your dog to avoid dehydration just like the one you carry along for yourself.

• Do not have your dog running alongside you if you are biking; they will struggle to keep up in the heat. Leave them home and don’t force them to exercise when the temperatures are rising.

•  Love your pet? Change your routine when the temperatures are on the rise. If you take them for a walk, go in the early morning or late at night. Be aware of the asphalt’s temperature. Our feet are protected from the fiery pavement, but your dog’s paws aren’t. If you must go out during the heat of the day for your walk, buy a pair of doggie boots that will protect them from anything that can harm their paws.

• Heavy panting equals heavy sweating and overheating. Dogs cool down their body temps by panting. If your dog is becoming lethargic, drooling more than usual, has an increased heart and respiratory rate, has difficulty breathing, and doesn’t appear to be acting normal, you need to take instant action. Also, darker dogs heat up more quickly. It is the same as when you go outside on a hot day wearing black. Not pleasant.

• Signs of heat exhaustion require immediate relief. If you can’t get your pet into an air-conditioned home or car, find a shady spot or even a water fountain or pool. You can also turn on the hose and wet them down, being sure to spray their paws and belly before soaking their top. Wet a blanket and let them lay on it if they are showing signs of heat exhaustion.

•  A non-negotiable is you absolutely NEVER leave your dog in a car. Regardless of whether it is in the shade and the windows are somewhat down, you need to either keep the car running with the air conditioner on or you stay in the car with the animal and the air on inside. This scenario can – and too often does – lead to a fatal heat stroke.

• Don’t shave your pet in the summer. Their layers of hair/fur actually prevent sunburn and overheating.

• Pay attention to foods and drinks within their reach at picnics and outdoor gatherings. Many of the items typically served are poisonous to dogs. Also, keep the alcohol locked up and away from your animal and avoid feeding them junk food, raisins, grapes, onions, chocolate, and artificial sweeteners – even accidently.  Make sure they can’t raid the trash can.

• Be a compassionate pet owner and don’t take them to the fireworks shows. Also, remember unused fireworks can be hazardous because many contain potentially toxic substances such as potassium nitrate, copper, chlorates, arsenic, and other heavy metals.

Enjoy the rest of the summer season – happily and healthily – with your four-legged baby by your side in a safe manner!

For pet-sitting with a personal touch, contact Dee Hopkins at 517.546.0439 or visit us on Facebook @ DD's Pet Patrol LLC.

Written by Dee Hopkins in collaboration with Ginger Sprinkle at nine dots branding & marketing company (ginger@ninedotsbranding.com).

Do You Have a Happy Dog?

Unlike humans often times, dogs pretty much wear their hearts unabashedly on their “sleeves” -- in the form of their tails, faces, and paws, yes? Contentedness and well-being are plain to see if you know what to look for from your fur baby.

Here’s what to look for in a happy canine:

• Content dogs sleep for about 8 to 10 hours per day, mostly at night. They wake up early and set out in search of food. Did someone say breakfast? Let’s break the fast!
• They appear bright, alert, active, and solicit attention from you and their four-legged housemates in multi-pet homes.
• In the a.m., they want to walk, play, and be sociable, perhaps resting briefly between events.
• In the afternoon, dogs may spend some time chewing on a toy, exploring in the yard, or socializing with other dogs or people.
• Increased activity becomes apparent as the late afternoon approaches and into early evening, with the excitement of returning family members and more food. The various actions and interactions that occur at this time are engaged in with interest and joy. Eyes are bright, ears are swiveling, and tails are high.
• A quieter late evening period finds contented animals enjoying each others' company or seeking out and staying close to you for company. Many dogs nuzzle to solicit petting. All’s good in their world!

The Not-So-Happy Scenario

Unhappy dogs are created by adverse experiences, inconsistent interactions with their owners, lack of exercise, an unstable routine, in appropriate social interactions, and by underemployment. What owners have to remember is while their homes are set up to please them, with conveniences such as telephones, DVD players, iPods, computers, furniture, and luxurious furnishings, none of these things matters to the dog. For owners to keep their dogs happy, they have to think like a dog. Think "how would I like it if" and then work their way through their dog's 24-hour day. How would I like it if my owner didn't protect my interests? How would I like it if my owner never exercised me or barely communicated with me in any way? How would I like it if my life was totally unpredictable, uncontrollable, and was punctuated by adverse social interactions? How would I like it if I had nothing to do all day long?

Signs of an unhappy dog:

• Unsatisfied canines often sleep more in a 24-hour period, entering a state bordering on depression or learned helplessness. On the other hand, they may sleep less restfully at night because they are not in a proper routine.
• Lack of gainful employment and exercise leads to any number of behavior problems that arise as diversions such as barking or destructive behavior, annoying attention-seeking behaviors, or overeating.
• Dogs with social issues may become involved in confrontations with each other or with you, may stop paying attention to you, are difficult to control, and may either become aloof or overly attached.
• Their eyes don't shine with excitement but rather appear dull and vacuous.
• Sad dogs may adopt hunkered, cowed postures and may show a lack of alertness and curiosity.
• Many are or may become anti-social and some act out their negative feelings toward others.

How to Put Pep Back in Your Dog’s Step

• Most animals are happier if they have a set routine and know what to expect from and with you.
• Exercise is a great stress reliever and should be encouraged. Dogs should be exercised aerobically for at least 20 to 30 minutes each day. 

• Food should be healthful and supplied on a regular basis at mealtimes, perhaps changing up flavors occasionally to prevent boredom.
• Clear communication with dogs is helpful as a means of building a strong bond between you and your dog and as a way of alleviating stress. Dogs should be taught the meaning of one new word each month and it can be expected to develop a vocabulary of some hundreds of words. The better the communication, the less the confusion.
• Medical matters that are bothering the dog should be addressed. Parasites should be controlled, endocrine disturbances should be addressed, pain should be alleviated, and allergies should be attended to right away. You can't be happy as a dog if you're in pain or discomfort.
• For withdrawn dogs, coax them out and encourage them to join in and be more social. You can do this by playing with them and encouraging interaction with you and other dogs. Their involvement should always be rewarded.
• For over-attached dogs who are unhappy or distressed when separated from you, they should be encouraged to develop independence and – quite literally -- to stand on their own four feet.

Happy Dog = Happy Owner

A happy dog sleeps well and bounds out of bed in the morning looking forward to a new day and the entertainment du jour. Aggressive behavior should fade away, fears will dissipate or at least improve, and annoying habits will be replaced by constructive alternatives. A happy dog makes for a happy owner! You will be able to enjoy your dog even more and -- perhaps more importantly -- your dog will look up to you as he or she positively glows with appreciation and, of course, happiness.

For pet-sitting with a personal touch, contact Dee Hopkins at 517.546.0439 and visit http://www.ddspetpatrol.com.

Written by Dee Hopkins in collaboration with Ginger Sprinkle at nine dots branding & marketing company (ginger@ninedotsbranding.com).