Thursday, July 14, 2016

Summer Safety Tips for Dogs

Me: “Bentley! Pierre! Y’all come here. It’s time to remind everyone of some important summer pet safety tips.”
Bentley: “We prefer the term ‘furry family member’ safety tips and we are ready to roll.”
Westie playing with toy Toxic Waste sour candy container
Pierre: “I always like to start off with a stern warning about toxic waste. Avoid it at all cost. That is some nasty stuff.”
Me: “I’ll admit that toxic waste is a danger but I was thinking more of household or everyday dangers.”
Pierre: “Fine, but don’t let it be said that I didn’t warn you.”
Basset Hound surrounded by scissors
Bentley: “Good grief, Pierre! Mom said HOUSEHOLD dangers. Obviously, the number one household danger is scissors. People run with them. People trip over us. Double dog danger is what you have right there. Just say no to scissors.”
Me: “How can I open the deliveries that you get if I don’t use scissors? Anyway, that is not exactly what I am talking about either. Let’s see if we can’t think of some other helpful safety ideas.  
Westie standing in garden full of yellow flowers and white antique drain cover
Pierre: “I like to check out the garden for plants that are potentially harmful. We posted a list of some common plants that can cause trouble."
Basset Hound wearing a floppy hat with surfboard. Sailboat on ocean in background
Bentley: “Always keep a close eye on your pet around water because not all dogs are natural born swimmers. If your dog isn’t used to water, invest in a swimming vest before inviting them for a swim in the lake or pool. P.S. It’s not nice to laugh at your pup when they are wearing their life vest.
Vet scanning microchip needle number with package. Basset on table
Me: This is a big one for me and that’s to make sure that your pet has proper identification with collars, tags, and a microchip. I prefer all three on the boys. Collars can come off and tags go with them so microchipping is crucial.
Westie searching in flowers
Pierre: “I’d rather not even think about snakes but the fact is snake bites increase during the summer months. While it is difficult to keep them out of our yards, there are things that you can do to discourage them. Besides barking at them like a maniac, you can have fences that are set a foot or two into the ground, mow close around your house, store firewood away from your home, remove junk piles, clear out weeds and brush, and empty standing water. If your dog is bitten by a snake, seek immediate medical attention.
Basset hound laying on the ground with a thermometer at 100 inset
   Bentley: “Summer is hot! Whenever your dog is outdoors, make sure they have a shady spot to retreat. Excessive heat can lead to a heat stroke, so know the warning signs.
·        Excessive panting or difficulty breathing
·        Increased heart and respiratory rate
·        Drooling
·        Mild weakness, stupor, or a sudden collapse demands a quick response. 
If your pet displays any of these symptoms, they need to be cooled by dipping them in a tub of cool water for up to two minutes. Place the wet dog in front of a fan. Cool packs can be applied to the groin area and wipe their paws with cool water. There are also cooling collars, cooling mats and other cooling pet products available. Pssst...that’s a hint, Mom!”
Me: “You ask to go lay in the sun then spend your day in the air conditioning, but I’ll see what I can find to help you on our walks. Thanks for helping me with these serious safety tips. I’m sure our readers will appreciate them.”
Bentley: “I hope they remember about the scissors!”
Pierre: “And the toxic waste!”
Resources: http://www.veterinarypartner.com/                        


24 comments :

  1. GREAT advice...my peeps need to read this as I can be a little reckless at times, hehe!
    Loves and licky kisses
    Princess Leah xxx

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  2. All of these are valuable tips. I don't think I'll ever forget the one about the scissors. That picture is hilarious. Mom always worries about heat stroke when I take a street nap. She doesn't trust me to get up when I feel too hot. She gives me a minute of warmth and then starts rousting me up to get walking or go in the shade. Ugh.

    Love and licks,
    Cupcake

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  3. You two are hilarious!!! I'm so happy we don't have poisonous snakes up here! If I ever came across one I might wet my fur!

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  4. BOL! Toxic Waste and Scissors?!? Priceless....of course, great reminders for everyone about Summer Safety, boys.

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  5. Excellent safety tips guys. Sam and I hope your summer stays safe and fun. ღ

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  6. Thanks for the tips, boys! Love the scissors pic. The biggest issue for us is the heat and humidity. No long walks, even in the mornings and evenings, when temps are already use to 90; yikes!! Have a fun rest of the summer, guys!

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  7. This is a great post - safety for our pets is so important.
    hugs
    Mr Bailey, Hazel & Mabel

    Pee es
    Ally-gator is one of Mabel's favorites too - he goes in her crate with her when we are not at home. The first thing she does when we open the crate door is grab Ally-Gator to bring him with her. She will take him out with her to potty, tee hee

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  8. This is some very valuable information. Great post fellas!

    Your Pals,

    Murphy & Stanley

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  9. Some great summer advice. Hope all pets are safe this summer.

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  10. Great advice ! And many of them can apply to cats too. Purrs

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  11. Good safety tips, Bentley! I prefer to either be in the water, or in the a/c if it is hot out here. At sports events, I bring my fan along, and my ice collar to stay nicely chilled.

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  12. Great advice, boys! And some of these can apply to us cats, too.

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  13. Excellent tips my friends. Everyone needs to read all these important facts
    Lily & Edward

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  14. OMD, what a FABulous postie guys!!!! All great tips!!!! and I agree abouts the toxic waste...AVOID MA's COOKING AT ALL COSTS!!!! (I had to learn the hard way...don't ask...)
    Kisses,
    Ruby ♥

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  15. Excellent tips!! It has been SO HOT here!! We are very glad to have A/C!

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  16. Thanks so much for the wonderful reminders!
    Smileys!
    Dory, Jakey, Arty & Bilbo

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  17. I prefer "furry fmaily member" too.

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  18. Great tips! We are glad we don't have to worry about snakes around here!
    Jan, Wag 'n Woof Pets

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  19. All excellent Summer safety tips, but I must agree with the boys toxic waste & scissors should top the list. LOL!!
    Love & biscuits,
    Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them

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  20. Wooftastic summer safety tips Bentley & Pierre!

    Scissors are definitely dangerous; my huMom is always saying how they need to be put away safely.

    Snakes too can be quite dangerous but my pigbros GG & MiG have very little tolerance for snakes & will stomp them to death. GG will even stomp the garden hose if he sees it.

    Thanks for another pawsome blog post my furiends.

    Nose nudges,
    CEO Olivia

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