Dan's Papers - May 29, 2009 -

Imagine putting on layers of winter clothes, your heavy winter coat, socks, boots, gloves and a wool hat when it's 80 degrees outside. Visual analogies are important because no matter how many times we hear that warning on the radio, telling us not to leave our dogs in the car during summer, police still end up breaking into them, and emergency rooms are filled with dogs that were left for "just a few minutes" while their human families were shopping or banking. What some people don't realize is that even when the outside temperature is in the low 80s, it only takes a few minutes for the temperature inside an automobile to climb to more than 100 degrees, even with the windows slightly open. Not too long after that, your dog will suffer from heat stroke. If a car is parked in the sun, the temperature inside can rise 30 degrees per minute and quickly turn into a deadly situation. If you are going out for the day and there is a slight chance that your dog will not be allowed to accompany you inside a store or you might stop somewhere for lunch, please leave your dog at home. It's the kindest thing you can do. Make sure that wherever your dog is, he is cool and comfortable. Brachiocephalic dogs, with indented foreheads and short snouts like bull dogs, shih tzus and pugs, puppies, older dogs, dogs with long or thick coats and dogs that are overweight or have health issues, especially of the respiratory and cardiovascular variety, should be given extra consideration during the summer months. If you keep your dog outdoors make sure there is plenty of shade and fresh clean water. Chipped ice will help to keep it cooler longer. If you have areas on your property that collect standing water, DO NOT let your dog drink it - that includes the birdbath and the pool cover. It's a pool party for intestinal parasites, known as giardia, causing diarrhea and requiring antibiotic therapy.

The garden hose is off limits too unless you have a new "SAFE TO DRINK" garden hose. Hoses can be lined with dangerous levels of lead and fittings containing toxic chemicals. So even though we all have fond memories of drinking from the garden hose as kids, it's really not a good idea.

While on the topic of water, here's a quick word about swimming pools: if your dog has easy access in, make sure he knows how to exit. Simply teach him the way you would a young child. A life vest is always a good idea.

Another summer hazard hiding in plain sight is the pavement, especially roadways, black top driveways and brick walkways. I know that sounds like there's pretty much nothing left to walk on but in bright sunlight some of these areas can become extremely hot and harmful to your dog's paws. If you notice that your dog will not stand still and keeps shifting from leg to leg it's probably because the walkway is too hot, and you need to cross to an area with more shade.

This is something I cannot get used to seeing: dogs riding in the back of pick-up trucks. This is so dangerous that it has become illegal in many states. Your dog may not attempt to jump out of the truck, but any short stop might throw him into traffic.

Plant food, fertilizer, and insecticides including tick sprays can be fatal if your pet ingests them. It is equally important that you know what's growing in your garden, as over 700 plants can be harmful.

Dogs add a tremendous amount of joy to the summer playtime months so please give them the love and care they deserve. And don't forget the heartworm and tick preventatives.