Tackle boxes – Cats find the fishing lures very interesting, as
they look like cat toys. Be mindful of where your tackle box is left out and open.
Dogs like to grab the fish with the lure still in the fish’s mouth.
Hot cars - We know this is a very common one but it still happens.
Cars heat up so much faster than we think even with the windows open.
Please leave your dog at home on these hot days.
Hot temperatures – Make sure on hot days animals have plenty of
shade and water. An interesting fact is that hosing a black dog down in the
sun will make him even hotter. Shaving a double coated breed (a dog that
has a fluffy under coat and a more coarse outer coat) will not help them stay
cool. Their coat, after shedding the way they should (losing the fluffy
undercoat), will keep them cool just fine. Dogs who have a double coat
require a good bath, and blow dry (with a special dog blow dryer that
blows cool air at a higher force then a human handheld dryer) to shed that
thick undercoat. Brushing with a brush that is designed for their coat
type, after a bath to loosen the coat, helps also. Make sure to check with your
groomer about brushes designed for your dog’s coat.
If you suspect your dog has heat stroke, contact your veterinarian
immediately and move the dog to an air conditioned area or the shade. Do not
use COLD water to cool his skin, this can cause problems if the body is cooled
too quickly when they have a high temperature.
Water safety – Make sure to watch dogs when around any sort of
water, whether it be a pool, lake or on your boat. They can fall in just like
kids can. A lifejacket is recommended for any dog, even if he is a strong
swimmer, when in a boat or retrieving a toy from shore. Get your dog used to
wearing it around the house and make sure it fits properly.
Pool covers can also be a deceiving safety guard. Dogs can step on
them and break through. Pay attention to posted warnings around lakes;
blue green algae can make humans and dogs sick.
BBQ safety- Cooking food around a campfire or a grill is a very
inviting smell for our four legged companions. Burns or accidental
eating of fatty foods, meat included, can be dangerous for your pet. Corn
cobs are another hazard that doesn’t come up as a danger to dogs. Many eat the
whole cob!
Other foods to be careful of at picnics are grapes, cherries,
onions, avocados and alcohol.
Make sure to keep an eye on
your grilling meat (raw or cooked) and especially those kabobs. Another
thing that lures dogs in is grease in a fire pit after cooking over a campfire.