Please keep the following information in mind for your dog this summer:

Beat the Heat

• Don"t leave pets in parked cars for any period of time. On a hot summer day, the temperature can skyrocket to 120°F in a matter of minutes. Parking in the shade or leaving the windows cracked does little to alleviate this pressure cooker.
• Pets are much less efficient than people at cooling themselves.
• The color of your dog"s coat can make a difference. Lighter-colored animals are more prone to sunburn and skin cancer than their darker-colored companions. Dogs that spend a lot of time in the sun and have a light-colored coat or lack the black pigment around the eyes, ears, and nose can get sunburned. Protect your dog by (1) providing easy access to cool shade at all times and (2) applying sunblock, depending on the dog and the location of sensitive skin. Note: Dogs are quite adept at licking off topical lotions, so speak to your veterinarian to learn what would be appropriate for your dog.
• Dogs should always have access to cool shade and fresh cool water in the summer heat! Remember, dogs can"t perspire; they dispel heat only by panting and through the pads of their feet, which are inadequate for cooling during hot days. Panting and drinking water helps cool them, but if they have only overheated air to breathe, dogs can suffer brain and organ damage after just 15 minutes. Don"t think that because you"ll be gone "just a minute," your pet will be safe while you"re gone.

Follow the Rules of the Road

• When you transport your dog in the open bed of your pickup, you endanger both your dog and other motorists. Not only is it unsafe for your dog, but it many states, it is illegal to drive with a dog in an open pickup.
• Each year hundreds of dogs are thrown from the back of pickup trucks--many are seriously hurt or killed. If it is not possible to leave your dog at home, the safest way for him to travel is to bring your dog inside the car with you.

Waterproof Your Dog

• Many dogs love to swim and, as you know, any body of water will do--clean or dirty. In an effort to avoid ear mites, eye infections and clingy insects from imbedding themselves into your dog"s fur, rinse off your dog immediately following his dip in a lake, pond or river.
• If your dog loves to jump into the pool, make sure he knows how to get out safely. If a dog falls into a river or lake, its instinct will tell it to turn around and try to get out from the point at which it fell in. This may work well in a lake or a river, but in a suburban swimming pool, the dog may drown if it adopts this instinctive action. Therefore, it is important to teach your dog where and how to get out of the pool regardless of where he entered.
• Swimming is very tiring and fun for dogs. Frequently, dogs will continue to swim even when they are extremely tired. If you notice your dog is beginning to tire, call him out of the water to rest.
• Speaking of water fun, believe it or not, not all dogs like or know how to swim. If your dog does not know how to swim but appears eager to give it a try, let him get used to it gradually. Never throw a nervous, inexperienced swimmer into the water.

Beware of Dirt Diggers & Garden Munchers

• As you work outside in your glorious garden or lawn, be sure to take an extra moment to protect your dog. The most commonly used lawn care products are fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides. Harmful exposure may occur due to inappropriate storage or failure to read package instructions when using these products.
• Dogs are especially good at finding poorly stored containers, chewing them up, and drinking or eating the contents. Be sure you are especially vigilant when using insecticides, as these tend to have a higher degree of toxicity.
• Fortunately for dogs, who often seem to enjoy eating grass and then vomiting, most grasses are nontoxic. Most lawn seed and mulch products also are not associated with toxic problems in pets. Cocoa bean mulch is perhaps the only product known to cause poisoning in dogs. This mulch is made from the hulls of cocoa beans and, when fresh, has a rich chocolate aroma. Any time you add new landscaping, keep a close eye on your dog for unusual reactions.

Summer should be a fun time for everyone.
By taking these precautions, you and your dog
will have a more enjoyable summer.

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