K-9 LifeSavers

Did you know that the only sweat glands dogs have are between their paw pads? What this means is they cannot cool themselves off by sweating like humans.  They only produce a limited amount of sweat through their pads, so the main way a dog cools off is by panting.  Unfortunately this only does so much in hot and humid weather. 

Ideally your dog has access to an air conditioned place to cool off in, but if this isn't the case, make sure he has access to fresh, cool water and shelter from the sun - ideally an insulated dog house in a shady spot. If your dog loves water, consider giving him access to a tub or kiddie pool (plastic not inflatable) to lounge in. 

There are a variety of products on the market designed to help your dog beat the heat from cooling dog beds to cooling collars and vests. Every dog is unique in his preferences and needs, but it is important to be aware that dogs can overheat as easily as humans and help to keep them cool.

Spring has sprung! Many of us take actions to protect ourselves from allergies, prepare our lawns and gardens for the new season, and even take part in a classic Spring cleaning. Despite the fact that many of us love our K-9s more than anything else in this world, helping them transition into spring isn't always on our to do list.  Here are some tips and things to keep in mind to keep your K-9 safe and healthy this spring:

• Shedding: You may have been aware of more hair than usual in your home, as many dogs shed in spring.  Shedding is a natural transition through the seasons, but the dry winter coat can often cause mats and tangle as it falls out.  Gentle, regular brushing will help restore oils to the new coat, stimulate the skin and prevent the dreaded dreads of an unkempt coat. 
  * If your dog has an especially dry coat or abnormal amount of mats, you may want to discuss canine Omega 3 capsules with your vet to help this transitional period along.
• Exercise: Just like many of us, the warmer weather makes dogs a little frisky and they seem anxious to get outside and burn energy. However, just like humans that need to work up to an exercise routine, so do dogs, especially if the winter months created an a bit extra weight for them.  Enjoy walks in the sunshine and games of fetch in the park, but build up gradually.
• Allergies: Just like humans, dogs can suffer from allergies, which can also change from puppy to adulthood. Pollen from the flowering trees, dandelions and tulips, dust, mold and even insects can cause allergic reactions such as itching, coughing, sneezing, flaky skin or an oily-feeling coat.  If you see these systems, discuss with your vet to get a prescription for a canine allergy medicine - NEVER try to medicate your dog with human medicine.
• Plants & Mulch: Spring bulbs often attract curious dogs, but be aware of the plants in your yard.  Many spring bulbs fall into the allium (onion) family and are toxic to dogs. Also be aware of the mulch you are using, "cocoa mulch" is also highly toxic to dogs, but tends to attract their curiosity.  You best bet is to keep your dog out of your flower beds regardless of what's in them, but especially for those with extremely curious dogs, be aware of what you do have in your yard.
• Lawn Chemicals: Many people do a lot of lawn treatments in the spring as well as using herbicides and pesticides to kill insects and weeds.  Ideally this results in a lush lawn that your dog cannot wait to run on and roll around in as it's a refreshing change from the dead thatch of winter. Unfortunately pesticides, herbicides and dogs don't go together.  Be mindful of instructions when you treat your own lawn, of how long to keep your dog from playing in it, and be aware of signs that other people have recently treated their own yard and keep your dog clear.

By thinking ahead, dog owners can head off problems and help their dogs get the most out of getting out and about in spring.

The weather is warming up, which gives many of us visions of trips to the beach or other great places.  If your travel plans include your favorite K-9, keep these tips from the AKC in mind about traveling with your pooch.

Health and Safety

• Health Checks. Bring your dog to the vet's for a check up before going on an extended trip. Make sure all his vaccinations are up to date; shot records with you. Health certifications are required for airline travel.
• To keep your dog healthy as you travel, bring along a supply of his regular food and some local, or bottled, water. Be sure to bring any medications he needs.

Crates

A crate is an excellent way to keep your dog safe in the car, and is required for airline travel. It can also keep your pet from getting into trouble in a hotel or at your host's home. Crates are available from most pet supply stores. Look for these features when purchasing:

• Large enough to allow the dog to stand, turn and lie down.
• Strong, with handles and grips, and free of interior protrusions.
• Leak-proof bottom covered with absorbent material.
• Ventilation on opposing sides, with exterior rims or knobs to prevent blocked airflow.
• "Live Animal" label, arrows upright, with owner's name, address and phone number.
• Stock the crate with a comfortable mat, your dog's favorite toy, and a water bottle, and your dog is ready to go.

Identification

In the event that your dog gets away from you on your trip, you can increase the chances of recovery by making sure he can be properly identified:

• Make sure your dog has a sturdy leash and collar. The collar should have identification tags with the dog's name, your name, and your home phone number, as well as proof of rabies shots.
• Consider a permanent form of identification, such as a microchip.
• Bring a recent picture of your dog along with you.

Traveling by Car

• Get your dog used to the car by letting him sit in it with you without leaving the driveway, and then going for short rides.
• Avoid car sickness by letting your dog travel on an empty stomach. However, make sure he has plenty of water at all times.
• Keep the car well-ventilated. If the dog is in a crate, make sure that fresh air can flow into the crate.
• Do not let your dog ride with his head sticking out of an open window. This can lead to eye injuries.
• Never let your dog ride in the back of an open truck. This is extremely dangerous and can lead to severe injuries or death.
• Stop frequently for exercise and potty breaks. Be sure to clean up after your dog.
• Car rides are boring for everyone, so instruct your children not to tease or annoy the dog in the car.
• Never, ever leave your dog unattended in a closed vehicle, particularly in the summer. See Summer Safety Tips for more information. If you must leave the car, designate a member of the family to stay with the dog.

By Plane

• Each airline has its own set of rules for canine air travel. You should call for information and make arrangements well in advance of your trip.
• All airlines require health certifications and proof of vaccinations.
• Some airlines will not transport animals when it is extremely hot or cold.
• Dogs must be in an airline-approved crate when transported as cargo. Small dogs may ride under the seat in a crate or carrier.

By Train, Bus and Boat

If you plan to travel by train or bus, you may be disappointed. Dogs are not permitted on Amtrak trains or on buses operated by Greyhound and other interstate bus companies. (Service dogs are permitted.) Local rail and bus companies have their own policies.

You may fare better if you're taking a cruise. The QE2 luxury cruiser, which sails from New York to England/France, provides special lodging and free meals for your dog. However, you should check the policies of the cruise line or ship you will be traveling on before making plans to take your dog on a cruise with you.

Lodging

• Find out in advance which hotels or motels at your destination or on your route allow dogs. Many do not, or have size or breed restrictions.
• If your dog is allowed to stay at a hotel, respect other guests, staff and the property.
• Keep your dog as quiet as possible.
• Do not leave the dog unattended. Many dogs will bark or destroy property if left alone in a strange place.
• Ask the management where you should walk your dog, and pick up after him. Do not leave any mess behind.
• Remember that one bad experience with a dog guest may prompt the hotel management to refuse to allow any dogs. Be considerate of others and leave your room and the grounds in good condition.

Though the forecast is calling for slightly warmer weather, Mother Nature does sometimes pull a fast one, so though we would share a few winter weather tips on canine health from the AKC.

Dogs cannot talk to us when they are sick. As a responsible dog owner, it is important to pay special attention to your dog's well-being during the winter season. Remember the following health concerns:

• Antifreeze, which often collects on driveways and roadways, is highly poisonous. Although it smells and tastes good to your dog, it can be lethal.
• Rock salt, used to melt ice on sidewalks, may irritate footpads. Be sure to rinse and dry your dog's feet after a walk.
• Provide plenty of fresh water. Your dog is just as likely to get dehydrated in the winter as in the summer. Snow is not a satisfactory substitute for water.
• Frostbite is your dog's winter hazard. To prevent frostbite on its ears, tail and feet, don't leave your dog outdoors for too long.
• Be very careful of supplemental heat sources. Fireplaces and portable heaters can severely burn your dog. Make sure all fireplaces have screens, and keep portable heaters out of reach.
• Like people, dogs seem to be more susceptible to illness in the winter. Take your dog to a veterinarian if you see any suspicious symptoms.
• Don't use over-the-counter medications on your dog without consulting a veterinarian.

On this cold, snowy day we thought it would be a good idea to review some basic tips from the AKC on winter care for your favorite canine friend:

• Don't leave your dog outside in the cold for long periods of time. Wind chill makes days colder than actual temperature readings. Be attentive to your dog's body temperature, and limit its time outdoors.
• Adequate shelter is a necessity. Keep your dog warm, dry and away from drafts. Tiles and uncarpeted areas may become extremely cold, so make sure to place blankets and pads on floors in these areas.
• Be extra careful when walking or playing with your dog near frozen lakes, rivers or ponds. Your dog could slip or jump in and get seriously injured.
• Groom your dog regularly. Your dog needs a well-groomed coat to keep properly insulated. Short- or coarse-haired dogs may get extra cold, so consider a sweater or coat. Long-haired dogs should have excess hair around the toes and foot pads trimmed to ease snow removal and cleaning. If you do the trimming, take care not to cut the pads or other delicate area of the foot.
• Feed your dog additional calories if it spends a lot of time outdoors or is a working animal. It takes more energy in the winter to keep body temperature regulated, so additional calories are necessary.
• Towel or blow-dry your dog if it gets wet from rain or snow. It is important to dry and clean its paws, too. This helps avoid tiny cuts and cracked pads. A little petroleum jelly may soften the pads and prevent further cracking.
• Don't leave your dog alone in a car. If the car engine is left on, the carbon monoxide will endanger your dog's life. If the engine is off, the temperature in the car will get too cold.