No matter when summer comes to your part of the world, we are always ready for it. After months of cold, along with the rain, snow and other wintery gifts from Mother Nature that keep us indoors, that first day of Summer seems like a gift!
While taking along the family dog to enjoy the rays is often done without a second thought, be sure to keep some of these tips in mind:
1) Do consider things like your dog's age and physical limitations before bringing him or her along. While you and your kids might enjoy that 5-mile hike to the lake, your 12-year-old, arthritic Lab may not.
2)Don't exercise your dog during the mid-day or excessive heat. This can quickly lead to serious health issues for your pet, and usually isn't good for humans either.
3) Do bring plenty of fresh water for yourself and your pet. Even a short outing during the summer can quickly work up a sweat.
4) Don't go out into the wilderness or unfamiliar area alone or without telling someone where you are. The possibilities for this to turn dangerous are endless.
5) Remember: Dogs sunburn, too! Just like humans, dogs can burn from the sun and develop skin cancer, especially on the lighter-colored skin often found around noses, eyes and on the tummy. If you are in the hot sun for awhile, apply sunscreen to these areas on you and your pooch!
6)Don't take your dog to a 'high-traffic' pet area if you are unsure about your dog's behavior off-leash and/or around other dogs. If your dog is questionable, it's probably not a good idea to take him on a trail where you know it is likely you will encounter other dogs off-leash. This makes everyone uncomfortable and could cause a fight.
7)Don't allow your dog off-leash in an area that you are unfamiliar with. All it takes is random wildlife, a noise, or other distraction to spook or excite your dog and your nice outing could turn into a wild chase through the woods.
8) Do make sure that dogs are allowed! Nothing is worse than to drive all the way to a destination to walk the dog only to be told they are not allowed, and have to drive back home.
9)Do make sure your dog has eaten a reasonable amount of time before beginning exercise. All breeds of dogs (but especially larger, barrel-chested breeds) can 'bloat' (twisting of the stomach, trapping gases etc)from vigorous exercise on a full stomach.
10) Have fun!
By always keeping safety at the back of your mind, you can keep having fun with the rest of it! Now get out there and soak up that sunshine!
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