IF I WERE A DOG THIS SUMMER…

As just a little extra effort can make summer a happy, comfortable time for our doggie friends; here are some thoughts for doing just that.

If I was a dog there would be a few things I would like my owners to remember this summer. 

Give me cold fresh water.  You know how water that sits around has a funny stale taste?  Well, just think how it must smell and taste to a dog with their keen senses.  Water must be changed at least twice a day to encourage intake.  If outside, put water in the shade.

Don’t bake me in the car.  Never leave a dog in the car in the summer.  Never.

Groom me.  Matted, shedding hair is hot.  Skin problems and fleas are found early if you notice them early.  Shaving your long hair dog might be a good idea but remember they can sunburn too.

Exercise me in the cooler time of day.  “Only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun”.

Teach me to swim.  Almost all dogs can swim in calm water.  Don’t even try this with pugs or any dog with no muzzle. All dogs love water and enjoy a wading pool.

Let me in the house or other shaded area.

Be extra careful with me as I get older as heat is more dangerous than cold.  Treat me with respect as I age I am most likely older than you.

Train me so I am a model citizen.  I want to have a job around the house and know the rules. 

I hate flies.  They bite my ears.  They bug me.  Get some fly spray for horses at the local feed store and put it on me if flies are around.  Cleaning up my poop also really helps with fly control.  Don’t leave my food out to get full of ants or flies.  Bugs bug me and don’t get me started on yellow jackets.

I hate loud noises such as fireworks and thunderstorms. I just go crazy sometimes and need to be confined or tranquilized.  Talk to my doctor if necessary. Make sure I am micro-chipped and/or have an identification tag on.

If I was a dog I would just like you to act on my behalf as any friend would.

                                                                                          Holly

A pdf of this article Summer Dog Care, is provided for down load.

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Wintertime Dog Care

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