PetParents.com has the information you need to care of your dog, from field training to warm-weather tips.
Warm weather brings everyone outdoors. But extended periods of time in the great outdoors or with other animals including pets means possible exposure to fleas and ticks for your dog(s) as well as your house. Get the facts about protecting your pets from fleas, ticks and mosquitoes, and becoming an expert at external parasite control.
Always choosing the right products can help protect your dog from fleas, ticks and mosquitoes.
Basic Care
Caring for dogs is a big job, but good care – from puppy to adult dog – is essential to having a happy canine. The following tips will help you start off on the right paw:
- Stay up-to-date on all vaccines.
- After vaccines have been administered, monitor interaction with other pets.
- Most veterinarians will advise pet owners to avoid public dog parks until your puppy is about four months of age. However, socialization is important so make sure you’re familiar with your pet’s friends.
- Protect your pet from harmful ticks that can transmit the organisms that cause Lyme disease. Your veterinarian will recommend products such as K9 Advantix® for flea, tick, and mosquito control for dogs only.
- For a fast topical flea control for both cats and dogs, ask your veterinarian for Advantage®.
- It is important to spay or neuter your pet (unless you are a knowledgeable and experienced breeder and are planning to breed). Follow your veterinarian’s recommendation for spaying or neutering your pet.
The heat of the moment
Even when it’s not summer, dogs can suffer from heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Here are some things to think about before heading out to the summer sun:
- Always make sure your pets have access to plenty of shade and cool, clean water.
- On very hot days, limit exercise to early morning or evening hours.
- Keep in mind asphalt gets hot and can burn your pet’s paws.
- NEVER leave your pet in the car, even for a very short time.
There are several signs of heat stress, here are some common symptoms:
- Heavy panting
- Glazed eyes
- Rapid pulse
- Unsteadiness
- Vomiting
- Deep red or purple tongue
If your dog becomes overheated get it to a veterinarian or nearby animal hospital right away.
Pets get sunburned, too!
Pets with light-colored noses or fur on their ears are especially vulnerable to sunburn and may require sunscreen on these sensitive areas. Ask your veterinarian about the best products for your dog.
Pet-friendly gardening
Be cautious when gardening. Plant food, insecticides, and more than 700 types of plants can be fatal if ingested by your dog. If you use fertilizer, keep your dog away from that area until it's been washed into the soil.
With safety measures in place, both you and your furry friend can enjoy the long, lazy days of summer. For more tips on summer pet care visit www.nofleas.com or www.k9advantix.com.
Keep warm with winter care
Winter's cold air brings many concerns for responsible dog owners. Keep the following precautions in mind:
- Don't leave your dog outside in the cold for long periods of time. Wind chill makes it colder than actual temperature readings
- 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 fall in and get seriously injured
- Groom your dog regularly. Your dog needs a well-groomed coat to keep properly insulated
- 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, carbon monoxide will endanger your dog's life. If the engine is off, the temperature in the car may get too cold
Source: American Kennel Club
Field training
PetParents.com can help you get ready for the season, from training tips to parasite control for you and your four-legged friend.
- Be sure all vaccinations, heartworm checks and fecal exams are up to date
- Consider microchips or tattooing for identification in case the dog gets lost
- Apply Advantage® for cats and dogs or K9 Advantix® for dogs only before entering the field to protect him from external parasites
- Get your pet in optimum shape and avoid training injuries by starting at a safe level, and gradually increase the amount of exercise as you create the stamina he’ll need in the field
- Feed a quality, balanced dog food for working dogs. Prepare to feed more calories as the dog’s activity increases
- Have plenty of fresh water available on work days