Planning a trip with your fur-friend? Or just going to visit a friend’s pool or the beach? Either way, be prepared by checking these items off your list. A great big thanks to The Bark Magazine for this wonderful list!
Homework: Check the rules and regulations and make a list of dog parks, vets and even hotels at your destination (and stops along the way). Look into BringFido (bringfido.com) for a list of dog-friendly attractions, stores, groomers, sitters, and more.
Be Ready: Put together a “go-bag” for your dog. Include basic first-aid supplies, an extra collar with ID tags, a leash, bowls, a couple of old towels or a blanket. You may want to consider a bag of food. Freeze-dried may be a wonderful option – as you only have to add water and it doesn’t take up a lot of space (or weight). Stop in to Hungry Hound to see the different lines we carry. We can help you pick the perfect flavor!
Overheating: We know that you love taking your dog on trips, even if you are running quick errands, but this time of year can be dangerous for your dog. A car heats up fast, even with the windows cracked. Remember: heatstroke is deadly.
Humidity: And it’s not just the heat, it’s the humidity. Dogs pant to cool off, evaporating body heat by moving it across their wet tongues, and high humidity slows down that process.
Car Safety: If you don’t already use one, invest in a canine restraint device for your car. A loose dog can distract you, or worse, become airborne if you suddenly hit the brakes.
Water Safety: Be sure your dog can swim before you take him along to the beach or a pool party. Buckle her into a canine lifejacket if you’ll be on a fast-moving river or open water.
Splash: A rigid kiddie pool is a perfect (and affordable) place for a hot dog to cool off. A floating toy or two will make it even more irresistible.
Fear Less: Thunderstorms and fireworks may be okay for us humans, in fact enjoyable. But if your dog is upset by their noise and flash, get good advice from dog-behavior pro Patricia McConnell at thebark.com/fear. Or stop in to check out our herbal chews, supplements as well as the Thundershirt.
Stung: Some dogs love chasing bees— until they catch one. Be prepared; before that happens, review thebark.com/stings.
Good Host: Doing some outdoor entertaining? Plan ahead with your dog in mind. Start with keeping the yard gate closed and secured, then make sure that all those tasty picnic classics—bones, skewers, corn cobs—don’t make their way into Fido’s stomach.