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: Okay, you’ve probably heard this one before, but it’s so important that we still decided to list it first. It can take minutes (yes, MINUTES) for a pet to develop heat stroke and suffocate in a car. Most people don’t realize just how hot it gets in parked cars. Your best bet is to leave your dog home on warm days. If you’re driving around with your dog in the car, bring water and a water dish and take your dog with you when you leave the car.
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. When there is only hot air for a dog to breathe, it’s a lot harder for that dog to keep cool.
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.
Paws: When the sun is cooking, surfaces like asphalt or metal can get really hot! Try to keep your pet off of hot asphalt; not only can it burn paws, but it can also increase body temperature and lead to overheating. It’s also not a good idea to drive around with your dog in the bed of a truck – the hot metal can burn paws quickly. Stop in and check out our paw wax.
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 life jacket 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. Adding 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, stop in to check out our herbal chews, and supplements.
Stung: Some dogs love chasing bees— until they catch one. Be prepared; before that happens, by knowing what to do.
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.