Where can we go? What can we do?

I might have mentioned before that we are in the process of moving out of state. It is challenging to sell a house with three dogs living in it. We always need an hours notice to be able to clean up and eliminate as much of the dog "presence" as possible. Then we are always scrambling to find an activity.

Yesterday was no exception as we had the notice we needed to have our house available for 2 hours in the middle of the hot, humid Texas afternoon. In Texas as the day goes on it always becomes hotter. So 3-4pm is the hottest part of the day. Yesterday the temperatures reached to 102 degrees. :-{ So this left me without the option of being able to take my doggies to the park to walk and play, my preferred activity.

I decided it would be the perfect time to do some training at the pet store. It is air conditioned and we are allowed to be in there with ALL of our dogs at the same time, for as long as we like. It was a great idea! Instead of our usual get in, get out trip. We walked down every aisle, let them smell EVERYTHING! Those with doggies know how important their sense of smell is. Their nose tells them the story of who has been there and what has happened. We were able to socialize and refresh our memories of how to obey even when we are in a whirlwind of chaos. It was alot of fun for us, and our dogs enjoyed it thoroughly.

So my suggestion is to head to the pet store next time you want or need to get out of the house with your dogs. It is a cool and inviting place that will give your dog a world of excitement! I have attached a picture of my sweet Melody Rose, my first puppy.

HOT HOT HOT

Here in south Texas it is already 100 degrees during the day. So this means we spend more time inside or at the pool. Unfortunately my pups LOVE to be outside, this is not safe for them because of the extreme humid heat. I try to monitor their time outside and give them 5-10 minute increments as well as keeping fresh cool water at hand for them.

One treat my dogs LOVE in the summer are the Chicken Pupsicles I make for them. I always keep homemade chicken broth on hand. I specifically make mine without onions because onions are toxic to dogs. Please do not use the broth from the store for these. I take cute little ice cube trays that have hearts or other fun shapes, spray lightly with olive oil, then fill with the broth. Put them in the freezer for a couple hours. After they are frozen I pop them out, hand out a few, and put the rest in a ziploc bag for keeping. They are a HUGE HIT with my dogs. They are a super simple way to give your dog a fun, healthy treat during the summer.

Take care, wear sunblock, and have fun!!!

Summer safety and fun!!!

Here in the south summer is in full swing. With the temperatures in the 90's most of the day and even at night it stays in the 80's. That is HOT!!! As people when we get hot we sweat and that naturally cools our bodies down. Dogs however do not have the ability to sweat. The only way dogs have to cool themselves is through panting. I write this blog to raise awareness about our pets and how to take measures to help keep them from overheating. Just like people animals experience heat sickness and can die from it also. :-( It is possible for pets to experience heat stroke so i have posted a link to a site that will give you more information.
As always if you have questions or suspect anything contact your veterinarian immediately.
http://dogs.about.com/od/dogandpuppyhealth/qt/heatstroke.htm

If dogs are kept outside during the summer it is imperative that we make sure they have a fully shaded place to lay down and plenty of water that is kept in the shade. If you can have a baby pool that is in the shade for your pet to cool himself off with.

If you are running errands this summer please do not take your dog with you, unless your dog can accompany you inside to every place. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PET IN THE CAR!!! Many people think this is okay if the windows are down, but this is NOT TRUE! Even on just a warm day the inside temperature of a car can become dangerous within a few minutes. The temperatures can get well over 100 degrees and with a full coat and no way to sweat it is EXTREMELY DANGEROUS to your pet.

If walking your pet do it in the morning or the evening and choose shaded areas. We people tend to forget how hot the concrete and streets are because we wear shoes. The temperatures of the ground can easily burn your little puppies paws. If at all possible walk them on dirt or grassy trails. ALWAYS carry water and a collapsible bowl with you to give your pet plenty of water. The water will help cool them down.

Bringing your pets along in all the fun summer family activities is a no brainer for most of us. Just be careful and make sure that you are prepared and are taking care of your precious pet.

HAPPY SUMMER !!!!! :)

As with any heat sickness, keep an eye on your pet for signs of heat sickness.
* Increased rectal temperature (over 104° requires action, over 106° is a dire emergency)
* Vigorous panting
* Dark red gums
* Tacky or dry mucus membranes (specifically the gums)
* Lying down and unwilling (or unable) to get up
* Collapse and/or loss of consciousness
* Thick saliva
* Dizziness or disorientation

For our husky mix we shave him to help keep him cool! He loves it and is so much happier this way!