Issue #1
How to Beat the Heat
Its that time of year again folks
The birds are singing, the skies are blue(well. . .almost blue), and the temperature is rising!
I'll admit it- I'm a complete Summer Child. Some of my earliest doggie memories are of spending long, lazy summer days with my family Golden Retriever- finding all sorts of mischief to get into! From bothering cattle to trolling the local stream, my old stomping grounds back south had no shortage of adventures for me and my girl!
Summer is the best time for getting some much needed socialization and desensitization training under your belts! Walks in the park, camping trips, and a whole slew of other Summer activities can lead to all sorts of new and exciting things for parents and pets! But- before you load up the car and take the kids out for a romp in this beautiful weather- there are a few important things you should keep in mind.
This week I will be covering some fun- easy ways to make sure you and your kiddos can enjoy some safe fun-in-the-sun as the weather becomes more hospitable to us warm-blooded creatures.
Keep Safe in the Home
I know it sounds strange, but your Kiddo is at risk of heat related injuries even in the comfort of your air conditioner home! Just like with small children, what seems like a harmless romp in the backyard on a warm day can quickly turn to discomfort or heat sickness if not regulated properly. Because of this- I have a few rules, tips, and fun tricks/treats to keep in mind when it comes to outdoor romps at home.
Never Go out at the highest point of the day.
I know it sounds silly to say, but you would be surprised at how many parents like to let their kiddos out to play, or head out for a day in the park, without checking the time or temps! Peak temperatures for OR tend to be between noon and 3pm. Its during these hours I wouldn't recommend letting your kiddos outside for more than fifteen minutes or so without heavy supervision. Especially for you northern breeds! Prolonged overexposure to such heat, especially if exercising, can cause a lot of dehydration in your pup! Remember, Dogs can suffer heat stroke just as easily as humans can! And unlike humans- they can only sweat from their feet and nose! Hot dogs will also do more destructive behaviors such as digging or rooting in gardens to try and keep themselves cool. Between that and panting, its hard to be a pup on a hot day!
A great rule of thumb- is it too hot for you to stand out in a jacket?? yes? then it's too hot for your pup in fur coat!
Be prepared When heading out or letting my pup into the yard to play on a nice summer day, I always make sure I have a "Hot-doggie" kit ready. These kits are cheap and easy to make, and can really come in handy when you are out on a long day of summer fun!
A good "Hot-Doggie" kit has:
- A portable doggy friendly water bottle. I LOVE My Handi-Drink Dog bottle. But any old bottle/bowl combo will do! I tend to pre-freeze mine as well, so that it thaws over the course of the day.
- A good sized towel: to soak with water and help cool my pup off.
- A cooler full of chilled things like dog treats, towels, ice bags, or just water. I keep this in my car for pit-stops and quick easy cool-downs on long days.
- Sun Screen: YES your pup can get a sunburn! Especially fair cotes and thin coat dogs! Pink noses and big ears are especially vulnerable! There are LOTS OF OPTIONS for you and your kiddo!
Helpful Extras:
- Emergency Dog Tags: For pups who get to run in off leash parks. having an extra tag that reads "If I am hurt, this is my vet" or "If unresponsive, please call my vet AND my Mom/Dad" along with your vets emergency contact number, can save a life!
- UVA/VB beads and heat changing tags.
Kits like this are fast and easy to assemble, and great to keep around when running about with your pups!
Watch for Heatstroke
If you EVER think that heatstroke has happened, or your dog has shown signs of overheating. Don't panic! Have someone call your vet, and proceed to do the following.
- Offer your pup some COOL not COLD water! Cold water can shock the system and make your kiddo choke or seize.
- If outside at the park: Immediately get to shade and/or cool water. Have your pup lay down in the best position to promote good breathing (this differs from dog to dog!) and gently work cool water into their fur.
- If outside at HOME: Quickly bring them to a shaded concrete area, or into the home onto linoleum but near an open door/window if you keep your home arctic. Get them into a easy breathing position and wipe them down with ice or frozen veggies.
- AVOID: Direct cold to the belly, its not pleasant and can frighten your pup! Instead aim for under the arms, chin, and the SIDE of the belly, near the hips. You may also use the crook of the neck below the ears with COOL objects.
Remember MONITOR YOUR PUP! Get ready to rush to the vet if things worsen! ALWAYS get your vet or an Emergency vet on the line when things like this happen AND THEN begin to administer aid. Keep safe and keep diligent!
Don't Panic
Summer time can be fun too! Staying safe and having fun is easy with a little creativity! We've cover a lot of "Be careful of" things in this weeks letter, but before you decide to just crank the AC up and run your pup on a treadmill for this summers exercise. relax! and take a look at some of these FUN and SAFE ways to enjoy your summer!
Water fun: Some dogs are water dogs, and some are not, but most every dog can enjoy a good cool romp if you condition them just right.
- Kiddie pools are GREAT for younger pups who are just learning how to swim (YES some dogs have to LEARN!) or if you don't have a river near by to play in.(they also are LOVELY for bath time!)
- Sprinklers are great, gentle ways to keep your standing-water-wary pet cool and wet in the yard.
- Mud Puddles are also GREAT ways to have some fun in the sun- and a good way to get your pup nice and ready for bath time.
- River/lake/pond play is a good way to socialize and run your dog while keeping them cool. Keep in mind that rivers can be unpredictable when it comes to current strength however, and should only be played in if you've tested the water first!
- Make sure the are you are playing in is Off Leash friendly as well, and that your dog has a MARVELOUS recall before letting rover loose in the water. The last thing a stranger and their leashed dog needs is a big wet hug!
- Wear a life jacket! It seems silly I know, but not ALL dogs know how to swim. And some dogs who DO know are prone to getting over excited or over-judging their abilities. Dogs are just as prone to tire out as we are, and drowning can happen if they paddle out to far for their favorite ball and can't make it all the way back again. Bright life jackets are ESPECIALLY needed in places like deep lakes with lots a boats, so that other summer lovers can see your dog against the water!
Remember: always watch your pup for any anxiety based behavior when introducing new things! If they are not having fun STOP and back up. Slowly work your way to the new activity!
Make some summer Treats!:
For those dogs who are completely set against water fun, here are some tasty alternatives!
The Big Bowl:
Great for dog groups with pups who can nicely share their things. This Giant block of icy fun is best made a night or two before playtime to make sure it is fully frozen.
What you will need:
A big pan/bucket/Tupperware (No glass! this will be frozen and thawed repeatedly)
Fido's favorite toys (nothing with electronics! Kong's, nylabones, balls, ect are great for this!
Low sodium/organic beef or chicken broth.
Time
How to make:
- Mix water and broth in a large container, Mixture should be light tea colored.
- Add in toys- you may have to finagle sinking toys.
- Freeze overnight or longer depending on container.
- When ready to use, flip tub over onto cookie sheet or metal pan and run cool to warm water over the containers bottom, this will melt the ice and loosen it from the container.
Pupsicles/Smoothies:
These cool treats are super fun and easy to make.They can be served frozen into a pudding-pop esk pupsicle or served chilled over kibble. Loaded with antioxidants and protein- these pops are a healthy homemade alternative to some of the super spendy pre-made yogurt pops for dogs that are just now hitting the shelves.
What you will need:
1 Banana
1/2 cup Blueberries (I use frozen Organic)
1/2 - 1 can High Quality patee wet or raw Dog food (I use Salmon based food for the Omegas, whatever you chose is MUST be HQ, Low Quality like Alpo or Purina will turn to jelly instead of freezing EW!)
1-2 TBS raw Peanut Butter OR DogButter (I use the Skin & Coat Dog butter, contains Peanuts, Golden Flaxseed, Palm oil, and Coconut)
1-2 TBS Plain Yogurt
1/2 a cup to 1 cup Broth
Optional:
Dog biscuits for "sticks"
Salmon oil, Glucosamine, or any other added vitamin approved by your vet.
Cream cheese
How to make:
- Blend Banana, blueberries, Broth, and dog food together.
- once smooth, add in yogurt, PB, and any of the optional additives. - blend again.
- If you only want to make a smoothie- chill for a little bit in the freezer and pour over you pups kibble. You're done! If you want to make pupsicles, keep reading.
- Fill ice tray or silicone tray with treat mix, decorate with biscuits as you will.
- freeze for a few hours, pop out and enjoy!
Thanks for joining us for this weeks Paws & Effect Bi-Monthly Newsletter!
Remember, we are a community driven business, and our newsletters are meant for YOU!
If you have any questions, photos, ideas, or items you wish to bring to our attention for the next Issue of Paws & Effect Bi-Monthly Newsletter, please sends us a comment over on FB, or drop us a line at WorkingDogs21@gmail.com
Tune in next time for our next installment.
Issue#2 Service Dog Certification: What is a real and what is not?
Until then!
~ Faith & Tana
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