Keeping Your Dog Safe
Pet ownership is a real joy, but it’s also a big responsibility. If you have a dog, you need to do everything you can to ensure that your dog stays protected. Here are some of the ways you can keep your pup safe from harm, so he can enjoy a long and carefree life.
Identification. Get him a collar and easy-to-read tage. You can get an inexpensive ID tag at any pet supply store. Print the dog’s name, plus your phone number. That way, if he wanders off, someone will be able to let you know and get him right home to you. Also, your pup should always be wearing his rabies tag, along with his identification. Check the tags periodically, to be sure they’re still legible and haven’t become worn or scratched.
Food. This is one area it’s not recommended to skimp with your dog; you want to be sure you feed your dog the highest-quality food you can afford. Avoid any food that’s past its expiration date, and check to be sure any dry food isn’t moldy or contaminated. Always give your dog access to fresh water.
Safe outside environment. If you let your dog outside off the leash, make sure he’s got a safe, enclosed area to play. Remove anything on the property that could hurt your dog if he chewed or ate it. Also, don’t chain your pup and leave him unattended and don’t put any toxic chemicals on your lawn or shrubbery. If you’re unsure whether or not a product is safe, call the manufacturer directly; they’ll be able to tell you.
Weather awareness. Be aware of any inclement weather in your area. Dogs are extremely sensitive to any temperature extremes. It’s never a good idea to leave a dog outside unattended in the rain or snow. You have to know your dog and his vulnerabilities. If you’re with your dog in the snow or have him in the water, be alert for trembling, panting or behavior changes. Your dog is going to follow you lead, and there’s no need for you to push him beyond his limit. Some dogs are spooked by thunderstorms. If that’s true for yours, try giving him a distracting or a soothing toy if you know a storm’s approaching.
Closed cars. It’s never a good idea to have a dog in a closed car—under any circumstances, in any weather or for any length of time. Cars and trucks can heat up really quickly, even on cool or cloudy days. Although there aren’t statistics for the numbers of dogs who get sick or die in closed vehicles, there are about 50 child fatalities each year as a result of this. Even leaving the windows slightly cracked is a bad idea; there’s no way you can estimate just how long you’ll be away from your car or how quickly your car or truck can heat up.
If you leave your dog in a closed car with the heater running in the winter, he could be susceptible to carbon dioxide poisoning.
Grooming. If you get a long or curly-haired dog, you’ll need to be sure he’s regularly groomed. That means brushing him frequently and having him clipped when he starts getting shaggy. Regular brushing will help your dog avoid getting mats, which are uncomfortable for your dog and can harbor burs, dirt, and parasites like fleas or ticks.
Some people think that summer is the perfect time to shave a dog. That isn’t true. Dogs, like people, are vulnerable to sunburn, if their skin is exposed. A better idea is to keep your dog’s coat length at about an inch.
In winter, you shouldn’t let your dog go without grooming. You want to be sure you keep his paws trimmed, so they don’t attract snow or harmful, irritating salt from treated roadways. Whenever you’ve been out with your pup in the winter, be sure to rinse off his paws in warm water, to get rid of any residual salt.
Dogs with short or wiry fur are more susceptible to the cold and may need a coat or sweater when the temperatures drop.
All dogs should have their nails clipped regularly which can be done by a professional groomer or by your vet.
Vet checks. Schedule regular veterinary appointments with your dog. Don’t just limit vet visist to the times your pup is sick or injured. A licensed veterinarian will be able to assess your dog’s overall health, give him necessary vaccinations and check for any issues, like parasites, cuts and injury or canine obesity.
Water safety. Some people assume that all dogs love to swim and just do it naturally. It’s true that some pups are bred specifically for swimming, like poodles, certain spaniel breeds, and Portuguese water dogs. Others are hesitant or reluctant swimmers, and still other breeds, like Boxers and Pekinese, can have a hard time breathing in the water. It isn’t a good idea to push your dog if he seems unwilling to go into the water or swim. If your dog happens to be a swimmer, make sure you’re aware of signs that he’s getting tired, like slowing down, shivering or hesitation. Dogs who love water don’t always have an “off” switch, so it’s up to you to monitor.
If you take your dog out on a boat, be sure to give him a life preserver in case he jumps into the water or falls overboard.
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