In The Summer Time When The Weather is Hot!

SPLISH SPLASH: ALL my dogslove the water and here in Nova Scotia we have so many wonderful oppoprtunities to allow our dogs to swim and play in both fresh and salt wate.  Not all dogs are natural water lilies and swimmers though and some need to learn how to swim and be safe in the water.  If yo have a dog who is reluctant to get their feet wet, you should never force them to swim by throwing them off a dock or into water that is over their head.  A dog should want to get in the water and needs to build up their confidence in the water, especially when they can no longer feel the bottom with their fet.  If you have a dog who likes to retrieve, then you can start by throwing a flating Kong or other floating toy just far enough in the water where your dog has to get his legs wet going after the item, but not yet swimming.  Slowly build on your dog's confidence by going a little further each time.  You may want to attache a rope to your dog's toy, in case he decides that one of your throws is too far and he refuses to go and get it.

BUCKLE UP!  Although it looks cute to see a dog with their head hanging out a car window and their ears and tongue flapping in the breeze as the car zips along – it is actually a very unsafe way of traveling with your dog in the car.  Your dog can suffer from eye irritations from excessive tearing from the wind in their eyes, or they can be injured by a large insect or other debris hitting them in the face as the car travels along.  Most importantly, if a dog has access to hanging their head out the window this way, they are very likely not secured in the car in any way.  A dog who is not secured either in a kennel or canine seatbelt is at great risk of becoming injured and/or injuring others if the car were in an accident or even has to stop suddenly.   Also, an unsecured dog and an open window is an invitation for a dog to possibly jump out the window if the motivation is strong enough (ie small animal, other dog).  Another very serious danger for dogs in the summer in relation to cars is leaving the dog in the car for any length of time with the windows rolled up on a warm day.

Do not rish leaving your dog in the car for even a few minutes, even with the windows rolled down a bit – it is just too risky.  A closed in car on a warm day can be deadly – literally.  Please keep your canine friends happy, healthy and safe this summer.