Some
dangers that summer poses for dogs and cats are obvious - like heat
stroke - but many others are covert and can easily result in the
death of pets, an animal welfare agency warns.
Many
pet parents may be surprised to learn that dogs and cats are
susceptible to less obvious dangers like high-rise syndrome falls,
drowning and food poisoning, according to the American Society for
the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Some
pets will anxiously pace around the house in fear, others will lose
bladder or bowel control from the fright and many others will simply
run away from home - never to be seen again by their families - to
get away from the explosions and flashes.
The
cause of this irrational behavior is fireworks season, the most
terrifying time of the year for cats and dogs. And your pet's chances
of getting lost is at its height as many will runs miles away from
home in an attempt to find solace, animal welfare officials warn.
A
sunny summer day may seem perfect to you for a walk in the park or
along a sandy beach, but these kinds of seemingly delightful days can
be quickly turn into a death trap for playful dogs, a leading animal
welfare agency warns.
Even
short walks along hot pavement, attending outdoor events and sitting
inside automobiles - even with windows open - can quickly lead to
deadly heat stroke for dogs, who are especially susceptible to it
because they lack sweat glands and can only pant to cool down,
according to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to
Animals.
Pet
parents can take some simple actions to help their dogs better cope
with hot weather, an animal welfare official says.
Careful
planning of outdoor activities, such as walks and hikes, and proper
grooming can go a long way toward keeping your dog comfortable in hot
weather, says Gail Furtado, president of Forever
Paws Animal Shelter
in Fall River, Mass.
"Either
go for walks early morning or later evening when it is cooler, Ms.
Furtado told MySetterSam.com in an interview. "Swimming is a
good summer day activity, as long as your dog knows how to swim (not
all dogs know how to swim)."
"There is no
better way to enjoy the great outdoors than to go sailing or kayaking
with your best furry friend,” Natural Dog magazine Group
Editor Ernie Slone states in a media release. "But not all dogs
take to the water.''
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Story continues here
Dog
owners must make sure their pets know basic obedience commands
because they can be easily distracted and jump overboard when they
see floating objects like a buoy, stick or water birds, Natural
Dog magazine advises in its
complete guide to holistic dog care. Natural Dog also
says a dog must wear a life jacket,
known as a pet flotation device. PFDs should be brightly colored in
case the dog goes overboard in rough or low-visibility conditions.
Natural
Dog magazine also advises:
- Selecting a PFD with a locator beacon or device that triggers an
alarm when it gets wet. If your dog goes overboard, you will know
right away.
- Being aware of heatstroke symptoms, which include heavy panting,
lethargy and drooling. If you see these signs, wet your dog with cool
(not cold) water, head for shore and shade, and call your
veterinarian immediately.
- Never hook your dog’s lead to the
boat. This can be fatal if the boat sinks or capsizes. Attach one end
of the lead to your dog’s harness or pet flotation device.
Progressive
Insurance offers these boating safety tips for dog owners:
- Make sure your dog's personal flotation device
has a lifting handle to make it easy to hoist your dog from the
water. Give your dog time on land to get accustomed to wearing it.
- Help
your dog get his sea legs by gradually
introducing your pet to the boat and the water. Give your pet a
chance to explore the surroundings while the boat is docked. Turn on
the engine so he get accustomed to its sound, smell and feel. Take
short cruises and gradually build up to longer trips.
Related
reports:
- Protect your dog from the heat by providing shade and plenty of water,
and wash the deck with cool water to protect his paws.
------
The Ruff Report is a column that appears on MySetterSam.com,
a blog written by Joseph A. Reppucci, a retired editor from The Patriot
Ledger in Quincy, Massachusetts. Mr. Reppucci worked as a reporter and editor on major daily
newspapers in the Boston area for more than 30 years. He is the author
of the book, The Hunt of Her Life,
a heartwarming story about his once-in-a-lifetime rescue dog. Find it on Amazon.com.
HOME
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Every
house and apartment has them, we enjoy them and use them every day.
But this ordinary household gadget
that
lights up our lives so much also can have a dark side, because it can
easily become a deathtrap for pets.
This
seemingly harmless gadget
is
a window, and when left open, it can result in a curious pet jumping
to its death or being severely injured, according to animal welfare
experts. And this danger, best known as high-rise syndrome, is most
likely to happen in warmer weather when unsuspecting pet parents open
windows for a breath of fresh air.
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The Hunt of Her Life: A captivating journey that will touch your heart
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