The first thing to think about (especially if this is the first season you’ll be taking your pet in or near water), is that not all pets can swim, swim well or want to swim. While some dogs seem like they were born to swim and take to it immediately, others struggle with fear of the water, panic in the water, or even find themselves in peril due to their own physiology. In my experience, toy breeds tend to be less than enthusiastic about water. I’m sure there are exceptions to my observations, but in general they have no interest and may even tremble at the sight. Likewise, breeds and mixes with thick bodies, short legs, cropped/short tails and short snouts are prone to being terrible swimmers. Though they may be interested in swimming, you may find that it just doesn’t work out for them without a little help and constant supervision. You may consider purchasing a life vest to help to keep your pet afloat. Never force your dog into the water. Allow them to approach and investigate on their own under close supervision. If he or she seems anxious or scared, water play may not be for your pet, and taking them into the water may only increase that fear or anxiety.  Some pets like to take a quick dip, others may stay in the water all day if you let them. You can usually tell when it’s time to take a rest just by the way your pet is holding himself. Know when it’s time to wrap up play time, especially when the temperatures soar to avoid over exertion.

Other conditions may also make it hard for pets to partake in water activities. Small dogs and dogs with little or no fur can become cold quickly, even in warmer water. Older dogs and dogs with pre-existing heart, joint, ear or skin conditions could have flare-up after going for a swim.

My pet and I tend to seek out freshwater rivers, streams and lakes to cool off. When you take your pet somewhere to swim (no matter where) be sure to look around the area.  Posted signs such as “no swimming” signs should not just apply to you, but to your pet as well as there may be unseen safety hazards.  Avoid bodies of water that smell bad or may be prone to farm waste, roadway runoff or other contaminants that may be harmful to you or your pet.  Also be aware of potential hazards in the shallows or on the shore such as broken glass, fishing line/hooks, sharp rocks or branches, and other potential hazards.  Be sure the area you choose has slow current and areas where he or she can reach the bottom or the shore easily to take a breather.

If you live near the coast, you may be lucky enough to take your dog to the beach for playtime. It’s particularly important to pay attention to wildlife and water condition warnings at these locations. Strong tides, waves and undercurrents can pull your pet under or carry them out into deeper water. Jellyfish and other sea life (such as toxic pufferfish), alive or dead, may be washed onto the shore and can make a pet sick or inflict other injuries.

Some pet owners even take their pets boating. Pets should be acclimated to traveling on watercraft before you embark. The motion of the water rocking the boat may cause them to feel unstable and nauseated, and it may cause nervousness and anxiety. The sound of the boat motor may also frighten some pets, so make sure your pet isn’t alarmed when the motor is started or changes pitch. Once they’re accustomed to the new sounds and sensations, be sure to observe the same boat safety for your dog as you do for yourself and other passengers. Invest in a pet life jacket in case your pet jumps or falls overboard.  Keep tackle and other potentially harmful objects and materials out of the dog’s reach to avoid injury or ingestion. Provide plenty of fresh cool water and a place for your pet to get out of the direct sun. Sunscreen for pets and eye protection such as doggles or a doggie visor are also recoommended supplies, especially for repeated or longer trips.

Some of you may have a pool in the backyard. If you allow your dog to take a dip on hot days, teach him how to get out of the pool on his own by helping him up the stairs or ladder a few times. Make surehe knows where the way out is and that he can get out on his own!  Keep fresh-chlorine free water near the pool on the deck or patio so he doesn’t take to drinking to pool water. The chlorine and other chemicals that keep the pool crystal clear can give your pet quite a tummy ache.

When your day of fun is done, rinse or shampoo your dog to remove pool chemicals, salt and other residue from his skin and coat.  Take care to clean and dry his ears to avoid ear infections. Even a well-conditioned swimmer will be sure to sleep well after a day in the water, your pet may even be a little stiff and sore if he doesn’t have a workout like that often. Rest assured that ina day or two he’ll be ready for his next swim session!

Thanks,

Patty

Post from: That Pet Blog


Water Safety Tips for Pet Owners

Homemade Delights

Chances are, you know your dog’s appetite better than anyone. If you know what he likes, then making your own pup-cicles will be fun and easy. Start with a clean container that you can fit into your freezer. You can use anything from ice cube trays to plastic jugs, rubber toys (kongs work great) or even buckets depending what kind of dog or how many dogs your preparing treats for – muffin tins and popsicle forms also work great.

Next formulate your mixture. There are lots of possibilities when creating frozen treats for your pet. It can be as simple as filling some ice cube trays with natural or low sodium chicken or beef broth or stuffing a kong toy with peanut butter and oatmeal. Or you can get more creative with the mix. Add some kibble, training treats or even some cooked lean meat to the broth before popping the cubes into the freezer for a special surprise. It doesn’t have to be entirely meaty either. Most dogs have a taste for fruits and veggies, too. Add sliced, chopped or pureed bananas, apples, pumpkin, sweet potato, carrot parsley or pineapple and see what he thinks! You can even go full fruit or veggie if your dog likes it that way. Non-fat plain yogurt, lactose-free milk or cottage cheese can replace the broth to create creamy treats.  Depending on the size of the treats you create, your dog will be loving you in a matter of a few short hours. Insert a bully stick or other stick-like chew when the treats are half frozen as a tasty and tantalizing holder if you like, but all frozen treats should be served outside to save you the melting mess inside.

Cash and Carry

If creativity and food prep isn’t your thing, have no fear. Plain ice cubes or crushed ice can be a refreshing addition to the water bowl, free and effortless.  If you allow your dog to chew bones, frozen marrow bones can be a long-lasting distraction under a shady tree.  Just be sure to watch your pet if you gve them a bone to enjoy and discard it when the marrow is all licked out.  And of course companies, like Frosty Paws, are now creating doggie “ice cream” that’s ready to serve in portioned cups. You can often find these or similar products in many pet stores and even in some grocer’s freezers.

Next time you sip a shake or smoothie, be sure to have a frosty treat ready for your four pawed friend, too, you may be surprise how much they appreciate it!

Post from: That Pet Blog


Cool Treats for Hot Dogs – Tasty and Creative Frozen Snacks to Beat Summer Heat