Camping with Your Dog

Summer is nearing its end, and lots of families are thinking about end-of-season camping trips before kids head back to school. Are you planning on taking your dog on a family camping trip? Remember that camping can be a great experience, as long as everyone is safe. Make sure your pet is up-to-date on flea and tick preventative before heading out to the woods. Also, be sure to bring plenty of dog food so that your dog doesn’t get tempted to eat your family’s picnic food. And lastly, make sure your campground of choice doesn’t have any pet restrictions posted because of the danger of large, predatory mammals in the area. Once you’re all ready for your camping trip, have a great time! 

Cookout Safety

Do you spend your summers cooking out on the grill? There’s nothing like family dining time out on the porch, but don’t forget that it’s not as safe for your pet as it is fun for your family. There are many potential dangers for pets in a grilling environment, especially because they will want to spend a lot of time right near the grill. A pet can grab a fallen piece of food and may swallow it whole from excitement, or a pet can be burned by a hot piece of food or coals falling on them. Remember that most of the foods we grill are on the list of foods that pets should NOT eat, including chicken with the bones in it. Do your pet a favor, and keep them inside the house until the grilling is over. 

Lawn and Garden Safety Tips

Does your pet often get into things she shouldn’t? Dogs left unattended in yards may often start trouble, whether by digging holes, rolling in nasty things, or chewing on things that don’t belong to them. It’s important to interact with your pet regularly to avoid the development of this kind of destructive, and potentially dangerous behavior. There are many hazards in the yard that many pet owners aren’t even aware of, from harmful fertilizer chemicals to puddles containing disease. Be kind to your pet, and give them something to do with you!

Running With Your Dog on Hot Days

Have you ever gone out for a run with your dog on a hot summer day? You may think it’s fun, but your dog probably doesn’t. Most dogs are too well-behaved to complain, but being out in such hot summer weather can make them dehydrated and weary, or even cause them to suffer from heatstroke. Consider running only in the cool of the morning if you’re taking your pet, and otherwise, let them exercise at their leisure in your yard.