4 Tips To Keep Your Dog Safe This Spring
As spring and summer approach, new hazards will be presented that could affect your dog. Here are a few tips to keep in mind to keep your dog safe this spring and summer.
Watch Out For The Heat
Just like humans, dogs can get heat stroke. When you take your dog outside with you, make sure that there is some shade for your dog to rest in. You should also bring out your dog's water bowl so that your dog can cool off.
Dogs don't have a lot of body area where they have sweat glands -- just their paws and noses. Due to the lack of sweat glands on a dog's body, they regulate and control their body temperature through their breathing. If you notice your dog breathing really hard, they may need to take a break in the shade or have a drink of water. You don't want to allow your dog to overheat.
Keep Your Dog Out Of Your Car
Due to how your dog regulates its body temperature, when left in a hot car, your dog can quickly become overheated. Only take your dog out with you when you know you will not have to leave them in a car.
Keep Your Dog Out Of Your Pickup Truck Bed
Many people assume that it is perfectly safe to allow their dog to ride around in the back of their uncovered pickup truck bed. If you make a sudden stop or turn and your dog is unsecured in the back of your truck, they can easily get thrown around your truck bed or even out of your vehicle. This can result in minor and major injuries to your dog.
Additionally, your dog's eyes can get injured riding around in the back of a pickup bed. Insects and debris could hit their eyes at a high speed. The back of your pickup is only a safe place for your dog if you are stopped; it is not a safe place for your dog if you are driving or in motion at all.
Watch Your Dog Around Water
When you are around bodies of water, from a pool to a lake, keep a close eye on your dog. If your dog does not know how to swim or is not a strong swimmer, they could drown in the water. Only allow your dog in the water when you can watch them. Just like people, dogs can overestimate their strength, and may need assistance when in the water.
When you take your dog outside of your house, make sure that you have a safe means of transportation for them and never leave them locked in a hot vehicle or sliding around the back of a pickup bed. If you heed these tips, you can avoid your dog becoming injured this spring. However, if you find that your dog is in need of veterinary care, consider taking your dog to a place like Animal House Veterinary Hospital.