October is Pet Safety and Wellness Month, so we are focusing on keeping your dog safe on all of our top ten lists this month. This week, we focus on general safety and wellness.
10. As you winterize your pool , make sure it is dog-proof. If there is any chance at all that you dog can get under the tarp, you’d be better off draining the pool until you need it again.
9. Fall is a great time to review socialization skills with your dog. The weather’s cooler so maybe you actually will start taking daily walks, and maybe, just maybe, you might take your dog Trick-or-Treating at the end of the month. Make sure your dog is used to being around children and loud noises.
8. When you travel with your dog, the back seat is the safest place for him. And buckle in, please.
7. Once in awhile we get a warm day in the fall. Make sure you don’t forget to fill the outdoor water dish!
6. As the weather turns cooler, many people think it’s okay now to leave your dog in the parked car. WRONG! A car’s interior heats up fast, and remember your dog can only shed heat by panting and through the pads of their feet. Neither method is very efficient, and your dog can overheat in a very short time.
5. Checking for fleas? Lift up some of your dog’s fur and spray the area with water. Flea excretions are mainly blood, so they will turn red when you get them wet. If you see their left-behinds, you can be sure your dog has fleas and should be treated. My opinion: Frontline or Advantage is the best way to get rid of them.
4. Is your dog scratching his ears and whining a lot? Ear mites just might be the problem. Look into your dog’s ear canals. If you see something that looks like coffee grounds, have the vet take a look.
3. Chances are, your dog is going to get less exercise in the cold weather months than in the summer. Make sure to cut back on his food accordingly. Obesity is just as big a problem for a dog as it is for us.
2. Never give over-the-counter human medications to your dog unless your veterinarian prescribes them. Many aren’t safe for dogs, and even those that are may interact harmfully with the medications your dog is already on.
1. Install a carbon monoxide detector in your home to prevent both you and your dog from being overcome when you turn on your heating equipment.
Stay Safe and Well!
Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!
9.
You should make sure that dog clothes for use on Halloween are fire proof with all those candles around.