Animal Companions and Their People Blog

Archive for June, 2011

1). Keep your pet cool, safe and comfortable.

2). Keep him in the house or air conditioned shelter as much as possible.

3). Keep him hydrated – replenish his non-metal bowl with cool, fresh water many, many times throughout the day.

4). Keep visits outside limited to early morning and early/late evening.

5). Keep him out of direct sunlight as much as possible.

6). Limit his outdoor exercise and exposure to sun.

7). Keep him off of concrete and asphalt surfaces during the heat of the day when sun is at its highest intensity.

8). Hang out with your pet indoors – playing” fetch”, “hide & seek”, and fun indoor games and activities.

9). Check with your vet as to you pet’s summertime diet so that it reflects his age, size, weight and amount of activity.

10). Never leave your pet shut in a house or kept in a yard while you go away.

11). Never force your dog to run in hot, humid weather.

12). Keep your pets on heartworm and flea and tick meds not only during the summer but throughout the year.

13). Be prepared to deal with wasps, fire ants, bees, hornets. Discuss potential insect or snakebite remedies with your vet proactively so that you are equipped to deal with them if the situation should arise.

14. NEVER, ever leave your pet in the car during the heat of the summer.

15. Make summer vacation plans keeping your pet in mind. Will he be traveling with you? Staying at home with friends or neighbors? Being boarded at a kennel. Will you require a hotel/motel, etc, that allows pets? Research your itinerary and make plans for your pet long in advance of your proposed trip.

Dog Behavior Specialist, Dr. Diane Pomerance

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On Memorial Day and at other times of the year when we honor those who have faithfully and courageously served and defended our country, I cannot help but reflect upon those unsung heroes who have valiantly and devotedly fought side by side with our military personnel - our dogs of war. Their valor, loyalty and devotion have for too long remained unacknowledged.

These dogs that have served our country have been rarely publicly appreciated, recognized, or received medals or any other award for their duty. There are some war dog memorials – probably the best known ones at March Air Force Base in California and the Infantry School in Fort Benning, Georgia. Other war dog memorials include: the Naval Facility at Guam, the Alfred M. Gray Marine Corps Research Center in Quantico, Virginia and the Alabama War Dogs Memorial at the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile, Alabama. Unfortunately, the honor of and recognition for the work these dogs have done are limited in light of the fact that these dogs have saved countless lives.

Since ancient times, dogs have bravely served alongside humans during combat. Throughout the history of warfare, from the times of the Egyptians, Greeks and Persians, during the Roman Empire, throughout the Civil War and World Wars I & II, through Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War and currently in Iraq and Afghanistan, dogs have actively served at the sides of their masters. Serving as messengers, sentries, protectors, guides, mascots and detectors of bomb and other explosives, they have sacrificed their own lives to save their masters. They have also brought companionship, healing and comfort to the injured and infirm.

When remembering those who have faithfully served our country, keep in mind our canine companions and fellow “soldiers”. They are deserving of our praise, appreciation and respect.

Dog Behavior Specialist, Dr. Diane Pomerance

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