Archive for the ‘pet tips’ Category

1). Become a volunteer at your local animal welfare or rescue organization.

2). Make a donation to a local or national animal welfare or rescue organization.

3). Become a foster parent of a pet in need of a home until he is ready for adoption.

4). Socialize & obedience train a pet to increase the likelihood of his adoption.

5). Save or rescue a pet.

6). Adopt a sheltered dog or cat from an animal welfare organization or rescue group.

7). Socialize and obedience train your own pet so that she becomes a well-behaved and well-mannered member of your family and community.

8). Vaccinate your pets for rabies, parvovirus, distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, Bordatella, Lyme Disease, etc. Have her checked for heartworm and other worms, and any other infections diseases.

9). Spay/neuter your pet. There are far too many homeless animals that will eventually be killed, injured or euthanized.

10). Provide regular, on-going heartworm preventative & flea/tick preventative (usually on a monthly basis).

11). Visit your vet for regular check-ups and, of course, if you detect any signs of illness.

12). Provide proper food and shelter for your pet.

13). Provide responsible care for your pet.

14). Think carefully and responsibly before you adopt a pet. Adoption requires a LIFE-
TIME commitment on your part.

15). Care for your pet until the very end. Don’t surrender a sick or elderly pet to a shelter. Do the right thing and care for her, and if and when the time arrives where she no longer has quality of life, do the humane and compassionate thing. Have her euthanized to put an end to her suffering.

I can hardly believe it’s that time of year again - brisk, cool air, the pungent scent of autumn, and leaves falling from wildly colored foliage. Labor Day is a mere memory, and Halloween is upon us.

Halloween is a fun time for children as well as adults. However, it can be a scary and stressful time for your pets. There are many Halloween safety hazards related to this October holiday of which you may not be aware. Here are some suggestions that will help keep your pets safe.

* Keep your pets indoors on Halloween night – especially black cats. Animals are at risk of being victims of holiday gags and pranks and can be treated cruelly. Also a pet that’s outside with trick-or-treaters may get spooked or stressed by the strange costumes, music, noises and voices of costumed people in the streets.

* Walk your dog before any trick-or-treaters begin their visits.

* When walking your dog, keep a firm grip on the leash and make sure he has an up-to-date I.D. tag.

* Don’t leave your dog in the backyard or in a car. He may be frightened disoriented, agitated, or even stolen.

* Keep your pet confined and away from the door while you are welcoming trick-or-treaters. Keep him in a room that is quiet, comfortable and far away from the holiday festivities.

* Keep Halloween candy out of your pet’s reach. Candy, especially chocolate, can be harmful, even fatal to pets. Pets who consume chocolate can experience vomiting, diarrhea, irregular heartbeat, muscle tremors, and seizures. Candies, cookies and cakes and chewing gum containing the artificial sweetener, xylitol, are especially poisonous to your pet. Candy wrappers, as well as candies and goodies wrapped in aluminum foil or cellophane can cause choking or intestinal obstruction.

* Make sure pets can’t reach candles, jack-o-lanterns, decorations, or ornaments. Candles and jack-o’-lanterns can easily be fire hazards. Wires and chords for decorations can be harmful if chewed or ingested,

* Putting your pet in a Halloween costume can annoy him, and can pose safety and health hazards. If you insist on dressing him up, make sure that his costume is flame retardant and that he can breathe, hear, see and walk without impediment to his range of motion or movement.

Make your Halloween even more enjoyable knowing that your loving animal companion
is safe and sound. And, at this time of trick-or-treating, you may wish to give your pet a special treat of his own – a healthy dog or kitty goodie made especially for him!

Dog Behavior Specialist,Dr. Diane Pomerance

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Each of us has been adversely affected in some way or another by the seemingly endless troubled economy. Jobs have become more scarce, and for many simply not available. For many families, income has decreased significantly. Thus, many of us are spending less and carefully budgeting our finances to accommodate our own and our family’s most vital, immediate, and significant needs – food and shelter. How does a family pet fit into this equation?

As a Grief Recovery Specialist, I come into contact with a great number of people from all walks of life that dearly love their pets and regard them as family members. Most of the people I counsel are mourning the loss of a beloved animal companion and are seeking help coping with and recovering from their grief. It is only within the past few years that I have counseled an ever-expanding number of people suffering from financial hardship and deep emotional stress and who are wondering how they can afford to keep their pet.

I personally regard pet “guardianship” as a lifetime commitment. Once you have made the decision to incorporate a pet into your life, he is to be loved and treated as a family member or child. He is not to be discarded during times of emotional or financial duress. You would not “surrender” your human child to a welfare organization – why consider disposing of a beloved animal companion – particularly one who is older and is likely to be euthanized if owner-surrendered to an animal shelter or welfare organization? I think it is important to plan ahead to the best of your abilities. The unconditional love and loyalty of an animal companion can actually sustain and lift your spirits during difficult times. Don’t add to the emotional stress you are experiencing over finances by giving up your pet – the one who loves you no matter what!

I have some suggestions that may help you to be able to keep your pet.

1). Do not be afraid or embarrassed to let friends, family members, neighbors, co-workers, fellow church or synagogue members, other members of the community know of your circumstances and ask for help.

2). Contact both local and national animal welfare and rescue organizations and ask them if they know of low-cost veterinarians, food pantries for pets (many rescue organizations receive help and donations from stores such as Wal-Mart, Target, PetSmart, Petco or dog and cat food manufacturers) and offer pet food to those who need it. Check with local pet product stores and see if they will sell you pet food from torn, damaged or extra pet food bags or cans

3). Discuss your situation with your veterinarian and seek health care for your pet that is truly essential and critical to your pet’s health and well-being.

4). Ask your vet for a viable and affordable payment plan. If your vet is unwilling to provide a reasonable payment plan, seek referrals from animal welfare or rescue organizations for reputable, low cost veterinarians.

5). Limit or curtail spending on unnecessary toys or accessories for your pet. Often a pet’s favorite toy is a tennis ball, Frisbee or cardboard box – something extremely inexpensive and simple.

6). Rather than paying for pet grooming, groom your pet yourself. If you are unable or unwilling to do this, contact a local animal shelter or rescue organization and find out if a volunteer can provide this service for a reduced fee.

7). Scale down whenever it is possible. Rather than hiring a pet sitter or taking your pet to doggie/kitty day care, ask animal loving friends, neighbors and/or family members to do the job.

8). Check with your local Meals on Wheels to find out if pet food is available through this organization.

9). Keep your pet safe and healthy by providing him with clean water, nutritious food and exercise so that he is less likely to become sick. In cold and hot weather, keep him primarily indoors.

10). Keep on keeping on, and take it one day at a time. Although it may involve some intricate financial juggling on your part, do your best to obtain help and advice from as many resources as you can.

There are many people who love their pets and organizations that care for and support our animal companions. They may be willing to assist you. Try not to become discouraged. Persevere! Locate and contact as many potential resources as you can. Most importantly, don’t give up your best friend.

Dr. Diane Pomerance

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We seldom associate the autumn with hazards to our health or the health of our pets. Most of us look forward to this invigorating, busy and active time of year. Who would imagine that a hike in the woods or meadows on a cool crisp, autumn day might produce potential harm to our pets via rodents, fleas, ticks, snakes or mushrooms – yes, mushrooms that grow during the spring and fall, which are attractive to the eye and yet can be poisonous. Actually poisonous mushrooms can cause a range of health issues from gastroenteritis to severe hallucinations and can even prove fatal if ingested. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet has eaten a wild mushroom.

During the fall, rodents are ever present in cities in urban as well as rural areas as they search for shelter from the cold weather. They build nests and also attempt to infiltrate our homes for warmth and comfort. It’s important to be careful when using rodenticides around the house, the garage, and back yard, as they are highly toxic to pets and cause bleeding disorders that can be deadly. You may wish to consider using traps rather than a rodenticide to solve a rodent problem.

Snakes are also a fall related hazard to your pet’s well being. As they prepare to hibernate for the winter, they may be found in unusual places unexpectedly by your pet. Familiarize yourself with the various types of venomous snakes that inhabit your area and where they are generally located at this time of year. Then AVOID these areas!

Fall is back to school time, so make sure your children’s school supplies, i.e. pens, magic markers, paints, glue and glue guns, etc. are out of your pet’s reach. They can cause digestive and intestinal problems if consumed.

You may wish to increase the caloric intake of your pet in colder weather. During the heat of summer, your pet may have been eating less. However, in the cooler months your pet needs to generate more body heat to keep him warm.

Make sure that your pet always has an abundance of cool and clean water and that he remains hydrated. Check his outdoor water bowls frequently and also make SURE his water has not frozen. Use plastic rather than metal bowls or containers for his water.

If you are preparing your car for the colder winter weather and are changing the engine coolant, be aware that many coolant products contain a chemical called Ethylene Glycol that is highly toxic to your pet. Check the ingredients and make sure you use a pet friendly and safe coolant product. Also, clean up any spillage of a coolant product so that your pet can’t find and lick it up!

Finally, gradually expose and increase your pet’s exposure to the colder weather and don’t leave him outside in uncomfortably cold weather for any length of time. Moderate his activity and monitor the amount of time he spends outdoors.

Socialize your pet by taking him for walks in your neighborhood or the park. I have learned that our pets love meeting and greeting pet lovers and pets as much as much as we humans do. This is also the time of year when it is generally safe (check the temperature outside, of course) when you can actually enjoy taking your pet with you on errands without worrying that he is going to get overheated or too cold in the car.

Savor the colors, flavors and scents of the season. Enjoy spending quality indoor as well as outdoor time with your best furry friend and companion!

Dr. Diane Pomerance

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It’s hard to believe that the summer is nearly over, that fall is rapidly approaching and that our kids will soon be back in school. Well, if you’re thinking about taking a deep sigh of relief because you think that fleas and ticks will fade out of the scene like the hot summer sun, think twice. Although many people regard fleas and ticks as a summertime threat to their pets, these pests actually pose a year round hazard. Fighting fleas and ticks is no longer a seasonal battle. It requires year round attention and prevention.

Did you know that there are over 2,000 species of fleas and that they can transmit a vast array of diseases, most significantly tapeworms? Fleas are small wingless, bloodsucking insects that have legs adapted for jumping. Ticks are large fleas that are dark to light gray in color and attach themselves to animals or to humans (yeeech!). They are disease carriers that attach firmly to flesh and suck their host’s blood. They are more closely related to spiders and have 8 legs.

Exposure to fleas and ticks commonly occurs in the woods or open fields or even in urban parks where there is an overgrowth of shrubs and undergrowth of weeds. If you are planning to take Rover for a hike in the woods, make sure he is protected by flea and tick preventive that is easily applied or ingested. Actually, your pet should be on a preventative flea/tick medication all year long. Consult with a veterinarian as to which type and brand are best suited to your pet’s needs, size, health, breed and lifestyle.

Symptoms of flea manifestation are excessive itching, biting and chewing especially at the rear tail or the inside or outside of the thighs. Intense scratching can cause redness and irritation and inflammation a well as red bumps, skin lesions and ulcers. To determine if your pet has fleas, look for them crawling through your dog’s fur – they are 2-8 mm long, a mahogany brown color and have three pairs of legs.

Symptoms of ticks on your pet may include: lethargy, fever, nausea, dizziness, diarrhea lameness or even bleeding. . Ehrlichiosis is one of the diseases caused by ticks. Lyme disease as well as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Anaplasmosis and Babesiosis are other tick-born diseases. Most tick-born diseases take several hours to transmit to the host. It is fairly easy to spot a tick on your animal. It may look like a red/brown ball or pea. Wood ticks and brown dog ticks are good examples of ticks that can be troublesome for dogs.

If your dog may be exposed to fleas or tick, act preventively. Shampoo/bathe him with a medicated flea and tick shampoo. Obtain a flea and tick collar from your vet. Put your pet on flea-tick medication in accordance with your vet’s recommendations – this usually involves a monthly topical application or pill to be ingested. Implement a flea/tick prevention program that treats not just your dog but also the environment in which he lives. Make sure his bedding is clean, well maintained and free of dirt and pests. Take your dog for regular visits to the vet. Keep your garden well-manicured (no weeds or overgrown shrubs). Consult with your vet about chemicals and safe, appropriate and on-going preventive medications and treatments. Ideally, tick and flea prevention will become a part of your regular dog care and maintenance schedule!

Dr. Diane Pomerance

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Every dog deserves a healthy diet and balanced nutritional program. What is the best food for your dog? This will depend upon your pet’s age, size, overall health, activity level, ancestry, breed characteristics and weight. An exam followed by a detailed consultation with your veterinarian will help you to determine the best (healthiest) food plan for your dog. Does your pet have any health issues that may require or benefit from a specialized diet? Is he overweight? Does he have digestive problems? Does he have kidney, liver or heart disease? Does he suffer from osteoarthritis or hip dysplasia? If so, he may have nutritional needs that may not only keep her healthy but alive!

As you may surmise, a healthy diet is in and of itself not enough to keep your pet happy and healthy. He may require medication and/or vitamins or supplements. He requires plenty of good, clean, fresh water. He also requires exercise, playtime, and interaction. He will also need to be obedience trained and socialized so that he will be a happy, healthy, loved and well behaved member and representative of your family.

So what is the best food for your dog? Actually, it is the fresh food you buy at the grocery store for yourself and other family members. Fresh chicken, turkey, beef and fish are as good for your pets as they are for you! Don’t confuse these fresh foods (which benefit many living creatures) with such people “food” as table scraps, ice cream, cookies, candies, pizza, hot dogs, French Fries, barbecued ribs etc.) Fresh food can include yogurt, cottage cheese, oatmeal, eggs and brown rice- even fruit such as apple or orange slices, bits of banana or veggies such as carrots or green beans.

Keep in mind that up until the 1930’s when cereal and grain manufacturers bean to seek to make a profit out of their inferior or rejected grains and cereals (those deemed of insufficient quality for humans), dogs were fed real meat and vegetables and a little homemade bread – a diet on which they thrived. Much of the dog kibble (which is processed and artificial) as we know it today was created for the benefit and profit of the cereal and grain industries and pet food industries. It allowed them to make money out of “inferior” products. Many of the canned meat and meat byproducts sold as dog food have existed almost entirely for the profitability of meat and pet food corporations.

I highly suggest that you as consumer and pet guardian carefully examine the ingredients of all packaged and canned pet foods. Do they contain chemicals, artificial flavorings and ingredients? Do they contain corn, wheat, soybeans, artificial flavorings which can prove dangerous to your pet – chemicals- any of which can contribute to your pet’s chronic digestive problems such as vomiting, gassiness, diarrhea or loose stools? These ingredients can also result in other health-related problems including skin and also behavioral issues. There are plenty of wonderful pet foods (dry and wet). available in the market. It is up to you and your vet to determine which are of greatest benefit and value to your particular pet.

Many pet food manufacturers create healthy, natural, fresh and nutritional products. It is important for us to find out which are the most beneficial and those that are least nutritionally beneficial for our canine companions. The heartbreaking and massive pet food recalls that occurred several years ago remind us that we must do our homework and conduct our own research as to which diets and foods are healthiest for our pets. We cannot simply accept the “information” provided through heartwarming television or radio commercials or magazine ads informing us that certain pet foods will improve the health and in increase the longevity of our pets’ lives. We really have to pay attention and think for ourselves!

Like our human children, and us our pets deserve wholesome, nutritious, fresh and healthy foods. They are vulnerable and depend upon us to find it and feed it to them. As their caregivers, we owe it to them to pay attention not only to their dietary needs, but also to their nutritional requirements, medical, physical and weight management needs. After all, we do exercise “dominion” – meaning care of and responsibility for the needs and well being of our animal companions.

Dr. Diane Pomerance

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In light of the fact that obesity is assuming alarming and epidemic proportions not only for humans but for our canine friends, it is important to address the issue of proper nutrition for our furry friends before serious health issues arise as a result of poor nutrition and inadequate exercise. Beyond nutrition, the importance of regular exercise for human and canine cannot be overemphasized.

However well-intentioned we may be in providing the best care for our animal companions, it is always advisable to conduct our own research as well as consult with a reputable, well-respected and knowledgeable veterinarian as to the “best” nutritional program for your particular pets. Just like human beings, each pet is unique and requires individual care pertaining to his or her size, weight, breed characteristics, heritage and ancestry, overall health and well being and personality, exercise regimen, etc.

Each pet requires consistent and on-going veterinary care – including regular visits to the vet (not just in an emergency or crisis situation). They require spay/neuter as well as physical examinations and their vaccinations. As they are examined, it is important for you (as your pet’s caregiver) to describe your pet’s physical condition, problems or any health issues that you may have observed. Does your pet limp? Pant? Breathe heavily? Have digestive problems? Walk with difficulty or hesitation? Have difficulty breathing? Tire easily even though not old? Your vet will more than likely be happy to address and suggest a proper nutritional and exercise program that will increase your pet’s longevity and improve his health and quality of life. He/she will take into consideration the age and lifestyle of your dog and help determine the diet best suited for your dog’s health and happiness.

It would be easy to believe that there is one superior pet food or diet that would fulfill all of your pet’s nutritional needs. Unfortunately, that is not the case. As is with the case of people. no one particular diet suits all pets. Your individual pet’s needs must be carefully considered in light of your pet’s age, background and overall health and well being.

Overall, your pet needs certain vitamin and nutrition, and a food that will be easily and well digested without any health consequences. Your pet may not need but generally will enjoy a varied diet – just as you do. Think in terms of your own health and enjoyment of healthy meals. Your pet should be fed a diet specially formulated for his age, breed, size and health history. For example, if he has kidney failure, there are appropriate diets that can help him therapeutically to limit the pain of his disease and prolong the quality of his life.

There is also danger in feeding your pet the “wrong” diet. It is important to give your pet a breed and age appropriate diet and also a special one designed for a dog that is pregnant, anemic or allergic or one who has kidney or liver failure, heart disease or other significant health issues. Therapeutic dies generally contain higher quality ingredients and have tighter quality control. Because they are intended for pets with special health issues, these diets are available through veterinary health professionals and should be administered under veterinary care.

If your pet is overweight, consult with your veterinarian as your pet’s obesity can be responsible for a number of health problems including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, liver and kidney disease, endocrine and intestinal problems, cancer, etc. Certain diets, typically those higher in fiber and lower in fat, can help keep obesity in check. Generally, diet and exercise are the keys to helping your pet maintain a healthy and well balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

Dr. Diane Pomerance

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Is Your Dog Overweight?

You may have suspected it, but a visit to the veterinarian with your dogs confirms the fact that your beautiful canine is overweight. Actually, you shouldn’t be too surprised as obesity in our pets, just as obesity in humans has reached epic proportions. You have done your best to feed your dog a healthy and nutritious diet, yet; somehow, you have provided her with more than the daily intake of calories she requires. You may have provided too little activity or exercise. You may have given her extra treats as “rewards” for good behavior or simply to make her happy. Any which way, it is time to deal with the inevitable – placing your dog on a healthy diet, exercise regimen and nutritional program. Proper nutrition will enhance your dog’s longevity as well as her quality of life.

Obesity is the most common nutritional problems veterinarians encounter in dogs and cats today. Being overweight can result in a wide variety of serious health problems for your pet, including heart disease, urinary problems, arthritis, cancer, endocrine issues and cancer. Overweight dogs are at higher risk in surgery, more prone to injury and experience greater stress on their hearts, livers, kidneys and joints. Excess weight can worsen respiratory problems and exacerbate osteoarthritis. Excess weight can lead to diabetes mellitus and generally diminish the overall quality of your pet’s life. Obesity can also decrease your pet’s life expectancy. Obesity is an issue that necessitates serious thought and consideration as well as change in your pet’s lifestyle.

The lives of our pets are generally shorter than our own. Therefore, if we are hoping for our pet to live a long, happy and healthy life, it is imperative that we provide our pets with a healthy lifestyle, sound nutritional program and a regular exercise regimen. It is as important for our pets to eat healthily and exercise frequently as it is for us as human beings. Once we have made the decision to adopt a pet, the animal is ours to care for until its death. We are the one and only caregiver of our vulnerable and trusting canine or feline friend, companion and beloved family member. Our pet’s life is completely dependent upon us. We are responsible for her overall care, health and well being.

To assess whether Fido really is “fat”, note the following:

Obese dogs have heavy fat over their ribs, along the spine and around their tails. The waist may be “absent” or unidentifiable. Morbidly obese dogs have protruding abdomens and fat deposits throughout their bodies. The belly area between the rib cage and rear end are prominent.

Obese dogs may walk slowly and uncomfortably.

They may experience damage to bones, joints or ligaments;

They may breathe and pant heavily when walking or exercising’

Their heart rate may be increased to unhealthy levels;

They may exhibit decreased stamina;

They may exhibit heat intolerance;

They may have an increasing number of digestive disorders;

They may develop dry, flaky skin;

They may overheat more rapidly than leaner, healthier dogs.

They may experience heart disease and increased blood pressure;

They may have an increased risk of cancer;

Have your pet examined by your veterinarian. Consult with him or her to determine what weight loss regimen is most effective and beneficial for her.

If your vet puts Fido on a diet, do your best to adhere to the requirements of this health plan:

Limit the amount of food and snacks he gets;

Cut back the amount of kibble in his food bowl;

Feed healthy snacks if you “must” give him any at all: choose green beans, carrots or other low-calorie vegetables, unbuttered popcorn, organic or apple slices, etc. as per the advice of your vet;

Watch the fat content of the food you are purchasing & look for a diet with similar ingredients but fewer calories;

Watch the fat content in the food you buy’

Check the supplements you use for value & caloric quantity;

Keep Fido away from the dining table at meal time so that there is no temptation to your pet to beg or for you & your kids to give him unhealthy, fattening snacks.

Exercise your pet gradually and with the advice/consultation of your vet. Short sessions of low or moderate activity are a great way to begin this program i.e. a walk around the block, a regular obedience class or obedience routine are good ways to begin your pet’s exercise regimen.

Obesity affects approximately 25 percent of the U.S. canine population. Make certain that your dog is not a member of this population. Keep him healthily fed and exercised. Take no chances with your best friend’s health. Give him your love and a healthy dose of nutritional well-being and daily exercise.

Dr. Diane Pomerance

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I love July 4th – and everything it represents – freedom and independence as well as summer fun, joy and carefree sunny days. However, as a pet parent, I dread this holiday more than any other. My dogs are terrified of thunder and lightning and - especially
fireworks -which seem to occur in our neighborhood every year in greater numbers and with increasing frequency and intensity- not only on the Fourth of July but also during the days preceding and following the holiday.

The gunshots fired in the air, the sound of the fireworks going off – scare my dogs so much that they shake, shiver and become disoriented or destructive. They simply do not know how to respond to the cacophony of scary, inexplicable loud noises and displays of light. Their instinct is to either seek protection at home or to run away. Animal shelters across the country are accustomed to receiving “July 4th” dogs – who, in the frenzy and commotion of the holiday have run away or escaped.

My husband and I have learned through the years to keep them safe, calm and indoors and soothingly accompanied by a non-violent, easy to listen to program on television or classical music on the radio. We never take our dogs to see firework displays as they become very nervous, anxious and fearful.

To keep your pet safe on the 4th of July:

1). Do not take your pets to fireworks displays. The noise and commotion can be frightening and intimidating for them.

2). Do not leave your pets in your backyard or outside during fireworks displays that are audible or visible from where you live. Do not ever leave them outside unattended if they are within hearing range of fireworks.

3). Keep your pets safe, secure and comfortable in a room or place they really like and to which they are accustomed.

4). Keep the TV or radio on for them.

5). Make sure your pet is wearing proper identification tags so that if they do, by chance, get out, they are easily returned.

6). If you know your pet has anxiety or is disturbed by loud noises like thunder, talk to your veterinarian in advance of the 4th of July to see if there are medications available to help your pet through survive the holiday calmly and safely.

7). Never use fireworks around pets. Do not leave matches or candles around them either. Your pet could easily knock them over and start a fire.

8). Never leave your pet unattended in a car during a fireworks ceremony as he can get extremely frightened, overheated, agitated and/or destructive and even find a way to escape from the vehicle.

9). Don’t leave alcoholic beverages where your pets can get them or to them.

10). Maintain your pet’s normal diet on the holiday weekend. Do not give him any rich foods, cookies or cakes or barbecued foods that have fat or bones (i.e. ribs or chicken) that could upset his stomach.

11). Keep your pet out of the heat during the day as well as the nighttime.

12). Keep your pet cool, safe, calm and comfortable.

Enjoy and celebrate the holiday! Don’t neglect or forget about your furry friend’s physical and emotional health and well being!

Dr. Diane Pomerance

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Summer just wouldn’t be summer without a visit to the lake, ocean or local watering hole. Whether you enjoy fishing, sailing, jet skiing, canoeing or simply swimming, the water promises a refreshing and fun-filled experience during the hot summer months.

Your dog may enjoy cooling off along with you. To assure that he remains safe, happy and healthy in and around the water, keep in mind the following suggestions:

1). Purchase a life jacket (pet flotation vest) for your dog. These are sold at most large pet product stores. Some dogs are natural swimmers; others are not and can quickly get into trouble in the water. The life vest may give him extra time by keeping him afloat if he actually needs to be rescued.

2). If your dog does not like the water, don’t force him to go in with you.

3). Familiarize yourself with the lake or ocean to determine if there are sharp or jagged rocks that could hurt his paws or if there are strong undercurrents that can pull your dog out to high or dangerous waters. At a pond or lake, check to see if the banks have a gradual incline so that your dog can easily get out of the water.

4). Teach and reinforce basic obedience commands – especially “come”.

5). Keep a close eye on him, and don’t let him too far in or away from you.

6). NEVER leave him unattended!

7). Always carry fresh drinking water for your dog, and teach him to drink out of a water bottle so that you don’t need to carry a water bowl with you all the time. Drinking water from a stagnant pond or lake can cause many different kinds of ailments including parasites, Giardia, and bacteria.

8). Pond or lake water with algae, fertilizer/pesticide residue or parasites, if ingested can cause vomiting, diarrhea and make your dog very ill.

9). Don’t let your dog swim for too long a period so that he becomes over fatigued.

10). Don’t let your dog swim in water that is too cold; this could result in hypothermia.

11). Rinse and wipe your dog dry after swimming – make sure you dry his ears off to reduce the possibility of ear infection.

12). Keep in mind that the heat of the sun around a body of water can be intense. Watch your dog for signs of sunburn and heat stroke.

Let good old-fashioned common sense guide you in and around the water. Make sure you and your pet stay, cool, safe and refreshed in the water and wherever else you go this summer!

Dr. Diane Pomerance
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