Posts Tagged ‘pet care’

It’s holiday time, and, as it’s said “Tis the season to be jolly.” However, there is no reason that we cannot be jolly and introspective at the same time. We can reflect upon the blessings that are ours and rejoice in them. There is no better time to love, appreciate and embrace your animal companions. Most likely, there is no one in your life who is as devoted to you and who loves you as truly and unconditionally as your pet.

In spite of the many social, religious and professional obligations we may have this time of year, it is also a time for reflection, compassion, kindness, peace, good will and generosity, It is also time to pause and contemplate the special people and experiences in our lives. Certainly, for those of us who share our lives with our wonderful animal companions, we can think about the many ways our lives have been transformed and enriched by their presence.

Their innocence and vulnerability; the purity of their hearts and spirits; their spontaneity and ability to live “in the moment”; their empathy and support; their playfulness; and affection; the joy they find in the most meager of games or attention; their stoicism and innate wisdom; their intuitive appreciation of and attunement to nature – all are gifts they bring to us. These gifts help us to revisit our own childhood innocence, playfulness and vulnerability. They also help us to rejoice in the simple beauty of Creation.

Our animal companions remind us of a simpler, quieter time when life was far less technologically complex, the world of nature was more deeply appreciated, and the world as whole at least seemed to be less dangerous and complicated. Our animal companions respond to life as it is – not as it was or as it “should” or will be. They offer a treasure drove of lessons about the purposefulness, significance and interconnectedness of every living creature.

Simply petting your animal companion can feel soothing, comforting. and healing. Embracing (hugging or snuggling with him) can also feel warm, tender and rewarding. This holiday season, find time to appreciate, be grateful for and celebrate your furry child and all he represents. His gifts are simultaneously both simple and monumental…

Dog Behavior Specialist,Dr. Diane Pomerance

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To prevent a trip to the vet ER and to keep you pet safe, healthy and Happy during Thanks- giving, simply say “No” to the following:

1). Turkey, duck, goose, pork, ham or beef bones

2). Stuffing made with onions

3). Rich gravy

4). Fatty scraps

5). Egg nag

6). Alcoholic beverages

7). Garlic mashed potatoes

8). Fruitcake

9). Desserts

10). Chocolate

11). Grapes or raisins

12). Aluminum foil or candy wrappers

13). Candy or ice cream

14) Lit candles, glass ornaments or other table decorations such as toothpicks or skewers that your pet can get hold of and ingest

15). Coffee or hot chocolate, rum or brandy “toddies”, etc.

16). Decorative plants like poinsettias or Xmas trees with pine needles

17). Herbs such as sage, rosemary or thyme

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving! Stick to your pet’s dietary and exercise routine as much as possible. You are not doing him a favor by giving him rich or unusual treats with which he is not familiar!

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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I am frequently asked this question by parents who want to make their children happy but are unaware of or apprehensive about many of the aspects of pet ownership. My response to their question is nearly always “ A pet can be a wonderful addition to the family” with the disclaimer that the parents will almost always end up supervising and assuming the ultimate responsibility for the care and well being of the pet. No matter how kind-hearted, precocious, compassionate and well-intentioned, children are, well, “ children” who can be easily distracted, unfocused, unreliable, irresponsible and preoccupied with the demands of daily life including school, extracurricular activities, socializing, homework, household chores, and so on. They may love animals and want to take care of them, but, in reality, the likelihood of a child between the age of five and ten assuming full care of a dog is simply unrealistic. However, the decision to adopt a dog and incorporate it into your family’s life can result in one of life’s most joyous, enriching, satisfying and rewarding experiences.

Before adopting a dog, numerous family discussions should be held regarding the various facets, dimensions and responsibilities associated with pet ownership. Research should be conducted about the pros and cons of dog ownership. Your and your kids may love animals, but because of academic, athletic activities and other obligations, you may simply not have the time for the interaction, socialization and obedience training a dog requires. Information and opinions should be freely shared. Families need to understand that their lives will be forever changed/transformed as a result of bringing a pet into their homes. Various dog breeds and their physical as well as personality characteristics should be thoroughly studied and investigated to determine if a dog is right for you and your family, and if it is, figure out which kind of dog is best suited and most compatible with your family’s lifestyle. Personalities of each family member should be taken into consideration to determine who will assume which responsibilities associated with the pet’s care, feeding and exercise needs.

Above all, it is important to carefully think about the decision to adopt a pet. Here are some questions to ask that will help you determine if it is right for you to adopt a dog.

1). Can you afford the costs associated with a pet? Vaccinations, spay/neuter, adoption fee, visits to the vet for check-ups, dog food, doggie meds, toys, accessories, leash, collar, doggie bowls, travel kennels, identification tag and microchippng.

2). Do you have physical space for a dog –a place where he can sleep, play and eat in comfort, safety and security?

3). Is it legal for you to have a pet in your apartment, home or community?

4). Do you have the time to interact, exercise and play with the dog?

5). Do you have time and are you willing to walk a dog at least several times a day?

6). What is the ideal age and sex of the animal you would consider adopting – those that are most suitable to your lifestyle?

7). Are you willing to feed the animal two or three times a day and provide it with fresh water several times daily?

8). Are you willing to socialize the dog and teach it basic obedience skills so that it will obey you and be a well-behaved, well-mannered member of your family?

9). Will you be able to bathe and groom your dog regularly?

10). Will you be able to accommodate the dog’s activity level and any destructive behaviors he may exhibit?

11). Will you be able to housetrain your pet?

12). Will you be able to discipline your pet without any physical or verbal abuse?

13). Will you always walk your pet on-leash and never off-leash unless he is in a safely fenced in area from which he cannot get out?

14). Will you be able to teach your children discipline, responsibility and compassion and respect for a pet you adopt?

15). Will you respect and appreciate and lovingly commit a lifetime of care for a dog that may become old, frail or ill and will eventually die?

16). Will you provide a “forever” home for your animal regardless of what may happen to you? In other words, will you make arrangements to provide care for the rest of your pet’s life with friends, neighbors, family members, etc?

If you ask yourself these questions and answer them thoughtfully and honestly, you will know whether you should adopt a dog. A dog is precious and sentient and to be valued, appreciated and respected. The responsibilities associated with dog ownership are varied and many; however, the joy, wisdom, love and companionship of a furry friend are indescribable and immeasurable. To give your children the gift of a dog is to give them one of life’s greatest treasures.

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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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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Many of us enjoy a swim in a refreshing pool during the hot summer months. Our pets may enjoy a swim as well. I have a yellow Lab named Sunny that not only swims, but also does some serious diving for Frisbees and other toys. Our pool is five feet deep, and Sunny is about 27 inches tall, but she is an excellent swimmer and water-lover supreme. She is fearless, and swims laps both in our pond and our pool. She would have little problem swimming 24/7 throughout the year (we live in Texas, so our winters are generally quite moderate.) She also knows how to get out of the pool via the shallow end and up the stairs. However, other kinds of dogs do not necessarily possess a natural ability to swim and may not be able to get out of a swimming pool.

There are some dangers posed by swimming pools that could prove harmful – even fatal to your pet. Here are some ideas that can keep your pet safe this summer:

1). Assess your dog’s ability to swim. Although most dogs have the ability to swim, this doesn’t mean yours is one of them. Old age, physical disabilities such as blindness or limited vision or other limitations can hinder your pet’s ability to survive in the pool.

2). If your dog displays an interest in getting in the pool, show him how to get in and out. Repeatedly show him and familiarize him with the shallow end and the steps that lead out. You may even want to install pet steps or a pet ramp (incline), which is hooked onto the sidewall of the pool if your pet has trouble climbing stairs.

3). Monitor your pets around a pool – just as you would children. Even if they are familiar with the location of a pool, they may inadvertently fall in.

4). A pool alarm will alert you to the sound of the surface water and water below being disturbed. There are many types of pool alarms- many have adjustable levels of sensitivity-that will alert you to danger.

5). Chlorine can irritate a pet’s eyes as well as their ears and lungs. Check your pet periodically for signs of irritation to the chlorine in the water.

6). Use eco-friendly products to clean your pool that are also pet-friendly. Converting your pool to a saltwater pool is a healthy alternative to one that is chlorinated and cleaned with other chemicals that aren’t pet-friendly.

7). After a swim, make certain to rinse off your pet with fresh, clean water. Always have some fresh, clean drinking water available and accessible for your dog.

8). Make sure that the pool water is not too cold for your pet and that he does not develop hypothermia.

9). Limit your pet’s time in the pool as well as in the hot sun.

10). If your pool is surrounded by concrete, brick or tile, guide your four-footed friend to a shaded, grassy area where he can rest after swimming and where his paws won’t get burned.

Enjoy the pool with your dog – he may even want to swim alongside you. My friends and I play water games with Sunny, and we have a lot of fun swimming together!

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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