As the seasons change, we often must adapt our lives around the alterations in weather conditions. Our pets also must deal with the consequences of seasonal weather, and to help ensure their comfort and safety, here are some tips for every kind of weather.
Summer obviously presents some challenges related to higher temperatures. People sweat and this helps our body cool down on a hot day, but dogs have few sweat glands, so it is much more difficult to stay cool. When you are outside, be sure to provide plenty of water and a shady spot for your dog. Take your dog to the groomer for a shorter coat during the hotter months of the year. If you both enjoy daily walks, be sure to go at the coolest times of day and don't overdo it. A dog simply cannot cool down as quickly as a human. Be sure to never leave a dog in a hot car as this is the cause of many pet deaths each year. Dogs can quickly overheat, and this can cause heatstroke or death.
While that furry coat might provide your dog with a big winter advantage over humans, dogs still can be affected by the cold of winter. Frostbite can occur and because the winter tends to be very dry, dehydration also can be a problem. Puppies and old dogs tend to feel the ill effects of winter more markedly than healthy dogs in the prime of life. Some dogs also just seem to get cold more easily than others, just as people do, so just be aware of your dogs needs. Of course, with winter comes the holiday season, so make sure your dog doesn't nibble on gift wrap, chew on the Christmas tree or munch on electrical cords or tinsel.
When the weather begins to heat up and signs of Spring abound, there are other concerns for the dog owner. For one thing, as flowers begin to bloom, this attracts plenty of insects and some of these insects can harm your dog, such as wasps, hornets and bees. This can be quite dangerous, especially if your dog is stung on the tongue, which requires immediate medical attention. In addition to stings, pollen can cause discomfort for your dog just as it can for you. Wiping paws after a walk, gently wiping the nose and a bath with hypoallergenic shampoo can help reduce the effects of allergies, but some dogs do need medicine to alleviate seasonal allergies.
Autumn is a beautiful time and we often enjoy a happy walk under the blanket of colorful trees. During this season, two of the biggest hazards occur during specific holidays, such as Halloween and Thanksgiving. Halloween candy should be kept far away from pets as many of the ingredients are highly toxic for your dog. Likewise, it is not wise to allow your dog to nibble from the Thanksgiving table either, as these fatty, sugary foods are not the best choices for your hound.
Often pets encounter dangers simply because they lack proper training. An untrained dog might run into areas of wilderness in the local park and end up scratched or bitten by ticks. An untrained animal also might nibble on plants and flowers that could harm him or steal food from plates. Obedience training can prevent many dangerous occurrences in the life of your dog. With a dog training DVD system like The Dog's Way, you can quickly teach your dog to obey a variety of important commands immediately. This will ensure that your dog doesn't end up in a potentially life-threatening situation, and it makes life with a dog easier in general.
Summer obviously presents some challenges related to higher temperatures. People sweat and this helps our body cool down on a hot day, but dogs have few sweat glands, so it is much more difficult to stay cool. When you are outside, be sure to provide plenty of water and a shady spot for your dog. Take your dog to the groomer for a shorter coat during the hotter months of the year. If you both enjoy daily walks, be sure to go at the coolest times of day and don't overdo it. A dog simply cannot cool down as quickly as a human. Be sure to never leave a dog in a hot car as this is the cause of many pet deaths each year. Dogs can quickly overheat, and this can cause heatstroke or death.
While that furry coat might provide your dog with a big winter advantage over humans, dogs still can be affected by the cold of winter. Frostbite can occur and because the winter tends to be very dry, dehydration also can be a problem. Puppies and old dogs tend to feel the ill effects of winter more markedly than healthy dogs in the prime of life. Some dogs also just seem to get cold more easily than others, just as people do, so just be aware of your dogs needs. Of course, with winter comes the holiday season, so make sure your dog doesn't nibble on gift wrap, chew on the Christmas tree or munch on electrical cords or tinsel.
When the weather begins to heat up and signs of Spring abound, there are other concerns for the dog owner. For one thing, as flowers begin to bloom, this attracts plenty of insects and some of these insects can harm your dog, such as wasps, hornets and bees. This can be quite dangerous, especially if your dog is stung on the tongue, which requires immediate medical attention. In addition to stings, pollen can cause discomfort for your dog just as it can for you. Wiping paws after a walk, gently wiping the nose and a bath with hypoallergenic shampoo can help reduce the effects of allergies, but some dogs do need medicine to alleviate seasonal allergies.
Autumn is a beautiful time and we often enjoy a happy walk under the blanket of colorful trees. During this season, two of the biggest hazards occur during specific holidays, such as Halloween and Thanksgiving. Halloween candy should be kept far away from pets as many of the ingredients are highly toxic for your dog. Likewise, it is not wise to allow your dog to nibble from the Thanksgiving table either, as these fatty, sugary foods are not the best choices for your hound.
Often pets encounter dangers simply because they lack proper training. An untrained dog might run into areas of wilderness in the local park and end up scratched or bitten by ticks. An untrained animal also might nibble on plants and flowers that could harm him or steal food from plates. Obedience training can prevent many dangerous occurrences in the life of your dog. With a dog training DVD system like The Dog's Way, you can quickly teach your dog to obey a variety of important commands immediately. This will ensure that your dog doesn't end up in a potentially life-threatening situation, and it makes life with a dog easier in general.
About the Author:
Garrett McMahan likes watching dog show. For more information regarding the best dog training DVDs, or to discover dog leash training videos online, please check out the TheDogsWay website now.
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