Archive: Seasonal Tips

If your dog is not going with you — whether he's at home, the kennel or a doggie resort — leave a detailed list of all information pertinent to your dog.

Here's what they'll need:

• Your contact info, itineraries, hotels and if you’re visiting family or friends their info. List someone who can make medical decisions.
• ALL emergency contacts locally, neighbors, family, trainers and anyone your dog knows and trusts who can help.
• All vet information, emergency animal care facilities and directions to them.
• Food and meal information, water, times, vitamins, supplements and any special needs or allergies.
• A detailed page on each dog (animal) and all their nuances. What they know, who they know, how they handle stress and how they handle life.
• Information on the dog’s leashes and walking habits, how often to go out.
• If your dog is home, household information, garbage pickups, local ordinances, doors, windows, shades and any info regarding outdoor habits and behaviors to be monitored.
• Emergency house info, plumbers, handypeople who know your house.

Make a plan with your caretakers about how to notify you and how often and you can vacation knowing your dog is safe and sound.

This is an assusurance that no matter who is taking care of your pet, they will know who she/he is.

• Leave plenty of fresh drinking water available for your dog and check it often. If you are outside with your dog, bring along a bowl and refresh it throughout the day.
  
• Never leave your dog in the car in warm temperatures. Cars can heat up very quickly and be a virtual oven for your dog.
  
• Lawn and garden chemicals can be toxic for dogs. Know what you are using in your dog's play area. Use organic whenever possible.
  
• Start slow with your canine athlete. Give them time to warm up, too.
  
• Give ice cubes or freeze broth for hot day entertainment. Make doggie popsicles!
  
• As in all seasons: SUPERVISE YOUR DOG OUTSIDE.
  
• Read Dr. Mayer's article on Natural Options for Flea
  and Tick Control

• If you have a new dog or puppy in your house, assess her and the environment before you go out and leave your dog alone to struggle through fireworks. A dog that is scared of thunder may also be afraid of fireworks.
• If you go away for the holiday, make sure your kennel or caretakers know your dog's history with excessive noise of fireworks.
• If your dog is scared, stay home with him, close the windows, turn on some fans or air, put on the tv or stereo, and ride out the night with a loud movie and bag o' treats.
• If he’s shaking in the corner, don’t coddle him or comfort him. Distract him and when he’s behaving normally, then comfort him.
• Even if your dog is ok, don’t take her to fireworks shows and don’t leave her in the car.
• Make sure BBQ food is out of reach especially when you turn your back to answer the door. It only takes a minute for a canine counter thief to eat 2 dozen hot dogs or cupcakes!
• If your dog is seizure prone, fireworks can set them off.

• Salt for melting snow can be painful on your dog's paws. Wipe them off with a warm wet towel when you get home. If they are really sensitive there are many different styles of booties for your four-leggers.

• Antifreeze is both sweet and delicious to dogs. It is also TOXIC. Keep your pooch away from eating or licking anything that is unknown to you, especially in driveways or hidden under the snow.

• Dogs need to continue their exercise programs, even in the snow and cold. Choose practical winter activities according to what your dog tolerates easily.

• Some dogs thrive in the cold crisp winter air and some retreat to the couch for some R&R. Watch for your dog's favorite season, choose his/her strong points and have some fun.

• If you're in couch potato mode and waiting for 80 degrees, train in the house, play fun indoor games like hide and find, fetch up and down the stairs, or do some shaping exercise with new items.

• And, of course, if the whole winter is just too cold for anything, watch that caloric intake and adjust accordingly.

• Some dogs get very cold, especially smaller or older dogs. There are many different styles of dog coats. Fleece is warm for winter and wrap-arounds are easy to get on and off.

• Stress can rise as the holidays approach. Watch your canine family members and make sure they stay calm and safe. Dogs pick up our stress. You can use DAP, rescue remedy or have a little lavender scent thoughout the house.
• Company changes routines: watch for doors being left open, food being left out, meal schedules changing, relatives (especially children) your dogs are NOT familiar with.
• Make sure your guests understand house rules, when it comes to the dogs.
• A frozen KONG in the crate or a special walk can be great stress reducers for your pooch ... and for you!
• Make sure your dog is getting his/her regular exercise (if not more) and regular diet ito accommodate the changes, especially if you are going away.
• And don't forget, there are very few dogs you can leave alone in the kitchen on Thanksgiving Day UNsupervised! Is your dog one of them?
• If you are traveling with or without your dog, check out this Archives for travel tips.

• CANDY is everywhere. In your home, in your children's rooms and most importantly, on the streets where your dogs walk. Check the grounds for days before and especially after Halloween. Don't let your dog wander into bushes and tall grass until you can see what's hiding there. REMEMBER: CHOCOLATE CAN BE DEADLY.
• Make sure human and dog costumes are safe and have no loose pieces to chew/choke on.
• Introduce your costumes slowly. Don't let human's scare your dog either accidently or on purpose.
• If your dog is wearing a costume, make sure it fits properly, especially around the neck area and has no loose pieces to stumble on.
• You may want to keep your dog away from the front door in case of doorbell excitement or door bolting. Keep him busy with a good DOG treat of his own, in a safe area away from the door.

• Make sure Fido has plenty of time to get used to new schedules and children going off to school and teenagers going off to college.
• If you’ve gotten a new puppy over the summer make sure arrangements are made so that she can make the adjustment. Arrange for dog walkers and doggie day care if necessary.
• Take advantage of the cool weather; bring him in the car when you run errands. Make sure Fluffy has good car etiquette and you’ve provided good safety habits for him. Still leave windows open enough for air, but not for escape. Cars can heat up in the cooler months also.
• Puppy and dog training classes are starting. It’s the start of school for everyone in the family.
• Maintain exercise schedules and consistency, if you need to make changes, make them gradually. Some dogs perk up in the fall and winter months.
• Don’t let new kids play with your dogs until you have supervised many encounters first. New friends in your house are great for your dog’s socialization, BUT make sure it’s safe. ALL children don’t necessarily know how to be with animals.
• Fall for your dog – not on them. A good cotton 6 ft. lead and cotton collar are great tools for walking your dog.