SUMMER FUN
Dock Diving A growing phenomenon, dock diving is a sport in which dogs compete in jumping for distance or height of their jump from a dock into water. DockDogs is the independent governing body for regional, national and international dock diving events. In 2010, DockDogs held more than 150 events in four countries: United States, Canada, U.K. and Australia.
1.Summer Safety It’s important to remember your pets when the weather gets hot-hot-hot! For backyard dogs, make sure there’s a shady spot for your dog to take cover. Never leave any animal in a parked car on a hot, sunny day. Even if it doesn’t feel particularly hot, in the summer months your closed car will heat up FAST! Don’t ever take a chance. Plenty of fresh, cool water is imperative in the summer. Dogs and cats can overheat with all that fur. On the other hand, don’t leave your dog unattended in a pool or lake. Some dogs are naturals when it comes to swimming and some don’t like the water. Don’t force your dog by throwing her in the water, and keep watch for when she’s tired. Swimming is hard work! Any kind of exercise in the heat of summer can be tiring. Ease up on your dog, especially on the hottest days or if your dog’s not accustomed to strenuous exercise. When you are out walking, be mindful of hot asphalt which can burn your dog’s paws. Grassy parks, woodland trails and even sidewalks are better than asphalt.
2.Can you Recognize Heatstroke?
Why is dock diving so popular? It combines high-action competition with our love of our dogs and summer. It’s a perfect blend of excitement and entertainment. Plus, at DockDogs events, anyone can bring their dog (at least six months old) and register to compete. Their website specifies: “DockDogs events are not limited to certain breeds; any dogs, from as small as a Chihuahua to as large as a Great Dane, are welcome at a DockDogs event. There is 0% discrimination and 100% FUN at every event.”
If your dog is panting heavier than usual, breathing rapidly or drooling excessively, he may be overcome by heat. Watch whether he’s struggling to keep his balance as well – another early sign of heatstroke. If you miss those signs, he could progress to being sluggish or refusing to move. He could lose control of his bladder or bowels and have labored, noisy breathing. In early stages, try to cool your dog with a small amount of water, applying ice packs (especially to his undercarriage) and gently hosing him down. If your dog is in an advanced stage of heatstroke, try to cool him down on the way to your local emergency vet. Interestingly, short-nosed dogs such as Bulldogs and Pugs do not pant as efficiently as longer-nosed dogs, and therefore have to work harder to cool themselves . If your dog is short-nosed, be particularly aware of the heat.
3.Beaching It? If you’ve confirmed that your beach allows dogs, then head for the sand and surf. What could be more fun than walking or running on the beach or playing fetch into the waves? Sounds great. Keep in mind for comfort and safety: A beach umbrella provides shade for your dog. Running on sand is extra hard work. Sunburn affects dogs too – especially smooth-coated dogs. If you’re at the ocean, no drinking salt water!
EMERGENCY SERVICES
Do you know where your nearest emergency veterinary clinic is? Is there a 24-hour clinic in your area? If you don’t know, now is an excellent time to find out. Post the information on your fridge or add it to your cellphone. Just don’t wait until you have an emergency to look for the nearest services. A recent study by Veterinary Pet Insurance found that Mondays, or days after holidays, had the highest numbers of pets treated for accidents. It’s suspected that the high rate on Mondays includes weekend injuries that are left until Monday for treatment. Poor pets!