We love the fun and sun of summer’s bright skies, warm weather, long days, vacations and endless fun! OH… and ice cream! We LOVE ice cream!!!
W
As fun as summer is, it can be difficult to keep our dogs both active and safe in the extreme Atlanta heat. So, this month we’re going to provide a few tips and tricks for your family to make the most of these months, have fun and stay safe with your fourlegged best friend!
Explore some of the local walking and hiking trails here in Atlanta.
We are lucky Atlanta has many places that you can walk and hike with your dog. Check out the Paces Mill Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area off Cobb Pkwy, Heritage Park, Sweetwater Creek, Sope Creek or Kennesaw Mountain. The Chattahoochee Nature Preserve offers miles of trails as well. Have fun and allow your dogs to explore, safely splashing in clean water and checking out wildlife. Make it a family event and take a picnic and spend the day together. Safety Tip: Take these hikes and walks during the cooler hours of early morning or early evening, hydrate your dog, bring them water to drink and watch for any signs of overexertion or heat exhaustion.
your dog to stay active, safely cool, work their minds and increase their training knowledge. Fun classes also help your relationship with your dog and make them a more well-behaved family member. Take advantage of the kids being out of school and get the whole family involved. It’ll pay dividends when they’re back in school in the fall! Safety Tip: Pick a trainer who uses positive reinforcement techniques and allows all members of the family to participate.
Remember our dogs, like people, can overheat and become very sick, very quickly. In rare cases, they can lose their lives due to the
heat. Speak to your veterinarian if you have questions about how to keep your dog safe in hot weather or about the signs of heat exhaustion or stroke. Providing adequate hydration, a cool place to relax and safe activities goes a long way. Pay close attention to elderly dogs, ill dogs, puppies and brachycephalic breeds (dogs with “pushed in” faces including Pugs, Boston Terriers, Pekingese, Boxers, Bulldogs, Shih Tzu), who can have exceptional difficulty in hot weather. Lastly, remember to NEVER leave your dog in your car. They are much safer at home or at a facility like K-9 Coach. NOW… go play with your pup and soak up the summer sun and fun times!
Amber, Jarrette & the K-9 Coach Team
Take your dog to the lake. Many dogs love to swim, play and frolic in the water. Play fetch with floating toys, relax on the dock or go for a boat ride. If your pup enjoys playing with other dogs, bring along a good play pal. Safety Tip: It is a good idea to purchase a life jacket for your dog if you’re going to be boating with them or if they’re going to be swimming in large bodies of water. Remember, a dog can be overcome in the water just as humans can, or they can be thrown from a boat. Keeping your dog in a life jacket can keep them and you safe. Also, never swim alone with a dog as he can panic and drag you under water. Make your backyard a doggy water park. Turn on a sprinkler and let your
dog enjoy the spray, purchase a small baby pool from a local toy store and allow your dog to swim, splash and play in it. Another great idea is to take your dog’s favorite chew toys or treats and freeze them inside a Tupperware container full of water. Once frozen, remove the ice treat from the Tupperware container and take it outside. Your dogs will play with and mouth the frozen treat, keeping themselves well-hydrated as well as entertaining their minds as they forage for their treat. Remember, dogs are natural hunters and this game allows them to connect with their true nature. Safety Tip: A wet dog can quickly become a matted dog and that’s a painful condition that can lead to other health concerns such as infections or skin irritations. So, either on your own or with the help of a professional groomer, make sure you’re spending sufficient time maintaining your pup’s coat during these months. Always brush and remove mats before getting your dog wet and always be sure to thoroughly dry and brush out after water play to prevent matting.
Summer is a good time to try out some new doggy classes or training. Involve your whole family, including your children, and enroll in a fun, indoor and temperature controlled doggie class. Whether these are for obedience, sporting activities or something more specific, these classes will allow
Our Town
PAGE 33
