Pet Guide 2018

pet guide 2 0 1 8 R I V E R VA L L E Y

M AY 2 7, 2 0 1 8

A SPECIAL SECTION OF THE TIMES RECORD

INSIDE

Palin 2018 TOP PET

A full look at Times Record’s Top Pets Decisions to make before adopting a pet How to pet-proof a home Caring for an aging dog

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PET GUIDE

2018 Pet Show Off Contest

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t the Times Record, we believe that cuteness needs to be shared and honored.

Giving our readers the chance to brag and show off their precious pets in our second annual Pet Show Off Contest seemed like a great way to do that. We had dozens of adorable entries — the majority were dogs, but we also had several cats. Every entrant received a framed keepsake print of their pet.

Pet photo entries were voted on by the public. The photos of the Top 10 furry friends, along with their personal anecdotes are featured here, in the 2018 Pet Guide.

More than 4,500 votes were cast in the selection of the top pets in the River Valley.

As part of the voting process, people could purchase blocks of votes to help boost their favorite animal. These extra votes helped generate a generous donation to the HOPE Humane Society.

The overall winner with the most votes, Palin, is our 2018 Pet Guide cover model and received $500 in gifts and prizes. All of the top 10 winners also received prizes.

Contents

2018 Top Pets

Page 7: Decisions to make before adopting a pet Page 9: How to pet-proof a home Page 11: Caring for an aging dog Page 12: Simple ways to save on your pet’s medical costs Page 14: Six reasons to spay or neuter pets now Page 15: Keep your pet healthy in the heat

Page 3: Winner, Palin Page 4: Callie Page 6: Abby Page 8: Dakota, Piggy Page 10: Lilly, Sampson Page 12: Bella Page 14: Chewie, Sammy

PHOTOS BY BRIAN D. SANDERFORD/TIMES RECORD

PET GUIDE |

2018 TOP PETS

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Palin PET’S NAME: Palin Bradford BREED: Half Poodle, half Maltese Multipoo AGE: 10 years HOMETOWN: Pocola OWNER: Don and Cheryl Bradford FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Watching Fox News FAVORITE TREAT: Greenies to clean her teeth PERSONALITY: She is very loving, energetic and spirited.

HOW DID YOUR PET BECOME PART OF YOUR FAMILY?: A teenager had her and wouldn’t take care of her. The parents gave her to my son who was living with us at the time. We had never had a house dog but were smitten and fell in love with her!

FUNNY OR HEROIC STORY ABOUT THE PET: She loves TV and loves to chase the dogs on TV. She doesn’t like the Geico lizard commercials!

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Callie PET’S NAME: Callie BREED: Domestic shorthair Calico AGE: 11 years HOMETOWN: Fort Smith OWNER: Laura Bogner OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS: None, Callie would never go for that.

FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Chasing grasshoppers FAVORITE TREAT: Friskies Party Mix PERSONALITY: Sweet, but not shy to let you know what she wants HOW DID YOUR PET BECOME PART OF YOUR FAMILY?: I found Callie (2 years old) living in a storm drain off Hendricks Boulevard in Fort Smith. At the end of my second visit to get acquainted with her and bring her food, she grabbed and bit my leg telling me not to leave her. She was ready to come home with me. Nine years later, when she really wants something and I’m not getting it to her fast enough, she still goes for my leg.

FUNNY OR HEROIC STORY ABOUT THE PET: Callie is territorial. Not only will she chase cats out of her yard, she will chase and hiss at cats in their own yards.

2018 TOP PETS

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2018 TOP PETS

Abby PET’S NAME: Abby Ward BREED: F1 Golden Doodle AGE: 13 months HOMETOWN: Fort Smith OWNER: Diana and Dave Ward FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Running through the sprinkler and going to Ultimutt Doggie Daycare for playtime.

FAVORITE TREAT: True Chews Jerky Cuts PERSONALITY: Very energetic, happy and very sweet!

HOW DID YOUR PET BECOME PART OF YOUR FAMILY?: We wanted a dog that was non-shedding, hypoallergenic and friendly with people. After doing some research we went to “My Doodle Doggies” and got the perfect 8-week-old doodle.

FUNNY OR HEROIC STORY ABOUT THE PET: Abby loves to jump up in our tree and pull down branches. It’s amazing how high she can jump. And she loves to pose for pictures!

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Decisions to make before adopting a pet Metro Creative Graphics

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ets make great additions to households.

Parents often find that bringing a pet into their homes is a great way to instill a sense of responsibility in their children, while singles or couples embrace the companionship that devoted pets provide.

Adoption is the route many prospective pet owners prefer to take when bringing new pets into their homes. Shelter animals are in need of good homes and providing such an environment to animals others have abandoned or were forced to give up can make new pet owners feel better about themselves. But in an effort to make their transitions to pet ownership go more smoothly, men and women should make certain decisions before adding any furry friends to their family dynamic.

Responsibility Pets are a big responsibility, but some pets are easier to care for than others. Fish, for example, don’t require as much effort on the part of pet owners as dogs do.

Prospective pet owners should discuss how much responsibility they are willing to take on and just who will be handling the bulk of the caretaking.

Prospective pet owners who don’t feel like they can take on much additional responsibility might want to avoid adopting dogs, which need daily walks and exercise, in favor of cats, which don’t require as

much attention, or other pets that do not require as significant a time commitment.

Budget Prospective pet owners also should develop a budget before visiting a shelter or speaking to an adoption agency. Pets, even if they are adopted, can be expensive additions to a home, and it’s easy for prospective pet owners to fall in love with an animal and bring it home only to realize down the road that the cost of keeping the animal is beyond their means.

When adopting a pet, men and women should expect to pay adoption fees and pay for an initial veterinary visit, which may include vaccinations, the cost of which can quickly add up. In addition to those initial costs, pet owners will need to pay for other items, such as bedding (or cages if adopting a bird), food and toys, and those items are not necessarily one-time

costs.

Budget also must come into play when deciding which animal to adopt.

Certain breeds of dog, for example, are predisposed to certain health conditions that can make caring for them an expensive proposition.

Prospective dog owners on limited budgets should avoid adopting breeds whose care will stretch or exceed their budgets in favor of dogs that are unlikely to do so.

Lifestyle Prospective pet owners must be willing to change their lifestyles when they adopt a new pet. Some pets won’t require their owners to make many changes at all, while others can dramatically alter the lifestyles their owners may have grown accustomed to.

Prospective pet owners should decide how willing they are to change their lifestyles and let that willingness guide their adoption decision. Those

who want to change their lifestyle as little as possible may be best suited to pets that need little attention, while those

ready and willing to make more significant changes may be ready to bring a dog into their homes.

Men and women

unsure about the lifestyle changes they will have to make to welcome dogs into their homes may want to consider fostering dogs before they adopt their own. Fostering can give prospective pet owners more accurate ideas of the commitment required to adequately care for a pet as they try to decide if that commitment is one they are capable of making.

Adopting pets is a great way for animal lovers to make positive impacts on the lives of animals in need of homes. But prospective adopters should first make certain decisions about pet ownership to ensure their transitions to pet owners go as smoothly as possible.

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2018 TOP PETS

Dakota PET’S NAME: Dakota BREED: Mixed AGE: 15 years HOMETOWN: Fort Smith OWNER: Melodie Bauhof FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Resting is at the top of his list.

FAVORITE TREAT: Chicken and steak PERSONALITY: He is the sweetest gentleman HOW DID YOUR PET BECOME PART OF YOUR FAMILY?: He was adopted from a rescue in Oklahoma at just barely 6 weeks old. Before his second birthday he was diagnosed with lymphoma. We changed his diet, kept him active and he thrived. He loved playing frisbee and keeping us company. Now at 15 years old, his favorite activity is sleeping but touch that frisbee and his eyes just light up. He has and continues to be a perfect gentleman. I’m so thankful for the precious time we’ve been blessed with having him in our lives.

FUNNY OR HEROIC STORY ABOUT THE PET: I wouldn’t exactly call him heroic as I’m glad to say it has never been necessary for him to demonstrate. As far as funny, he has quite a personality. One of my favorite rituals is when I get home from work he and his fur sister, Bella, will “tattletale” on their dad regarding any perceived mistreatment such as being left home or not getting enough playtime and attention.

Piggy PET’S NAME: Piggy BREED: Yorkie AGE: 7 months HOMETOWN: Mansfield OWNER: Terri Richmond (granddaughters Madeline and Malayna Carmack) OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS: Momma, Daddy and two sisters FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Playing chase FAVORITE TREAT: Kabobs PERSONALITY: She is sweet, very ornery and feisty. She likes to pick on her bigger sisters.

HOW DID YOUR PET BECOME PART OF YOUR FAMILY?: We have her mommy y and daddy and her two sisters.

FUNNY OR HEROIC STORY ABOUT THE PET: She was born by C-section and her mom did not have any milk so she was bottle-fed. I named her Piggy because she ate three times as much as her two sisters. She was the biggest one but now she’s the smallest.

We call her “two pounds of dynamite.”

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How to pet-proof a home Avoid accidents and injuries to your furry friends Metro Creative Graphics

Tens of millions of households throughout North America include pets. The American Veterinary Medical Foundation reports that more than 80 million households in the United States include companion animals, while the 2014 Canadian Pet Market Outlook reported that 57 percent of Canadian households owned pets.

Pets are a big responsibility, and responsible pet owners recognize that the work begins even before pets come home.

Pet proofing a home protects pets from accidents and injuries as they grow acclimated to their

surroundings.

• Install childproof latches. Much like children after they learn to crawl and then walk, young pets tend to be curious, and that curiosity can put them in precarious positions. Pet owners should install childproof latches on low drawers and cabinets, especially those beneath sinks where potentially harmful cleaning products are typically stored.

Curious pet paws may be able to pry or pull open cabinets and drawers, but childproof latches can make that considerably more difficult if not impossible.

• Close toilet lids.

While images of puppies

drinking from toilets may elicit some laughs, the nonprofit organization American Humane warns that chemicals in common toilet cleaners can be deadly to pets. In addition, small puppies or kittens can drown in toilets. Keep all toilet lids close when toilets are not in use.

• Keep potentially harmful items out of pets’ reach. Household cleaners beneath the kitchen sink are not the only items around the house that can be harmful to pets. Medications should always be stored on high shelves where pets cannot reach them. In addition, make sure all laundry room items, including detergent

and dryer sheets, are stored out of pets’ reach.

Discuss human foods that might be harmful to pets with a veterinarian and make sure such foods are not left out where pets can reach them when you are hosting friends or family members. If necessary, make sure all foods are served on dinner tables or kitchen counters that are inaccessible to pets.

• Conceal all wires.

Today’s homes are more connected than ever before, and that often translates to more wires around the house. Make sure all wires are bundled together and out of the reach and view of pets, who may be tempted to chew on them. Even wires

that are out of reach may tempt pets if they can see them, so pet owners should make concerted efforts to conceal wires.

• Move or remove potentially poisonous plants. Plant lovers may not have worried if their plants were poisonous when they had no intention of welcoming pets into their homes. But prospective pet owners should research each plant

in their homes to make sure they’re not poisonous. Move potentially poisonous plants to places where pets cannot access them. Remove any poisonous floor plants from the home before purchasing or adopting a pet.

Pets, particularly puppies and kittens, tend to be curious. Pet parents can protect pets from their own curiosity by pet proofing their homes.

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2018 TOP PETS

Lilly PET’S NAME: Lilly BREED: Australian Shepherd AGE: 5 years HOMETOWN: Fort Smith OWNER: Michelle Leonard OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS: Her other human family member is Cheyenne Leonard and she has a dog friend named d Biscuit.

FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Playing in the backyard, going on long walks and having her tummy rubbed.

FAVORITE TREAT: Milk bones of any fl avor. flavor PERSONALITY: Lilly is very active and protective of her house.

HOW DID YOUR PET BECOME PART OF YOUR FAMILY?: She was a rescue dog from a family in Kibler. They weren’t able to keep a litter of pups and were having to give them away. We went there and picked her up. She was 6 weeks old and she’s been with us ever since.

FUNNY OR HEROIC STORY ABOUT THE PET: Lilly loves to play in the backyard and chase the squirrels. It’s so funny to watch her run up and down the fence line barking and trying to get them.

The squirrels don’t pay her any attention, but she doesn’t give up.

Sampson PET’S NAME: Sampson BREED: Schnauzer/Maltese AGE: 3 years HOMETOWN: Huntington OWNER: The Passmore Family OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS: Dad (Gary), Mom (Stephanie), Sisters (Jennah and Lorrel), Brother (Cooper) and Furry Brother (Clark) FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Playing with his “friends” (stuffed animals) FAVORITE TREAT: ALPO Variety Snaps and Rawhide sticks PERSONALITY: Sweet and excited HOW DID YOUR PET BECOME PART OF YOUR FAMILY?: We found him through Facebook ook FUNNY OR HEROIC STORY ABOUT THE PET: Sampson is very overprotective when it comes to the ladies of the house. Anytime we are in bed or lounging in the living room and one of the boys comes up to mess with us or kiss or hug us, he gets in between us and starts growling and barking at them. Once they back off he’ll run up to them and sit in front of them waiting on them to start loving on them.

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Caring for an aging dog Make the process more comfortable for your pet Metro Creative Graphics

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aring for a dog is no small task. Many dogs need daily exercise and interaction with their owners in order to live long and healthy lives. But as dogs age, the responsibility of caring for them can become even more demanding.

When a dog begins to exhibit signs of aging, it’s easy for dog owners to assume that the rigors of caring for the dog will lessen. But while aging dogs may not need or want to spend as much time playing fetch or walking around the park as they used to, they often grow more dependent on their owners as they grow older. Recognizing a dog’s changing needs and how those needs relate to caring for the dog is a responsibility dog owners must take seriously.

• Consider altering the dog’s diet.

Many aging dogs do not need as much food to maintain a healthy weight as they did when they were puppies or in the prime of their life. Much of that is because aging dogs don’t exercise as much as they used to, meaning they won’t be burning as many calories as they once did. So an aging dog that’s still on the same diet it had as a youngster might gain weight, which can lead to a host of uncomfortable or even painful ailments. Owners concerned about their dogs’ diets should consult a veterinarian, who may recommend a geriatric diet that will provide all of the necessary vitamins and nutrients dogs need while reducing their risk of obesity.

• Make sure water is accessible and available throughout the day. Older dogs are at greater risk of dehydration, so owners should make sure water is readily available for the dog at all times. Aging dogs often struggle with their mobility, so place several water bowls throughout the house so dogs do not have to travel far when they need a beverage. Keep a bowl

in close proximity to where the dog sleeps as well.

• Prioritize grooming. Owners of aging dogs must prioritize grooming for a variety of reasons. Regular grooming is a great way for owners to discover any abnormalities, such as lumps or tumors, on the dog that might be indicative of a medical issue. Any such abnormalities should immediately be brought to the attention of a veterinarian. Routine grooming also helps prevent drying out of the coat and skin, ensuring dogs are comfortable.

• Don’t overlook dental care. Dogs are known for bad breath, so while there may not be much owners can do to make their aging dogs’ breath smell like a rose garden, that does not mean pet owners should overlook dental care. Dogs whose teeth are clean and tartar-free are less likely to develop potentially serious medical problems, including heart disease, which can be a byproduct of tooth decay. Dogs may lose some teeth as they age, but owners should still emphasize dental care for their aging best friends.

• Lend a hand to dogs who are struggling with their mobility. Aging dogs suffering from arthritis may struggle to get out of bed or climb flights of stairs. When dogs start to struggle with their mobility, pick them up and carry them up the stairs or help them out of bed in the morning. Veterinarians may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication to ease soreness and pain, but owners can take additional steps to help dogs with mobility issues, such as positioning bedding and food and water bowls so that they are more accessible to dogs.

Dog owners often find it heartbreaking when the aging process starts to take its toll on man’s best friend. But there are several ways owners can make the aging process more comfortable for their dogs.

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2018 TOP PETS

Bella PET’S NAME: Bella BREED: Morkie AGE: 14 months HOMETOWN: Fort Smith OWNER: Jennifer Henry FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Bella loves to play fetch almost as much as she loves to take naps.

FAVORITE TREAT: Bully Sticks PERSONALITY: Bella is sweet and loving but can be stubborn and defiant at times.

HOW DID YOUR PET BECOME PART OF YOUR FAMILY?: Bella was adopted when she was a few months old.

FUNNY OR HEROIC STORY ABOUT THE PET: Bella loves all people and is in the process of training to be a therapy dog. Bella recently graduated with her AKC Good od Citizen certification.

Simple ways to save on your pet’s medical costs Brandpoint

Pet parents know that there’s nothing like the love of furry family members.

Keeping your pets healthy is a priority because you want them to live as long as possible. However, health care costs for pets are expensive, and if you are dealing with additional expenses such as prescriptions for chronic conditions, it can become a burden to your budget.

Fortunately, there are several things pet owners can do proactively to keep pets healthy and save money on health-care costs.

Invest in preventative care “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is just as applicable to pets as it is to their human caregivers. One of the most important things a

pet parent can do to ensure the ongoing health of any animal is to bring them in for annual checkups whether they are experiencing health issues or not.

During wellness checkups, veterinarians can screen for a variety of health conditions.

They provide insight on diseases, age-related concerns, dental health, nutritional considerations and so much more.

Plus you’re able to provide your pet with important vaccinations. Regular checkups help vets identify problems sooner rather than later, and this can translate to more affordable health-care costs to pet parents in the long run.

Get an Inside Rx Pets prescription card Costs for managing your pet’s health can be a bear with pet owners spending more than $8 billion on prescription

and over-the-counter medications annually. The Inside Rx Pets program offers savings on commonly prescribed medications such as insulin and antibiotics, as well as seizure, glaucoma and anti-inflammatory drugs. The Inside Rx Pets savings card is not insurance; it is a savings card you can use for certain human medications that may be prescribed for your pet. A complete list of the medications with which you can use the Inside Rx Pet card, as well as pricing information and other details, can be found at https://insiderx.com/pets.

Exercise and focus on nutrition Obesity is a growing concern for many pets. Poor nutrition paired with limited exercise causes pets to put on additional weight. This weight can put them at higher risk for

health concerns like diabetes, osteoarthritis and ligament injuries. These health concerns not only risk the quality of life for Fluffy or Fido, but also can deeply impact your pocketbook.

Pets, just like humans, require exercise and proper nutrition to stay healthy and feel their best. Whether that’s letting your rabbit out of the cage to run or going on a walk with your dog, be sure to make regular exercise a part of your fur family’s routine. If you’re unsure what is appropriate for your pet, call your veterinarian or bring it up at a wellness visit. They’ll be delighted you reached out for more information to keep your pet healthy.

Start an emergency fund Choosing between a pet and an unexpected health expense is something no one

wants to experience. Being prepared can make a big difference when facing difficult decisions, so it’s wise to have savings set aside in case of a rainy day.

Some people are starting pet health savings accounts that are similar to the accounts that people hold for themselves to pay for medical expenses.

Whether you choose that path or a traditional savings account, when you have an emergency fund you won’t have to worry about any unexpected expenses, so you can simply focus on getting your pet well again.

Being proactive is important for keeping your pets healthy for many years. From scheduling annual wellness visits to taking advantage of the Inside Rx Pets discount card, there are many easy actions pet parents can take today to reduce costs so furry family members stay well.

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2018 TOP PETS

Chewie PET’S NAME: Chewbacca BREED: Chiweenie/Shih Tzu AGE: 6 years HOMETOWN: Hackett OWNER: Amy Floyd FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Running and playing with chew toys FAVORITE TREAT: Bananas and apples PERSONALITY: He is very protective of me, loves to cuddle and is jealous of attention to others.

HOW DID YOUR PET BECOME PART OF YOUR FAMILY?: We had the dad (Shih Tzu) and my husband’s brother had the mom. m.

They brought the litter with them em on Thanksgiving. When I walked ed in Chewie was in the middle of the he kitchen floor crying. He was just about 7 weeks old and I was smitten! We took him home after that weekend!

FUNNY OR HEROIC STORY ABOUT THE PET: Chewie is always making us laugh with how he loves to give kisses and be lovey.

Sammy PET’S NAME: Sam Turner BREED: Labrador Retriever AGE: 9 years HOMETOWN: Mansfield OWNER: Alayna Turner OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS: Echo, a miniature pony and Colby Jack, a cat FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Playing Soccer FAVORITE TREAT: Bacon Treats PERSONALITY: Loving and Playful (He is a big baby) HOW DID YOUR PET BECOME PART OF YOUR FAMILY?: We got Sam when he was just five weeks old from some friends at church. They had his mother and father. He was a big ball of white hite fur that we fell in love with at first sight.

FUNNY OR HEROIC STORY ABOUT THE PET: When Sam was a puppy he loved to sit in the glider of Alayna’s swing set with her and they would swing and swing. He still loves to sit there. It is really funny to see a big Labrador sitting and swinging on a little kids’ swing set.

Six reasons to spay or neuter pets now assume these are puppies and kittens of “street” animals, the Upon adopting a compansociety notes that euthanized ion animal, one of the first animals are often the offspring decisions pet parents should of family pets Ñ even pure make, advise veterinarians breeds. and animal welfare experts, Spaying females and neuteris to spay or neuter their new ing males is the most effective friend. method of birth control for Homeless animals are a these popular pets. Preventglobal problem. Overpopulaing unwanted offspring might tion continues to plague dogs be the main reason many pet and cats, and there are as many owners spay or neuter their as 300,000 homeless animals pets. But there are many euthanized in animal shelters additional reasons that make every year, says The Humane spaying and neutering a good Society of the United States. decision.

While many would be quick to 1. The ASPCA says spaying Metro Creative Graphics

helps prevent uterine infections and breast tumors that are malignant in roughly 50 percent of dogs and 90 percent of cats. Spaying before a cat’s first heat is ideal.

2. USA Today reports that neutered male dogs live 18 percent longer than dogs that were not neutered, while spayed female dogs live 23 percent longer than those that are not spayed. Neutering reduces the instinct to roam and get into trouble, which may contribute to the longer life expectancy.

3. Neutering can help

prevent testicular cancer in male pets.

4. Spayed females will not go into heat. During heat, which can occur four to five days at a time every three weeks during mating season, females may yowl and urinate around the house.

5. WebMD says non-neutered male dogs and cats may mark their territory with urine and can be more aggressive during mating seasons. Neutering can help calm the animals.

6. HSUS states that neutering and spaying is the best way to prevent overpopulation

and improves the chances that shelter pets will be adopted.

Contrary to popular belief, spaying and neutering pets will not cause weight gain. As long as pet parents continue to provide exercise and control their pets’ diets, pets will remain fit and in good health.

It’s best to discuss neutering and spaying with a veterinarian to determine the best time for pets to undergo the procedure. Many cats and dogs can be successfully neutered and spayed at around eight weeks of age, but older pets can be spayed or neutered as well.

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Keep your pet healthy in the heat BrandPoint

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ummer is approaching fast and it's time to get outside and start taking advantage of the warmer weather. Dr. Jeff Werber, Emmy award-winning celebrity veterinarian, has a few tips and tricks on how to keep your pet happy and healthy in the heat.

Before you start your jogging treks, hiking excursions or bicycle touring with your furry partner by your side, it's important to understand these spring/summer safety measures to keep your pet happy and safe.

Easing into exercise

After sitting around all winter, it is not a good idea to jump right into a full exercise regimen full speed ahead.

The best approach to get your pet ready for more activities outside is a gradual introduction into exercise. A game of fetch is a perfect way to get your pet up and moving. The Chuckit! Launcher and Locator Sound Ball provides an easy way for your pet to increase their stamina, with the added entertainment of retrieving a ball that emits an audible pulse sound every few seconds to help pet parents and dogs locate the ball in any terrain after launch.

If your pet enjoys chasing ground pursuits (think rabbits and squirrels), short bursts of chasing and retrieving are a fun way to get your pup back into shape.

It's also critical to choose the best time of day to exercise; and noon is not it. The best time to enjoy your pet's company is early in the morning or early in the evening. Keep in mind that in the evening after the sun is down, the pavement can still be pretty warm, as it

retains heat for quite a while.

Where possible, try to exercise on a grassy or dirt surface to avoid burning or irritating their paws.

Keeping cool and staying hydrated What we love so much about our dogs is how loyal they are and how much they want to please us. This can be a problem when it comes to potential overexertion, as they will keep going just to be with us, even though they may be overheating. Moreover, many dogs and cats can overheat from lying around the house or backyard as well. When leaving pets outside during the spring or summer, make sure that shade and fresh water are always available. There are many devices available that

can provide water automatically or on-demand, like the Petmate Replendish Waterer, which provides a constant flow of fresh water throughout the day for pets even when the pet parent isn't home. If you're out and about with your pet, consider a water bottle that includes a travel bowl for your pet. For longer excursions, or for hotter climates, wet a bandana and place it in the freezer the night before so it will remain nice and cool a little longer. Also, make regular stops in a shady area to allow both of you to catch your breath.

Indoor dogs and cats also need to escape from the heat.

Make sure the house isn't kept too warm. Keep at least one room cooler by leaving the shades or drapes closed.

Enough has been written about

pets and parked cars, so I'm sure you are all aware of that potential deadly hazard. Don't do it, not even in the shade or "only for a few minutes."

Enough said.

Limitless possibilities, while on a leash You and your pet are finally enjoying the great outdoors, and the fun activities with Fido are endless. Our pet nation has a huge population, and it's important to be a good citizen.

Remember to respect other pets' "space" and boundaries, and don't assume every dog is dying to play with yours.

Wherever you and your pet decide to roam, be mindful of the local leash laws. You don't want to turn a fun outing into an emergency room visit for you or anyone else.

If you're heading off to a park or hiking area, make sure you have everything you need for your trek. Travel treats and water bottles are always a good idea to keep with you, to make sure you and your pet are well fueled and hydrated. Keep essentials, like your keys, lip balm, waste bag, etc., all in one place with a leash that features an expandable pouch built right into the leash to hold all dog-walking basics while on the go.

Regardless of whether you choose to run, romp, hike or trek, spring and summer are great times of year to bond with your pets. I encourage all of you to get outdoors, enjoy the warmth and sunshine, and to include your four-legged kids in your activities. Just remember to play it smart and keep them safe.

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