Tips | Printable Version
Summer - It's HOT Outside
Did you know that the inside of your car could reach temperatures that can kill your dog in minutes? On an 85-degree day, even with the windows slightly open, the temperature inside a car can climb to 102 degrees in 10 minutes, 120 in 30 minutes and on hotter days it will go even higher! A dog's normal temperature is 101.5 - 102.2 degrees. A dog can withstand a body temperature of 107 to 108 degrees for only a very short time before suffering irreparable brain damage - or worse - death. Do your dog a favor and leave him at home on hot summer days! HOT pavement will burn the pads on their feet. Keep this in mind when you ride your bikes along the bike path! Don't forget that they can tear up their pads while running on gravel too. If your dog isn't in top shape leave him at home when you ride your bikes. Dogs can have heart attacks and heat exhaustion just like us.
Christmas & New Year Holidays - Tips to Keep your pet & guests - Safe
The holidays are fast approaching, with plans for guests, parties and celebrations. All the new activity and excitement in your home can be stressful for your dog. A little planning now can make the holiday season a safe and fun one for the two-legged and four-legged members of your family. More dog bites happen over the holidays than at any other time. We want to help families prepare for the holidays, to make sure everyone stays safe and has fun.
Ace K-9 Academy suggests the following tips for keeping your dog and guests safe over the holidays:
- Know that the excitement over the holidays may stress your dog, making them prone to barking or even biting. Supervise your pet at all times, especially around children.
- Dogs do not like to receive hugs, especially from people they don't know well. Tell your guests to greet the dog by lightly stroking him under the chin, and do not let your guests "over touch" your dog.
- Have a quiet room in your home where your dog can go to relax and rest, undisturbed.
- Watch your dog for stressful behavior - if he is moving away from a person or situation, if he is yawning or licking his lips excessively, or if he suddenly stands very still, it's time to remove the dog and take him to his quiet room.
- With all the coming and going, it's very easy for a dog to slip out the door unnoticed. Consider letting your dog drag a leash around the house (it makes an extra-long "handle" if he tries to slip away) and always make sure your dog is wearing a collar with current identification tags.
Dogs are a part of the family, and naturally we want them to be with us during our holiday celebrations. By being aware of some of the safety issues, dog owners can ensure a happy, safe holiday season for everyone.
