How to keep your dog safe.

How to keep your dog safe.

First,

How to keep your dog safe.


First, never leave your fur baby alone in a car. The temperature inside of an automobile can reach extreme temperatures even in seemingly mild weather. In the cold weather, your canine can freeze to death as the temperature plunges downward. And leaving the motor running won't keep your dog safe as carbon monoxide can build up causing poisoning and death. Keeping your dog safe in a moving vehicle is as simple as purchasing a suitable restraint or car seat. Dogs chase instinctively and can jump out car windows, be it moving or not, to catch their prey.

Tinsel on the tree looks fun for dogs and puppies but it can easily get caught in their throats. And while we're on the subject of Christmas, don't leave any food, no matter how well wrapped or packaged it appears. With their acute sense of smell, a dog can find and tear open the food meant for human consumption. Chocolate contains theobromine which can seriously harm dogs. Candy can cause cavities just like as in humans. I've seen dogs swallow candy, wrapper and all. Candy wrappers do not do well in their digestive tract. Many indigestible foods will just pass through their intestinal tract, but it could cause obstruction, intestinal bleeding and diarrhea. Nuts and many other snacks have way too much sodium content for canine bodies. Check my post called Don't give a Dog a Bone, for other foods not safe for consumption.

Extreme weather conditions, either heat or cold should be avoided.

A dog exposed to freezing temperatures can not only develop hypothermia (a low core body temperature) but can also develop pneumonia. Older dogs and puppies are especially vulnerable. In snowy weather, dogs with long fur on their paws(like Cavaliers) can develop ice balls between their digits. It's important to check their pads often and clean them. Salt and other deicing materials can adhere to their pads and cause irritation. As important as keeping them warm in winter, is keeping them cool in summer. Make sure they have plenty of water and perhaps a cooling pad.

Use caution in the wilderness.

If you live or are visiting uninhabited or rural areas, there are certain precautions to which you should adhere. Smaller dogs can be prey for coyotes and even large birds. Never leave them alone in these areas. When hiking, keep an eye out for rattlesnakes. Many places now offer rattlesnake avoidance training. Check with your local pet store or your veterinarian. Again check their pads often for splinters and burrs. Look for signs of fatigue and overheating such as excessive panting.

Doggy proof the house!

Just like babies, dogs can be curious about their environment. Keep exploring to a minimum by partitioning off areas so you can keep an eye on the puppy. I caught my little guy chewing on a lamp cord once. I sprayed all cords with bitter apple spray as a deterrent. Crating while you are out of the house is also recommended. Because dogs have a heightened sense of smell, keep trash containers that may have food in them secured. Take a second look around the house to see if there are any other items that your fur baby would be interested in that could harm him/her. If you let your dog out into the backyard, make sure it is secure and fencing is in good condition. Inspect your yard for wasp or hornet nests. If you have a pool, don't assume Fido can swim. Most dogs can, but they can tire and get disoriented easily and can't find their way out. Dog drownings do occur. A scamper ramp can be installed allowing a dog to easily climb out of the pool. A lifejacket is a necessity if you take your dog boating. Here's to your dog's safety!