P24 Herald 128

PROS AND CONS OF CAMPING WITH YOUR PET

PRO 1. You have your dog with you 2. Protection against wildlife - con: maybe wildlife fight back and you get an injured dog or dog gets lost chasing them 3. Seeping with your dog 4. Swimming and hiking with your dog CON 1. What if your dog gets lost?

It’s in an unfamiliar area. 2. Can you take your dog to that campsite? 3. Can you take it on the hikes nearby? 4. If you have to leave your dog in the camp site, will there be other loose dogs to harm them? Is there enough shade? Will he spill his water? Is it too hot in camper? 5. Will he be settled enough to leave him? Will they bark? Will they have anxiety and chew? 6. Do you have an medical kit for your dog? 7. Do you have SAFE bug control for your dog for mosquitos and other insects. USING A BOARDING FACILITY 1. Do an overnight trial to help your dog adjust to a routine 2. Familiarize yourself and the dog to the kennel 3. Your dog will be watched in a safe environment and get to hang out with other dogs if its friendly 4. Dog is happy not traveling in vehicle long distance. 5. Not having to worry about your dog while you are having a relaxing time, 6. Giving your dog a vacation to so he doesn’t have to protect or worry as well.

SPCA WARNS ABOUT HOT DOGS

With warm weather approaching, the BC SPCA is urging the public to protect their dogs against common summer safety hazards. Hundreds of dogs die needlessly every year because well-meaning owners let them ride in the back of pick-up trucks or leave them unattended in parked cars while they run errands, says Lorie Chortyk, General Manager of Community Relations for the BC SPCA.

The temperature in a parked car, even in the shade with windows partly open, can rapidly reach a level that will seriously harm or even kill a pet. In just minutes, the temperature in a parked car can climb to well over 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit). Dogs have no sweat glands, so they cool themselves by panting and by releasing heat through their paws. On summer days the hot air and upholstery in a vehicle can make it impossible for pets to cool themselves. Dogs can withstand high temperatures for only a very short time - usually just 10 minutes - before suffering irreparable brain damage or death.

If you’re used to letting your dog accompany you on errands, you might feel guilty leaving him behind on hot summer days. But your dog will be much happier - and safer – at home, with shade and plenty of fresh cool water, Chortyk says.

Another danger to dogs is letting them ride in the back of pick-up trucks. Although it may seem like your dog enjoys it, this practice could cost your dog its life. If you hit a bump, swerve unexpectedly, or brake suddenly the dog could easily be thrown or fall out of your truck. If not injured or killed by the fall, your dog may be hit by another vehicle. Cars swerving to miss your dog may even cause other accidents for which you could be liable.

Simply tying your dog in the truck bed is not a solution. Ropes and leashes become nooses should the dog be jolted from the truck. Instead, use a protective kennel secured to the centre of the truck bed, or let your best friend ride safely in the cab with you.