Pay special attention this summer to keep pets safe

By Abby Bird CONTRIBUTOR

Even the most innocuous places you take your dog in the summer can present safety issues.

Beach or river: The sand is very hot on a dog’s feet too, so booties or paw cream might be advisable. Also, as much as possible, make sure your dogs walk right next to the water. Their pads are tough but can still burn. They can also tear pads on sharp shells.

If dogs play in the shallows, watch out for stingrays and jelly fish. The sand reflects light very brightly so use Doggles to protect their eyes.

If your dogs are white or very lightskinned, then sunscreen may be in order. If you are at the river, don’t forget that pluff mud is as dangerous to them as to you, forming cement-like material which can get them stuck.

Dogs panic easily, so watch the tides. Life jackets are essential when on a boat, since accidents do happen.

Insects and reptiles: Keep your dogs away from them or use a preventative to help. Fleas, ticks, bee stings and red ant bites, along with spiders, can cause infection and abscesses. Have some oral Benadryl on hand for treatment and a sting stick or bite stick to put on it.

Get to the veterinarian if you suspect something venomous has bitten your dog, such as a snake or spider. Some skinks, chameleons and frogs might also be harmful to your dog if they are eaten.

Pools: Dogs can drown – and do every summer in backyard pools. They cannot always find the way out or can’t climb out. Even dogs that swim well can drown if they panic and can’t find the steps. Teach your dog to swim and find the steps even if they are not swimmers.

Heat stroke is a No. 1 summer hazard. Do not leave dogs in a car during the hot months – or ever, for that matter. The temperature is dangerously high inside a closed vehicle and it only takes a few minutes for a dog to succumb.

Dogs can suffer also in the heat outside if they have been active. Carry a water bottle and dish when on a walk. You can wet a bandana or use a cool wrap that you soak and freeze to put around your dog’s neck. Limit outside play and exercise during the heat of the day, with walking early or late.

If your dog does suffer a heat stroke or dehydrates, get them water to drink (Pedialyte too) and into a tub or under a hose for a cool down as soon as possible to lower their temperature. Symptoms may include disorientation, stumbling, bumping into things, collapse, white gums, dilated eyes and more. Get him to your vet immediately.

Pesticides and insecticides: Don’t let your dogs walk on treated lawns or gardens within 48 hours and make sure they don’t eat any foliage you have sprayed. Dogs lick their paws or scratch themselves with paws that have walked on these poisons. If your dog has access to a golf course, know that they are treated with pesticides also. Clean your dog’s paws with a bucket of water and a cloth outside your house before you go in.

Lastly, make sure you have trained “Leave it” to keep them safe from random things they might pick up.

Abby Bird is owner of Alphadog Training Academy. AlphadogTrainingAcademy@gmail.com

W.O.W. A Social Group for Widows or Widowers

This organization was founded in 2002 to help those who have lost a spouse move on with their lives, by forging new friendships with others while enjoying the group’s social, athletic, and cultural activities. Meetings are held bi-monthly at the Hilton Head Library on Beach City Road, at which time activities are planned for the following two months.

The communities of Hilton Head Island and Bluffton include many people who have moved here from other places leaving behind life-long friends and relatives, making it even more difficult to remain active after losing a spouse. W.O.W. aims to provide the support and fellowship needed to “pick up the pieces” and get on with a fulfilling life.

For more information please contact Steve Strandmark at 812-599-2025 or sstrandmark7@gmail.com or Anne Richter at 843-802-0228 or abr711@aol.com

We look forward to hearing from you and welcoming you to one of our upcoming events!