Each season brings with it fresh challenges for a dog owner. From the heat of summer to the icy chill of winter days, your dog might need some changes in his or her care as each season gets into full swing.
For most dog owners, the most hazardous season is summer. The excessive heat can really take a toll on your beloved dog. After all, while people have many sweat glands to help them regulate body temperature, your dog only has a few of these glands and simply cannot cool off as efficiently. This is why dogs should never be left in a car on a hot day even with the windows rolled down. Dogs also should get their daily exercise during the cooler times of the day, such as early morning or after the sun sets. If possible, give your dog a new and shorter haircut during the summertime. If you do head out for a family picnic or some fun at the park, provide a source of shade and dish of water for your dog.
While that furry coat might provide your dog with a big winter advantage over humans, dogs still can be affected by the cold of winter. Frostbite can occur and because the winter tends to be very dry, dehydration also can be a problem. Puppies and old dogs tend to feel the ill effects of winter more markedly than healthy dogs in the prime of life. Some dogs also just seem to get cold more easily than others, just as people do, so just be aware of your dogs needs. Of course, with winter comes the holiday season, so make sure your dog doesn't nibble on gift wrap, chew on the Christmas tree or munch on electrical cords or tinsel.
When the weather begins to heat up and signs of Spring abound, there are other concerns for the dog owner. For one thing, as flowers begin to bloom, this attracts plenty of insects and some of these insects can harm your dog, such as wasps, hornets and bees. This can be quite dangerous, especially if your dog is stung on the tongue, which requires immediate medical attention. In addition to stings, pollen can cause discomfort for your dog just as it can for you. Wiping paws after a walk, gently wiping the nose and a bath with hypoallergenic shampoo can help reduce the effects of allergies, but some dogs do need medicine to alleviate seasonal allergies.
As the leaves change color and the temperatures begin to drop, problems such as pollen and insects begin to become less of a problem. During Autumn, the main problems that are seen involve holidays such as Thanksgiving and Halloween. Be sure to keep candy out of the reach of your pet as some nuts and all chocolate are dangerous for dogs and they shouldn't have even a modest amount of processed sugar. Thanksgiving is a day of indulgence for humans, but it really shouldn't be for pets. Altering their diet can cause stomach distress and while a tiny nibble or two might be ok, keep the human food to a minimum.
Truly, one of the best ways to keep a pet safe and healthy is by ensuring that your dog is well trained. An obedient dog will stay away from harmful plants and animals when commanded and will not run away and end up in dangerous situations. If you are struggling with obedience issues, consider an easy-to-follow DVD dog training system such as The Dog's Way. In just a few weeks, your dog will be a happy and safe pet.
For most dog owners, the most hazardous season is summer. The excessive heat can really take a toll on your beloved dog. After all, while people have many sweat glands to help them regulate body temperature, your dog only has a few of these glands and simply cannot cool off as efficiently. This is why dogs should never be left in a car on a hot day even with the windows rolled down. Dogs also should get their daily exercise during the cooler times of the day, such as early morning or after the sun sets. If possible, give your dog a new and shorter haircut during the summertime. If you do head out for a family picnic or some fun at the park, provide a source of shade and dish of water for your dog.
While that furry coat might provide your dog with a big winter advantage over humans, dogs still can be affected by the cold of winter. Frostbite can occur and because the winter tends to be very dry, dehydration also can be a problem. Puppies and old dogs tend to feel the ill effects of winter more markedly than healthy dogs in the prime of life. Some dogs also just seem to get cold more easily than others, just as people do, so just be aware of your dogs needs. Of course, with winter comes the holiday season, so make sure your dog doesn't nibble on gift wrap, chew on the Christmas tree or munch on electrical cords or tinsel.
When the weather begins to heat up and signs of Spring abound, there are other concerns for the dog owner. For one thing, as flowers begin to bloom, this attracts plenty of insects and some of these insects can harm your dog, such as wasps, hornets and bees. This can be quite dangerous, especially if your dog is stung on the tongue, which requires immediate medical attention. In addition to stings, pollen can cause discomfort for your dog just as it can for you. Wiping paws after a walk, gently wiping the nose and a bath with hypoallergenic shampoo can help reduce the effects of allergies, but some dogs do need medicine to alleviate seasonal allergies.
As the leaves change color and the temperatures begin to drop, problems such as pollen and insects begin to become less of a problem. During Autumn, the main problems that are seen involve holidays such as Thanksgiving and Halloween. Be sure to keep candy out of the reach of your pet as some nuts and all chocolate are dangerous for dogs and they shouldn't have even a modest amount of processed sugar. Thanksgiving is a day of indulgence for humans, but it really shouldn't be for pets. Altering their diet can cause stomach distress and while a tiny nibble or two might be ok, keep the human food to a minimum.
Truly, one of the best ways to keep a pet safe and healthy is by ensuring that your dog is well trained. An obedient dog will stay away from harmful plants and animals when commanded and will not run away and end up in dangerous situations. If you are struggling with obedience issues, consider an easy-to-follow DVD dog training system such as The Dog's Way. In just a few weeks, your dog will be a happy and safe pet.
About the Author:
Garrett McMahan enjoys watching dog show. For more information about the best dog training DVDs, or to find dog leash training videos online, please check out the TheDogsWay website now.
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