Summer is here – we all want to get out there and play!  When packing up the family for a summer road trip or even just to buzz around town remember that summer temperatures can result in dangerous conditions within vehicles.   For example, your vehicle temperature could be well over 100F even with an outdoor temperature as low as 82F.

There is a super cool website called mydogiscool.com that has great tips on keeping your dog happy, healthy and cool during the summer months.  It has a weather reporter that tells you based on your zip code whether it is safe to keep your dog in the car.   The website also has temperature comparisons for a car with closed windows, 2 windows cracked and 4 windows cracked.   While cracking a window or two helps to keep the temperature down somewhat, you might be surprised at how hot the car will remain.

Be an advocate for dogs… remember that we are all human and that we may not realize how dangerous it can be to leave a dog in a hot car.  So, if you see a fellow pet owner leaving their car with fido still inside on a hot day, you will want to gently remind them of the danger.  I must admit that early in this summer season I walked away from the car, with my dog still inside, for a quick errand not thinking to crack the windows.   A nice gentleman saw me enter the store and asked if I would go back and crack the windows.    I was a little embarrassed, as I should know better, but very grateful for the reminder.

dogs, safety Hide

Mushrooms can be poisonous to dogs

April showers are finally past, the flowers are blooming, and your yard is sprouting wild mushrooms?

While not all wild mushrooms are toxic to dogs, it is prudent to treat all mushrooms as toxic.  Toxic mushrooms are divisible into eight groups with varying symptoms and associated treatments (Toxicology Brief, Mushroom Poisoning in Dogs, Vetrinary Medicine 2007). If you suspect your dog has consumed wild mushrooms, it is important that you take your dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible including a sample of the wild mushroom (preferably in a moist paper towel rather than a plastic bag).

Suzy's dog Kalee helps inspect the yard for toxic mushrooms

Tips for preventing and recognizing exposure to wild mushrooms:

• Perform a daily inspection of your yard for mushrooms (perhaps while you are mowing and inspecting for sharp objects).
• Keep close tabs on your dog when hiking, at the dog park, or a friend’s house to be sure he or she is not indulging in an unknown treat.
• Know the common signs of wild mushroom poisoning such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and abnormal drooling.

dog is vomiting, dogs, Health and Care, how to, prevent mushroom poisoning Hide

There are so many ways to take care of your dog.

Start with health by scheduling your dog for regular check ups with a veterinarian you trust. Check our dog health library for information on choosing pet insurance, grooming, weight management, and safety tips.

Next, make sure your dog has ID with microchipping, and a collar with up to date tags. While moving, contact the microchip company, and place both old and new addresses and phone numbers on your pet.

Don’t forget training! By spending a few minutes each day on practicing good manners, both you and your dog will be happier in your home. Teach your old dog new tricks or start the sport of dog agility!

For additional information, check out the Online Dog Coach Library, Dog Training Videos, and the American Humane Pet Care page.

be kind to animals week, care, dogs, Health and Care Hide

Over the past few weeks, the Online Dog Coach trainers have been receiving a lot of e-mail traffic warning of the dangers of cocoa mulch.   If you Google the topic, you will find a plethora of Internet articles that both confirm and deny the toxicity of cocoa mulch for dogs.   According to both the American Vetrinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, consumption of cocoa mulch can result in methylxanthine toxicosis but is unlikely to result in death.  Both organizations recommend that pet owners limit the use of cocoa mulch in landscaping that is exposed to unsupervised dogs. 

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center has a very informative article on cocoa mulch consumption by dogs, click here to learn more.

dogs, Health and Care Hide

Tip #1 Metal Edging

Spring is here and now is the time to take stock of upcoming chores.  If you still have sharp edged metal edging snaking around your garden areas, make 2010 the year to deal with it.  And if you need convincing of the importance of this, just ask your vet.  Be sure they tell you what it costs for all those stitches, and how long your dog will be wearing the dreaded collar.

We used to suggest placing the vinyl cover over the sharp area, but the vinyl tends to warp away from the sharp edges.  A newer choice is metal edging with rolled top edge.  It might still hurt or bruise if stepped on, but will not cut paws or feet.  Also, place the edger no higher than the grass.

Something else to consider is a more permanent paver edge. Your independent garden center has lots of ideas ready for you to consider.

Tip #2 Chemicals

Weeds, insects, fungus.  There is a chemical solution for just about every pesky garden problem.

My first suggestion is to find a natural product to solve the problem.  There are more choices today than ever before, along with help to select the right one for your situation at your local independent garden center.

Whether you choose a natural or chemical type product, read and follow the directions on the package.  All products are carefully tested, and the consumer information on the package is the result of all that testing.  Also, keep in mind that the directions for use are their contract with you.

Whenever using a liquid product, always keep pets and children away from the treated area until the product is dry.  When using a dry type product, allow it to settle before turning the pets loose.  As always, follow label directions.

Tip #3 Big box store or independent garden center?

Why go to the neighborhood garden center instead of the chain box store when the chain store prices will be less?   Most of our local garden centers are staffed with people who make horticulture their career and study both in college and with continuing education at their stores.  I find good suggestions for plants and products that will be safer for my pets.

Early spring is training time at most garden centers as employees learn the latest information about the products they sell.  Most regions host a trade show each winter where seminars are presented for all the local horticultural businesses.  These businesses include garden centers, wholesale growers and suppliers, turf farms, landscape companies and students from the local trade schools and colleges.

Information, better selection, and quality are the reasons I use the local garden center.   I know I am paying more for my perennials, but employees can address my particular pet-specific needs and my plants come with the experience and expertise of every person involved with production from seed starting to final sale.

Just something to think about.

dog friendly yard, dogs, Health and Care, landscaping for dogs, safety Hide