Pets need extra care in summer | The Honolulu Advertiser

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Pets need extra care in summer | The Honolulu Advertiser | Hawaii's Newspaper

Posted on: Sunday, July 13, 2008

Pets need extra care in summer

Hawaiian Humane Society

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Mea

Tonya

Summer holds great appeal for sharing time outdoors with our dogs. The days are long and lazy, and vacation awaits. Before you put on your slippers, grab the leash and race into the sunshine, here are a few things to keep in mind:

KEEP YOUR DOG COOL

With soaring daytime temperatures, scorching asphalt and sometimes blinding sunlight, think twice before stepping out in the heat. You wouldn't step out barefoot without sunglasses in a fur coat at noon, so think about how your dog probably feels about the day's hottest hours. Whenever possible, beat the heat by exercising your dog before 10 a.m. or after 3 p.m.

There are a number of products for sun-loving dogs that look cool and keep pets cool, from doggie boots and UV protection goggles to cooling mats and nontoxic, made-for-pet sunscreens. With a little imagination, there are many ways to help your dog chill out this summer, such as an inexpensive children's pool filled with water and left in the yard.

The biggest hardship for man's best friend in summer is that he can't sweat, which means that fur coat keeps him warm even on a cool day. Panting alleviates the heat, as does your care and help. If overheated, a dog may become lethargic and his eyes may be bloodshot. Darker colored coats absorb more heat than lighter coats. Overweight dogs are at higher risk for dehydration. All of those are good reasons to get your long-haired dog a haircut and keep his body trim. Carry a bottle of water for him no matter where you go this summer.

If you like to give him a cool water spritz before stepping out, making sure to spray his paws and stomach, not just his back, as dogs cool from the bottom up. A wet towel does more good against his belly than laid on the top of his coat.

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

Your dog can get out more if every family member has mastered walking comfortably with him. Summer is a great time to practice.

If you've seen a pack of dogs in motion, the leader is always at the front. If your dog is ahead of you rather than to the side or slightly behind you, you've given him leadership power.

If you're new to leash training, it's best to use a short leash for optimal control. Sold at the Hawaiian Humane Society, a Gentle Leader is an excellent tool to teach dogs how to walk properly on leash. It avoids the yanking and pulling that dogs and humans employ as each vies to control the direction.

A 30-minute to one-hour walk twice a day is ideal. The end should always include a little time to sniff around and enjoy the wonderland of scents that dogs enjoy so much. This is a great way to reward him for a walk well done.

If you need a fresh twist on your daily dog walk, head for the ocean. Go to www.hawaiianhumane.org for a list of more than 100 beaches that welcome well-behaved dogs on leashes. Swimming and play in the sand are an excellent workout for both you and your dog.

STAY SAFE AND CLEAN

Whether you're headed to your favorite path or dog-friendly beach, never leave your dog in a hot car, where temperatures can escalate alarmingly fast.

MEA

TAG NO. 08-12698

Poor little Mea; she thinks it is her fault that her caregivers gave her up last month. The kitty psychiatrist has been working with her to assure her that sometimes these things just happen. Mea is shy but can be handled with encouragement and patience.

TONYA

TAG NO. 08-12309

Tiny Tonya came to us as a stray. She is sensitive and appears to have a low pain threshold. Still, if you treat her gently, she will blossom into a beloved pet. Tonya is heartworm positive (it's treatable) but qualifies for the "Max Fund," which will pay for her treatment.

These animals already may have found homes. The Hawaiian Humane Society and McInerny Dog Park at 2700 Wai'alae Ave. are open weekdays, weekends and holidays. See www.hawaiianhumane.org or call 946-2187.

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