How to keep Spot safe and happy during the summer

by Adrienne Saia Isaac

The list of ways that owning a dog benefits us is a long and varied one. It includes physical health, mental health and emotional health, and affects us at all ages.

For example, a 2005 study published in the journal Respiratory Medicine suggests pet ownership could reduce children’s risk of developing asthma, and research from Queen’s University in Belfast, suggests dog owners tend to have lower blood pressure and cholesterol (not to mention providing an excuse to chat up other dog owners at the local park). Research also seems to show that owners suffer fewer minor ailments and serious medical problems. Not a bad trade-off for all of those early morning walks.

Considering how much we owe man’s best friend for helping us stay happy and healthy, it only makes sense that we return the favor and make sure Spot stays safe — and has fun — this summer.

TRAINING
Summer is a great time to be out with your pet, but a canine companion running amok makes for an uncomfortable — and possibly dangerous — situation for you, your pet and the people Fido is chasing.

“If you’ve taken some sort of class or have some skill set, it really makes it so much more fun for both you and your dog because you feel confident,” says Lindsay Wood, director of Animal Training and Behavior at the Humane Society of Boulder Valley.

They recommend positive reinforcement when training your dog;  reward your dogs whenever they demonstrate a behavior you like.

“You figure out what motivates them,” says Wood. “Every dog is motivated by something. It could be simply attention from you, but most likely it’s something else, like food or a specific toy.”

Wood suggests teaching two essential behaviors: “leave it” and “stay.” The command “leave it” teaches your dog to avoid dangers on the trail, such as snakes or bones that he might want to pick up in his mouth. The command “stay” is essential for keeping your dog safe since you never know what you’re going to encounter when you’re on the trails.

“That’s a real life saver,” says Wood.

SUN SAFETY
We get about 300 days of sun a year, but our bright skies can be dangerous for our canine companions.
Veterinarian Jennifer Bolser says to look for signs that your dog may need to get inside.

“Panting is a dog’s way of sweating so it’s a good thing,” she says, “but when you’ve done too much for a dog, instead of wanting to chase that ball, they’ve decided to lay down.”

Bolser also says that short-faced breeds, such as bulldogs and boxers, are more prone to suffering from heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Dogs can also get sunburned, especially on pink-nosed or lighter-skinned dogs. Apply kid-friendly sunscreen on their snouts throughout the day. If your dog is fair-skinned, try to limit their sun exposure between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. when the sun is at its peak.

HIKING
We love getting outdoors and bringing our canines with us. But we need to get our dogs as in shape and prepared as we are.

“There is a certain amount of time you take when prepping for hikes,” says Wood, “and [dogs] need that prep time as much as you to build up their stamina and endurance, especially at altitude.”

Start off slowly to build your dog’s endurance, increasing mileage and altitude with each hike.
She also suggests carrying water and a first aid kit. The kit should include bandages, saline solution to clean cuts or wounds and an antihistamine in case of a bee sting. But that’s the only human medication you should give your dog. Leave the Advil and Tylenol in your pack and out of Fido’s reach — they can be lethal to your pooch.

And remember that we’re not the only animals on the trail! Exercise caution when it comes to big predators. Bolser suggests talking or buying your dog a bell to wear on the trail as a deterrent. Predators theoretically hear the sound and run away before you know they’re around.

GEAR
Hiking is easier when you’re not stuck with all the gear. Companies such as REI make “doggie backpacks,” perfect to carry Fido’s food, bowls and first aid kit. You want to build your dog’s stamina gradually, though.

“[Backpacking] is a great way for them to build up some stamina, too,” says Wood. “But remember that the additional weight is going to make the adventure a little bit harder on them.”
She and Bolser suggest adding weight gradually. The amount of stuff you can add depends on the dog’s physical fitness, weight and the existence of other problems like arthritis.

“Add food and a little bit of weight each time,” says Bolser. “You don’t want to slow them down or add too much.”

Getting in major miles can be difficult on your canine’s paws, as well. They don’t have the advantage of throwing on a pair of Keen boots, but we can make them somewhat more comfortable.

“One thing you might consider is teaching your dog to wear booties,” says Wood, “especially if you’re doing hikes over varied terrain.”

WATER SAFETY
Practice common sense when letting your dog in the creek.

“There’s certain times when the creek is really rushing and I wouldn’t let my dog in,” says Wood.

Even athletic dogs can be carried away by swift currents. Keep your dog on a six-foot leash if they’re insistent on jumping in.

Bolser also suggests using a doggie life vest when out in lakes or open water.

“Having identification on your pet is key and training your dog before you go out is probably more important than anything,” she says.

Make sure your dog is attracted to safe bodies of water when you’re out and about.

“It’s really tough to keep active outdoor dogs from drinking out of streams,” Bolser says. “Choosing fresh water like running streams is better than a standing pool of muck.”

If your dog does get into an icky puddle, watch for diarrhea — your pooch might have caught giardia or leptospirosis. For the latter, you can choose annually to vaccinate your dog. Talk with your vet to see if vaccination is the right option for you.

If you’re still looking for a canine companion, we suggest local rescues like the Humane Society of Boulder Valley. They also offer a wide range of outdoor training classes and veterinary services. For more information about adoption or keeping your dog healthy, call 303-442-4030, or visit www.boulderhumane.org.

Respond: info@boulderganic.com

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