As the seasons change, we often must adapt our lives around the alterations in weather conditions. Our pets also must deal with the consequences of seasonal weather, and to help ensure their comfort and safety, here are some tips for every kind of weather.
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.
Once winter's ice has melted and we turn our attention to the joy of Spring, our pets might need a bit of consideration during this season as well. For example, just like you might be allergic to the beautiful new blossoms springing up everywhere, your pet likewise could suffer from pollen allergies. Wipe off dirty paws as soon as your doggie enters the house and consider a weekly bath for your pooch. Clean their bedding frequently as well to limit the pollen or other irritants. Also be on the lookout for the arrival of bees and wasps, which are prevalent throughout the Spring and Summer.
Autumn is a beautiful time and we often enjoy a happy walk under the blanket of colorful trees. During this season, two of the biggest hazards occur during specific holidays, such as Halloween and Thanksgiving. Halloween candy should be kept far away from pets as many of the ingredients are highly toxic for your dog. Likewise, it is not wise to allow your dog to nibble from the Thanksgiving table either, as these fatty, sugary foods are not the best choices for your hound.
If you have a rascally hound that loves to cavort in the flower beds and cannot wait to hit the park and dive into bushes and head off trail on hiking trips, this can be a big problem at any time of year. Dogs can come into contact with ticks, other animals, scratchy bushes and plants and toxins. To keep your pet from running off, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. You can prevent these problems with proper obedience training using a dog training program. The Dog's Way, for instance, is an easy option as it is a set of dog training DVDs that provides clear, easy-to-follow lessons that you can do at home. After a few weeks of training, you dog will be a safer and happier animal.
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.
Once winter's ice has melted and we turn our attention to the joy of Spring, our pets might need a bit of consideration during this season as well. For example, just like you might be allergic to the beautiful new blossoms springing up everywhere, your pet likewise could suffer from pollen allergies. Wipe off dirty paws as soon as your doggie enters the house and consider a weekly bath for your pooch. Clean their bedding frequently as well to limit the pollen or other irritants. Also be on the lookout for the arrival of bees and wasps, which are prevalent throughout the Spring and Summer.
Autumn is a beautiful time and we often enjoy a happy walk under the blanket of colorful trees. During this season, two of the biggest hazards occur during specific holidays, such as Halloween and Thanksgiving. Halloween candy should be kept far away from pets as many of the ingredients are highly toxic for your dog. Likewise, it is not wise to allow your dog to nibble from the Thanksgiving table either, as these fatty, sugary foods are not the best choices for your hound.
If you have a rascally hound that loves to cavort in the flower beds and cannot wait to hit the park and dive into bushes and head off trail on hiking trips, this can be a big problem at any time of year. Dogs can come into contact with ticks, other animals, scratchy bushes and plants and toxins. To keep your pet from running off, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. You can prevent these problems with proper obedience training using a dog training program. The Dog's Way, for instance, is an easy option as it is a set of dog training DVDs that provides clear, easy-to-follow lessons that you can do at home. After a few weeks of training, you dog will be a safer and happier animal.
About the Author:
Garrett McMahan enjoys watching dog show. For more information regarding the best dog training DVDs, or to find dog leash training videos online, please check out the TheDogsWay website now.
This article collected, selected and written by: Author Van Hoc
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