PIERRE'S "THE BARK"

Memorial Day Weekend is coming and I would just like to remind people about pets during the summer days.

Please don't leave your pet locked in your car even while you run into the store to get a quick item-even if you leave the window open.  It can get real hot on the inside of the car real fast.  Even if you have air-conditioning in your car it is not a good idea.  Mom told me of the Police Officer in Florida that left the Police dog in his car with the air-conditioning running while he got a quick lunch.  When he came out some how the engine had gone off and the Police dog had died.  The Officer didn't mean to do it-but it could happen to anyone.  In some states it is against the law to leave your pet in a locked car.

When taking your pet make sure you have plenty of fresh, clean water when it's hot out doors.  Also make sure that your pet is in a shady area and out of the sun.  Don't let yours pet get overexercised in the heat.

Don't let your pet jump into the pool or run into the lake unsupervised-some dogs aren't good swimmers.  Make sure you introduce your pet to water gradually and make sure your pet wears a flotation device if you are taking it in your boat. When you dog comes out of the water, rinse your dog off to remove chlorine or salt off their fur.  Also try to keep your pet from drinking pool water as chemicals could cause stomach upset.

You may trim your pet shorter in the summer months, but don't shave your pet.  Our dog coats protect us against overheating and sunburn.  If you brush your cats more often than usual during the summer, this can prevent the problem caused by excessive heat.  If you use any sunscreen or insect repellent on your pets, make sure it is labeled specifically for use on animals.

When it gets real hot don't let your dogs linger on hot asphalt.  With paws so close to the ground could make the dog's body heat rise up more quickly, and sensitive paw pads , like mine, can burn.  Try to keep these walks to a minimum during these hot times of the day.

Beware of commonly used flea and tick products, mouse or rat bates, lawn and garden insecticides can be harmful to cats and dogs if ingested. Be careful when walking your dog, steer clear of areas that might have been sprayed with insecticides or other chemicals.  Also keep citronella candles, oil products and insect coils out of pets' reach as well.  Call your veterinarian if you suspect your animal has ingested any poisonous material.

Which leads to, please carry your veterinarian phone number on your cell phone.  You never know when you might need it and a dog or cat emergency might make you forget the number.  If it's on your cell phone you can just push the number.

When taking your dog to a barbeque or party remember that the food and drink offered to humans may be poisonous to pets.  Keep alcoholic beverages, snack foods, raisins, grapes, onions, chocolate and products with the sweetener xylitol away front pets.  It could make them get severe digestive ailments or poisoning.

The old rule: Love me, love my pet, may not be good if you are staying at someone's house that does not like animals or is allergic to them.  Also, it's not fair that their cat is locked in a room while your dog has the run of the house.  Make sure your pet is welcome before going to someone's home.

This also goes for hotels and motels.  Make sure they accept pets before going there.  Just because they took pets the previous year, doesn't mean they do now.  Also make sure your led your pets by the hotel or motel rules and regulations.  Walk you pet in the areas they allow and pick up after your pet. Also keep them quiet during sleeping hours.

If you are camping, also make sure you are in the pet area and obey the rules.  No one likes to go out and step into some dog poop.  So please clean up after your pets.  Make sure your dog is quiet and doesn't bark during the night.

Make sure your bring some pet toys, dog food, dog cookies,  dog dishes and some water from home.  That way you don't have to worry about your pet not eating or drinking like normal.  Sometimes we like to stick to the same old foods and water even though we are traveling.

When traveling make sure your pet is in the back of the car not on the front seat.  This way it will not be distracting you and won't get injured if you have to stop fast.  In some states it is against the law to have you pet in the front seat.

Don't take your pets to fireworks and never have them around your pets.  Exposure to fireworks can result in severe burns or trauma to curious pet and even unused fireworks can be hazardous.

If it is really too hot, please don't take your pet with you. Even thought your pet looks so sad and wants to go with you - it will still be glad to see you when you come home. Also, take care that there are some people out there that would steal pets today, so make sure your pet is with you and not roaming around where someone could grab it.

These are just some suggestions. If you have any you would like to add, please feel free to put them in comments.  Some we have are from the ASPCA and some are from my Mom.  Hope this helps you and your pets have a great time during the summer months.

Love,
Pierre


JEAN HAS A POST WITH THE RECIPE TOMORROW.