Category: Pet Water Safety and Cooling:

Summer Water Pet Safety

We are on our way to some very hot summer days.  If you are anything like me, I am sure that you will be spending plenty of days outside in the sun.  My dog likes these sunny days just as much as I do.  But it is important that you take certain to ensure that your pet has a safe summer. 

 

First, be sure that your dog is always hydrated.  Hot weather can make your dog feel very comfortable.  Remember to either bring your dog’s water bowl outside.  This will discourage him from drinking pool water which can be detrimental to your dog’s health.  Be sure to constantly refill the water to ensure that it stays clean.  Also make sure that the water is cold.  My dog likes when I put ice in his water bowl, so you can test this out and see if your dog likes it too!

 

If your dog likes swimming in the deep end of a pool, be sure to hook up the Skamper Ramp for Pets to the side of your pool.  Many dogs have trouble getting out of the water, and if you are not always there to pull your dog out this can become a drowning hazard.  Using the Skamper Ramp for Pets ensures that your pet can always get out of the pool when you are not there to assist them.  You can get the ramp in a regular size or large size, depending on the size of your dog.  While the Skamper Ramp is perfect for allowing your dog a safe exit out of the pool, please never leave your dog unattended at the pool.

Some dogs may be afraid of the water.  If you want your dog to play in the pool, consider getting some dog pool toys.  If your dog is new to swimming, do not allow him to play in the deep end.  Throw some toys around in the shallow end.  Your dog might like the water buddy dog, which comes in different shapes and different bright summer colors.

 

Remember to never let your dog swim without supervision.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summer Pet Safety

During the summer, there is an increase in pet accidents and injuries because more pets are outside. 

Do not leave your pet outside unsupervised unless he is in a safe enclosed fenced area.   Pets need time to get acclimated to the summer heat.  Be certain to have a shaded area that your pet can rest under without the hot sun beating down on him.   Remember that the sun moves so make sure he has shade all day. If the weather is over 80 degrees, let you pet come inside to cool off or even stay inside all day.

Never let you pet run loose. This is how pets get in fights with other dogs or animals, can bite people or get hit by a vehicle.  Always have your pet on a leash when you are walking him.

Most important is to make sure cool, clean, fresh water is available.  Many different outdoor dog waterers are available. The WaterDog Outdoor Pet Fountain operates automatically. The WaterDog actually will sense your dog’s approach to it for water.  It uses smart sonar sensing technology to trigger the WaterDog to turn on when you pet approaches within 3 feet.  It turns off automatically when your pet leaves.  The WaterDog connects easily and quickly to any outdoor faucet. It als includes a flow-through connector to accommodate a garden hose as well. The WaterDog operates on foud C-cell batteries and will last for up to one year.

A more basic outdoor waterer is the EverFull Bowl Auto Waterer This automatic dog watering system easily attaches to your garden hose. Simply attach the 3/4 foot hose to your garden hose, turn on the tapand the bowl automatically fills to the same level, no overflowing, every time your pet takes a drink. The extra large pan is constructed from galvanized steel with the dimesons of  17 L x 17 W x 3.75 H in inches.

NEVER LEAVE YOUR PET IN A CAR in warm weather. Even with the windows cracked open, your car can become a death trap for your pet.  Even in the shade, a car can be 10 to 20 degrees hotter than outdoors, and cracking the window has almost NO effect. At a pleasant 72 degrees, a car in direct sun can reach an internal temperature of 116 in a few minutes.   At 90 degrees outside, the interior of a vehicle can heat up to 160 degrees within several minutes. A dog’s normal temperature is around 101.  Once a dog’s body temperature gets over about 106 the result is  everything from nerve damage, heart problems, liver damage, systemic organ failure,  and death.  It happens within a matter of minutes.