Four Season Pet Care
As the year passes, the needs of our dogs change. The temperature changes and other seasonal issues definitely can pose some hazards for your pet. Unless you live in an area where the weather is almost always constant, the following tips can help you accommodate your pet's needs through the year.
The scorching heat of summer can make us all a bit miserable at times, but unlike dogs, at least humans have a built-in system of sweat glands that help them cool off. Dogs do have some sweat glands, mostly in their paws, but this doesn't really help them control their overall body temperature. Providing shady spots to relax outside or allowing them to bask in the joy of an air-conditioned house are good options. Dogs need plenty of water in the summertime, and it's also not a bad idea to shorten the length of their fur during the hottest months. Be sure to never leave your dog in a hot car as this is a very common and tragic cause of pet death. If your dog craves a daily walk, just keep it a bit shorter and opt for early morning or at twilight, when the temperature drops.
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.
The scorching heat of summer can make us all a bit miserable at times, but unlike dogs, at least humans have a built-in system of sweat glands that help them cool off. Dogs do have some sweat glands, mostly in their paws, but this doesn't really help them control their overall body temperature. Providing shady spots to relax outside or allowing them to bask in the joy of an air-conditioned house are good options. Dogs need plenty of water in the summertime, and it's also not a bad idea to shorten the length of their fur during the hottest months. Be sure to never leave your dog in a hot car as this is a very common and tragic cause of pet death. If your dog craves a daily walk, just keep it a bit shorter and opt for early morning or at twilight, when the temperature drops.
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 discover dog leash training videos online, please check out the TheDogsWay website today.
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