LIL’ BUDDY’S BLOG – “HOT FUN IN THE SUMMERTIME!”
LIL’ BUDDY’S BLOG – "HOT FUN IN THE SUMMERTIME!"
THE CHICAGO REAL ESTATE MARKET AND OTHER THINGS CHICAGO FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF A LITTLE WHITE DOG!
I love to write my Lil’ Buddy’s Blog each week you know. But in the summertime it’s often time for outdoor activities. (You wouldn’t know it by looking at me however – as you can see I’m as white as a ghost!)
Often times however I find troubling stories on the web and get dozens of e-mails from you four-pawed canines (and an occasional kitty or two) about others they know that got sick and even nearly died from too much heat or sun exposure on hot summer days.
The last week in Chicago has been quite steamy – high temperatures in the mid-90’s! It’s time once again to review the advice of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Maria-Elena Cloherty and her thoughts on how to care for your pets in the hot summer weather.
I always tell Dean and Sue when they bring me on long car trips to The Dean’s Team World Headquarters – in a basement on Western Avenue – to bring adequate water for me on the ride over. It’s best to bring a non-spill travel bowl with ice chips rather than water so the front seat doesn’t get too wet in case I get a little crazy while driving. Also you dogs don’t eat a heavy meal prior to traveling. Too much food may lead to vomiting diarrhea and severe dehydration. Save the 42-ounce Porterhouse until after you get home!
Although I’m a roamer one who enjoys sticking my little head out of windows or even the sun roof – it makes good sense to consider a pet restraint for your car. I wouldn’t want to be thrown around the car or even out the window in case Dean gets distracted while blabbing on his cell phone you know! Pet stores sell special harnesses for dogs and crates for cats and smaller dogs.
A couple times a week I go out jogging with Dean. I often find this very invigorating and a great way to meet cute little females as well (boy that Bichon on McVicker Avenue was HOT! WOOF!) Consider using a harness as opposed to a leash and collar when joining your humans for a run. You know we dogs were built for short spurts of speed not long distance running. Take it easy – dogs need to be gradually worked up to longer jogs.
Headed to the beach? You humans need to scout a shady spot for us dogs to sit – heat prostration and sunburn can affect us four-pawed creatures just like you two-pawed ones! We dogs don’t really sweat you know except through the bottoms of our feet – we really rely on panting to keep us cool. Leaving us dogs on hot beach sand for long periods of time can cause burning of our little paw pads. Also when at the beach keep us dogs away from bits of food like chicken bones and used gum or sea shells – and especially salt water – it can have terrible consequences if we swallow it in large amounts!
Remember as well not all dogs swim very well. Bring a doggie flotation device if you are taking us out on the open water or in a swimming pool.
Last but not least be very concerned about fleas and ticks especially while in strange places! Products like Frontline Plus can help protect us dogs from these parasitic pests that can cause organ damage arthritis even death. Anti-pest products should be applied once every month or so when the temperature is consistently above 40 degrees. Also you humans periodically comb out our fur every couple of days to check for hiding insects sores or rashes. If you find anything that looks strange or is not easy to remove call your vet right away.
In any event – enjoy the summer you dogs! Make sure your humans take you out to have some fun while the summer is still around. In Chicago the hot weather doesn’t last forever you know!
YOUR ACE REPORTER ON FOUR PAWS
BUDDY HOLLY MOSS
