Keep Dogs Healthy, Safe and Comfortable During The “Dog” Days of Summer
According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, The “Dog Days” are based on astronomy. They list the traditional timing of the Dog Days as the 40 days beginning July 3 and ending August 11, coinciding with the rising of the Dog Star, Sirius.

However, the rising of Sirius does not actually affect the weather.  In Georgia and other places in the Southeast, we have some of our hottest and most humid days occurring after August 11, but the ancient Egyptians saw Sirius appeared just before the season of the Nile’s flooding, so they used the star as a “watchdog” for that event.

Today, the average person does not use the stars to predict when it will be hot or humid; we know the weather will bring days we need to take extra steps to keep our fur babies healthy and comfortable during the extra hot days of summer.

Here are our tips for dog-friendly “Dog Days of Summer!”

• Vet Visits are a good thing
  • Keep your fur babies healthy with annual visits to their vet. During the summer, dogs can suffer from allergies,     hot spots and rashes just like us. Stay on top of any signs of illness and visit the vet as soon as possible.  This is
    especially true if you are starting a vacation and your dog will be traveling to an unfamiliar city.
• Stay up to date on vaccines, heartworm, tick and flea protection
  • Each protects your dog from diseases which can endanger their health and life.  During the summer months, ticks can be more prevalent in wooded and humid areas.
  • When you come back inside from walking check yourself and your pets too
• Prepare for the trip
  • Traveling with your dog requires more than packing-up a few things and hitting the road.  Prepare your pet by taking smaller trips around the city to get them acclimated to being in the car.  Sudden movements and the motion of the car, in general, can cause anxiety in dogs.
  • Research the location you are planning to visit.  Hotels, beaches, dog parks, local vet (emergency vets in particular, just in case.)
  • Research places to stay, dog parks and dog-friendly beaches
    – www.Bringfido.com
    – www.Officialpethotel.com
    – Check the tourism/visitor website for beaches in the location you are visiting

• Bring along all the things you’ll need – Pack a bag for your dogs too
  

  Bring along all the pet supplies you’ll need during the trip. Remember to bring items your dog is familiar with to keep him comfortable and less anxious.

  •  Food & water bowls
  • Toys & doggie bed
  •  Treats
  • Medicines
• Know what’s foods are toxic for dogs
  • Grapes
  •  Onions
  • Chocolate
  •  Saw palmetto plants
  •  Check ASPCA website – American Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
• Call ahead to ensure you all details correct
  • Do not rely upon only the information you research online.  Give a call to accommodations where you will stay.  Call the local vet you are considering as an option if your pet gets ill. Call the local tourism office and ask questions.  You will get more details and information by talking with someone.  And, you’ll most likely get a dog-friendly person on the phone too.
• No puppy dogs in hot cars
  • 

    Photo by Tetyana Sadovenko

    While this goes without saying, it must be mentioned.  It takes minutes for the temperature inside the car to get to an unbearable level.  And, in no time without water, your pet’s ability to stay calm and regulate his/her temperature is diminished.  Without water and a cooler temperature, they are likely to succumb to the conditions and die.

• Give them a break on long trips
  • On road trips stop along the way to walk your dog and for potty breaks.  It’s good for them to stretch their legs and walk around, and it’s good for you too.
• Spend time with your fur baby
  • They are coming along on the trip because you want them near.  Vacations can be busy with everyone running from one fun event to another one.  Take time to share cuddles, scratches and one-on-one time with your dog.  They love it and enjoy the time with you.
• At home, remember you can help keep
  • Doggie pools and grooming can be relaxing
  • Keep your fur puppies happy and cool.