Summer Fun – Summer Safety Last month I shared some tips to keep your dog cool during these hot summer days.  One of the reasons why we should be so concerned with keeping our canine friends safe and cool is the prevention of Heat Stroke. Signs of heat stroke include but are not limited to: body temperatures of 104-110F degrees, excessive panting, dark or bright red tongue and gums, staggering, stupor, seizures, bloody diarrhea or vomiting, coma, death.  Brachycephalic breeds (the short-nosed breeds, such as Bulldogs and Pugs), large heavy-coated breeds, and those dogs with heart or respiratory problems are more at risk for heat stroke. If you suspect heat stroke in your dog, seek Veterinary attention immediately!  Use cool water, not ice water, to cool your dog.  Very cold water will cause constriction of the blood vessels and impede cooling.  Do not aid cooling below 103F degrees – some dogs can actually get Hypothermic, too cold.  Offer ice cubes for the dog to lick on until you can reach your veterinarian.  Just because your dog is cooled and “appears” OK, do NOT assume everything is fine.  Internal organs such as liver, kidneys, brain, etc., are definitely affected by the body temperature elevation, and blood tests along with veterinary examination are needed to assess this.  There is also a complex blood problem, called DIC (Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation) that can be s secondary complication to heat stroke that can be fatal. Bottom line, Prevention is the key!  Find ways to keep your canine friend safe and cool these hot days.  Check out last month’s tail tips in the archive for further ideas.

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A Dog’s Prayer For dog lovers everywhere, enjoy TO:  GOD FROM:  THE DOG Dear God:  Why do humans smell the flowers, but seldom, if ever, smell one another? Dear God:  When we get to heaven, can we sit on your couch?  Or is it still the same old story? Dear God:  Why are there cars named after jaguar, the cougar, the mustang, the colt, the stingray, and the rabbit, but not ONE named for a dog?  How often do you see a cougar riding around?  We do love a nice ride!  Would it be so hard to rename the “Chrysler Eagle” to the “Chrysler Beagle”? Dear God:  If a dog barks his head off in the forest and no human hears him, is he still a bad dog? Dear God:  More meatballs, less spaghetti, please. Dear God:  Are there mailmen in Heaven?  If there are, will I have to apologize? Dear God:  Let me give you a list of just some of the things I must remember to be a good dog. COMMANDMENTS FOR DOGS: I will not eat the cats’ food before they eat it, or after they throw it up. I will not roll on dead seagulls, fish, crabs, etc., just because I like the way they smell. I will not munch of “leftovers” in the kitty litter box, even though they are tasty. The diaper pail is not a cookie jar. The sofa is not a “face towel”.  Neither are Mom and Dad’s laps. The garbage collector is not stealing our stuff. My head does not belong in the refrigerator. I will not bite the officer’s hand when he reaches in for Mom’s driver’s license and registration. I will not play tug-of-war with Dad’s underwear when he is on the toilet. Sticking my nose into someone’s crotch is an unacceptable way of saying “Hello”. I don’t need to suddenly stand straight up when I’m under the coffee table. I must shake the rainwater out of my fur BEFORE entering the house – NOT after. I will not throw up in the car. I will not come in from outside and immediately drag my butt. I will not sit in the middle of the living room and lick my crotch when we have company. The cat is not a “squeaky toy”, so when I play with him and he makes that noise, it usually is not a good thing. And finally God I have one more question: Why do humans only have 10 commandments and dogs have 16?

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        Games to Play

Every time you are interacting with your dog it is developing a relationship.  Try some of these fun games that both you and your dog will enjoy, and make the relationship a life long bond of friendship.

1. Back and Forth Recall.  Someone holds you dog while you run away (a short distance), play with a squeaky toy, turn your back on your dog and play with the toy, then turn around and face your dog.  Squat down, smile with your eyes, and call your dog with “Name, Come”.  Your dog by this time should be jumping, and trying desperately to get to you.
2. Keep Away.  Use your eyes, body language, and a toy to get your puppy to chase you while you keep running around and behind objects.  The goal is to keep away from your dog, while they try as hard as they can to catch you.  Let them catch you to play before they give up and walk away.
3. Hide and Seek.  When your dog isn’t looking, hide on him and call his name.  When he finds you, give rewards verbal excitement, treats, or play with a toy.
4. One-Two-Three Get It.  Tease your dog with a toy, until your dog is lunging and focused on the toy, then toss it and say “Get It” while you race to get the toy first.  If your dog is too fast it may help to have someone else hold the collar while you get a head start.
5. Where is the toy?  Hide toys in a closet or drawer.  Walk over to that spot with your dog and ask where is the ______________ (squeaky, ball, Frisbee, Kong).  Pull it out of the drawer and play with it.  Tease your dog so that they want that toy so badly, and then put it in the hiding spot, and walk away.  Eventually your dog will respond to certain names of the toys, their vocabulary just grew