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jeudi 31 juillet 2014

A Dog For All Seasons: Some Helpful Tips

By Garrett McMahan


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.

For most dog owners, the most hazardous season is summer. The excessive heat can really take a toll on your beloved dog. After all, while people have many sweat glands to help them regulate body temperature, your dog only has a few of these glands and simply cannot cool off as efficiently. This is why dogs should never be left in a car on a hot day even with the windows rolled down. Dogs also should get their daily exercise during the cooler times of the day, such as early morning or after the sun sets. If possible, give your dog a new and shorter haircut during the summertime. If you do head out for a family picnic or some fun at the park, provide a source of shade and dish of water for your dog.

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.

When the weather begins to heat up and signs of Spring abound, there are other concerns for the dog owner. For one thing, as flowers begin to bloom, this attracts plenty of insects and some of these insects can harm your dog, such as wasps, hornets and bees. This can be quite dangerous, especially if your dog is stung on the tongue, which requires immediate medical attention. In addition to stings, pollen can cause discomfort for your dog just as it can for you. Wiping paws after a walk, gently wiping the nose and a bath with hypoallergenic shampoo can help reduce the effects of allergies, but some dogs do need medicine to alleviate seasonal allergies.

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.

Often pets encounter dangers simply because they lack proper training. An untrained dog might run into areas of wilderness in the local park and end up scratched or bitten by ticks. An untrained animal also might nibble on plants and flowers that could harm him or steal food from plates. Obedience training can prevent many dangerous occurrences in the life of your dog. With a dog training DVD system like The Dog's Way, you can quickly teach your dog to obey a variety of important commands immediately. This will ensure that your dog doesn't end up in a potentially life-threatening situation, and it makes life with a dog easier in general.




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