SIT AND STAY

SPRING IS IN THE AIR!

Time to take steps to protect your dog as temperatures climb

The birds are singing, the flowers are blooming, the sun is shining and the temperatures are rising. It is so wonderful to get outside and enjoy the season especially with your dog(s).
But, spring does bring with it new concerns for your dog’s safety. Some issues to consider are: protecting your dog from the heat, insects, pesticides and accidents.
To protect your dog from the heat make sure your dog has plenty of water at all times. Since your dog must be able to pant in order to cool itself NEVER leave a muzzle on your dog for more than twenty minutes. itself NEVER leave a muzzle on your dog for more than twenty minutes.
A muzzle should not be used to control barking. This will not correct the behavior and can cause death.
Another situation that can quickly kill your dog is leaving him inside a car even with the windows cracked. The temperature inside a car quickly elevates to lethal levels.
Imagine sitting in your car on an 80 degree day wearing a fur coat. Do you think a cracked window is going to cool you? If you must run into a store for even five minutes leave your car running with the air conditioning on for your dog.
Unfortunately we can’t have spring without insects. Fleas, ticks mosquitoes OH MY! What’s a dog to do?
Take your dog to the vet for some preventative medication. Ask about a flea and tick repellent and heartworm prevention.
We all want to have a beautiful looking lawn however it should not be at the expense of our dog. Pesticides are dangerous and can cause our dogs to become extremely ill and eventually can be deadly with prolonged exposure. If you see posted signs warning of pesticide application make sure your dog avoids the property.
Some accidents can be prevented by not allowing your dog to roam. Either confine your dog in a fenced area or have your dog on a leash or tie out.
A roaming dog can cause an automobile accident, encounter a wild animal, bite a person or someone’s pet or cause an unwanted pregnancy. For the health and well being of your pets please neuter or spayed them. Neutered males are less likely to roam.
The Monroe County Parks Department is having a Paws in the Park Dog Walk to support dog parks in Monroe County which will be held on Sunday, June 1st from 10am-2pm at Genesee Valley Park. I will have a table at his event, feel free to stop by and say “hi”.
If you have any questions call Scooter’s . School of Sit & Stay at (585) 755-7647 or visit www.sitandstay.org.