Warm weather is here and downright hot weather for some of us! With that comes many concerns for our dogs, and with the approaching Holiday there are things that are worth repeating for those new to the list since last year.

Naturally it has been hot for some time now across the states and all of you know it is a bad idea to leave dogs in hot cars. What we want to focus on are some alternatives so you can still take your dog with you. I still go to several training groups each week, shows etc. So my dogs need to come along. On short visits, I leave the Truck running with the AC on and take a spare key with me so I can lock the doors. I don’t want anyone letting my dogs out or stealing a running car! Although it would take quite the fool to decide to steal a truck full of Dobermans! I also hunt for Shady spots to park, even if it means walking a long distance. Some places you go your Dog would be welcome if you ask permission ahead of time or if it is a pet friendly location. I laughed hysterically yesterday when I went to the DMV, the first thing I saw was a sign on the door that said “No Pets” I tend to notice those kinds of things. Then I noticed right at the front counter a welsh corgi laying at some lady’s feet. It was not identified as a service animal, so I laughed. But many people will welcome your dog to their business if it is well mannered. The leading economists show businesses are recognizing pets as family more and more and welcoming them to draw customer loyalty. I think it is great so long as we only take dogs with good manners and don’t ruin it for everyone else. Also you may have learned the hard way, that uncontained pets in vehicles can make for some very costly repairs. Zenny once ate my cruise control and seatbelts in my Tahoe before I started putting up a barrier.

One thing I do after any summer exercise or even just coming in from outside is to wipe them down with wet towels in the hot summer it helps cool them off and don’t they look great with that glossy wet coat! So use some common sense, include your pets when you can, leave them when you can’t.

Also this time of year many people go camping and want to take the dogs. I think that is great so long as you don’t have a dog that likes to bark at everything and gets on other campers nerves, be polite and keep them on lead or in an exercise pen, or at your side all the time so you don’t intimidate others. Know there are risks and be prepared, such as snake bites, ticks, other wild animals that carry disease and may think your dog is dinner… RV camping is very dog friendly, tent camping can be, and so can backpacking if you are well prepared. I like having the dogs along for company, and they can warn me of dangers I am unaware of.

Now the fireworks warnings... They are loud and dangerous for dogs. My dogs do well with the noise of it all, since we work on that  for Schutzhund and other things, and they are so high in prey they like to chase anything that moves. You can certainly see the problem… Anyway, if your dog is afraid of loud noises, or if you are unsure, please don’t take them to a public park to watch fireworks, work on noises and manners in public first. If you are leaving to go watch a show somewhere, remember how terrifying it could be for a pet left home, make sure they are in a safe secure place where they can’t be hurt or hurt themselves. You also don’t want to develop lasting fears so consider all your options for a pet friendly fourth of July celebration.

This information was passed on to me and I want to share it with all of you

We all prepare ourselves for emergencies, but do your preparations include your pets?

Proper emergency planning can help save the life of your pet. The American Kennel Club has prepared the following checklists to help pet owners pack a portable pet first-aid kit and prepare for an emergency evacuation. Preparedness is important in any disaster situation and these checklists can be applied to any emergency that calls for evacuation from your home. Evacuation Checklist for Pets 

Dog medicine(s), i.e. heart worm, flea, ear mite medicine, etc. 

Dog Bowls 

Dog Food (1-week minimum, 2-week suggested), dog treats, etc. 

Can opener 

Leashes: walking leash, short leash 

Harness (to attach to seat belt) 

Extra dog tag, (masking tape, laundry pen) Cell #, Hotel # and Room # 

Pet records stored in waterproof container or plastic sealable bag 

Crate 

Dog bed/blanket/toys 

Supplies/paper towels, rug cleaner, toilettes, towels, flash light 

Current dog photograph(s) with your notification information: useful for fliers should your dog go missing or must be left at shelter 

Dog friendly hotel listings/ telephone lists 

Shampoo 

Litter/portable litter pan 

Duct tape 

Bottled water 

Pet First Aid Kit 

Portable First Aid Kit for Pets 

Water-proof storage container for kit 

Antiseptic/anti-bacterial cleansing wipes/Alcohol prep pads 

Eye wash 

Eye and skin wash in one 

A sock (foot wrapper) 

Latex surgical gloves 

Electrolyte powder (add to water on hot days) 

Emergency space blanket 

Small flashlight 

Bottled water 

Medicated balm 

Leash and collar 

Soft muzzle 

Speak to your vet about what to pack in case your dog has a sudden allergic reaction 

Flexible bandage 

Gauze roll 

Bandage scissors- to cut gauze and to clip hair around wounds 

Wood splint 

Paper towels 

Plastic baggies 

Small cold pack and hot pack (self activating) 

Cotton swabs 

Antibiotic ointment/packets 

Tweezers 

Space for copy of dog’s papers & vet records (sealed in plastic bag)

Stephen Parsons 
Quality Doberman Pinschers

www.familydobes.com

480-993-9797