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Summer will officially begin this Tuesday, June 21, and to help the humans usher in the first official week of the season we expect canine friends to accompany them to beaches, rivers and lakes. Dr. Bruce Hoskins, of the Croton Animal Hospital reminds pet owners that summer is also a time to pay attention to your pets safety and well being around water and in the heat.
The first step in bringing your dog to a park, of course, is to check to see if dogs are allowed. In Croton, the closest dog park is Black Rock Park off of Quaker Bridge Road, this park hugs the Croton River. In Cortlandt Manor, your closest option is the Cortlandt Dog Park at Sprout Brook Park, on Sprout Brook Road.
Dr. Hoskins second, and perhaps less innate tip, is to check for water quality reports and strong currents, which could be more prevalent because of this year's especially rainy spring. They ingest a lot of the same bacterial contaminants that we shouldnt have in our bodies, says Hoskins. Along those same lines, Hoskins said to make sure to bring potable water for your pets. I wouldnt let my dog exercise anywhere theres standing, muddy water, this and small ponds are the most likely ways for your dog to pick up a bacteria commonly carried by wild animals, like deer or opossums.
For swimming, try bringing colorful toys that dont look like anything else in the water, why make it hard? says Hoskins. We have all picked the stick up off the beach and thrown it into the water, but diving for sticks and toys can be dangerous, even for dogs who dont mind it. You could even try tying a light nylon rope to the end of toys, so if a dog gets a little overzealous about fetching in a strong current you can reel it back in.
Owners who frequently bring their dog boating, especially sailing, says Hoskins, should consider doggy life vests. English bulldogs are notoriously poor swimmers, and it could be risky to bring them sailing, where it is harder to quickly turn a boat around.
Finally, dogs, just like humans, can get heat exhaustion or burn. White breeds, like poodles, are prone to burning, where breeds with short faces, like pugs or English bulldogs, are more likely to overheat. Good Samaritans often call police when a dog is panting inside of a hot car in the summer, and not uncommonly police break the window to get the dog out. Light skinned dogs can develop cancers from long term sun exposure, a good way to prevent this is using a sunscreen, such as Pet Guard Gel, which is specially designed for animals.
Panting, confusion, racing heart, collapse and elevated body temperature are all symptoms of heat exhaustion, just like in humans, and the owner should seek immediate medical attention. Owners should also use tepid water when trying to cool down their overheated dog, not ice water, as this can adversely affect the dogs natural way of cooling down.
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