keep them safe and healthy by avoiding the hot midday hours,
providing them with shade and fresh water, not leaving them in
a hot car and avoiding intense exercise in direct sunlight during
peak hours (10 a.m. – 3 p.m.).
Dogs can become overheated quite quickly in the Florida
sun, so educate yourself about what’s safe for them. Darker
dogs, overweight dogs, senior dogs and dogs with heavier coats
may overheat more quickly than other dogs. Carry fresh water,
know your dog’s limits, and know the signs of heat stroke.
If the pavement or sand is too hot for your feet, it is too hot
for your dog’s paws! Think about the discomfort of walking
barefoot over hot sand or asphalt… our four legged friends are
not immune to this pain. Use your best judgement about when
and where to walk or exercise your dog.
I once saw a man yelling at his puppy to sit down and stay
still on blistering hot pavement while he attempted to clean up
after it. The young pup’s feet were clearly being burned by the
hot pavement. I politely said, “Sir, the pavement is extremely
hot and is burning your puppy’s feet—making him squirm.” The
man became angry and yelled at me, then carried on fussing at
his puppy. I’ve always felt sorry for that puppy and all the other
animals that suffer due to humans not being more attuned to
their needs. The bottom line is that as a dog owner, you are
responsible for their safety and comfort!
The hot summer months are also a breeding ground for pests.
Fleas, ticks and mosquitos can bring about many problems for
pets. Fleas and ticks can cause discomfort, excessive itching
or biting that can lead to hot spots and skin infections among
other things. Mosquitos put them at risk for heartworms, so it
is important to find a method of prevention that works for your
dog. There are many options on the market to choose from.
Aside from preventatives, I personally love a concoction of
apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil, witch hazel and lavender or
rosemary oil to help keep the pests at bay. I use this for my
dogs year round as well as for myself. It is eco-friendly, contains
no questionable ingredients and costs less than traditional
repellents.
Many trails in Northeast Florida provide shade that helps
to keep dogs cooler, but trails have their own caveats as well.
Aside from ticks and mosquitos, many other creatures call
Northeast Florida home. Northeast Florida is full of potentially
dangerous wildlife from poisonous snakes, bears, raccoons and
hogs as well as other critters.
Do a little research before hitting the trails; call ahead and
ask a park ranger if the area is known for potentially dangerous
wildlife. For example, they should be able to tell you if the area
is known for pygmy rattlesnakes or black bears. It is important
to be aware and take proper precautions to keep your dog(s)
safe.
Kate Godfrey is the face behind Wagging Tails & Pattering Paws:
Dog Walking, Humane Dog Training and Pet Sitting L.L.C. Godfrey a
local holistic and humane dog trainer offering dog walking, exercising
and pet sitting. Godfrey offers discounts for adopters/rescuers and is
licensed, bonded and insured. Godfrey is available by phone at (904)
236-3780 or oneline at jaxdogwalk@gmail.com and www.jaxdogwalk.
com.
VILLAGE JEWELER
Jewelry & Fine Gifts
DOG WALKING / HUMANE TRAINING / PET SITTING
Licensed, Bonded, and Insured
References Available
Holistic and Humane Dog Training,
Dog Walking/Exercising, and Pet Sitting
Call Kate Today!
904.236.3780
jaxdogwalk@gmail.com
www.jaxdogwalk.com
Follow us on Instagram!
@jaxdogwalk
Training discounts for adopted & rescued dogs!
Visit Our New Showroom
in Sawgrass Village
Suite 610 on Front Street
next to Chase Bank
285-4812
First Coast Register | June - July 2015 47