THE NATIONAL DACHSHUND RACES - The "Official Website" of The National Dachshund Races - Did You Know? Safety Tips for your Pets!
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Did You Know? Safety Tips for your Pets!
The National Dachshund Race, Toni Gossard, founder & operator, along with the people at KGW Design Studio, care deeply about our Dachshund Companions as well as ALL breeds of dogs and ALL animals. We encourage you to be a responsible pet owner. You should take care of your companion as if they were your children by feeding him/her the right food, exercising him/her regularly, and taking him/her to the veterinarian for an annual wellness exam.
Unfortunately not everyone knows that certain exposure to items we encounter while doing normal, common daily activities in our lives ARE NOT safe for our companions or they should be taken into account as you make your plans. Some are normal and obvious and some are not.
The following are some tips you can use to ensure your pet stays healthy. These tips are not meant to replace those provided by your veterinarian and are meant as a guideline only. So if you are ever in doubt, please contact your vet, a breeder or consult one of the many fine bulletin boards that are online for advice. As we were always told, there are NO stupid questions big or small in this world. They turn into a stupid question when left unasked and it is then to late. So PLEASE LOOK, RESEARCH or ASK when in doubt!
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Hot weather (like extreme cold) can make us all uncomfortable. This poses special risks for your dog or cat. Keep the following safety concerns in mind as the temperature rises, and use these tips as a guideline to follow to keep your dog or cat cool and safe. *Remember, these are suggestions and are not meant to circumvent the recommendations of a trained professional. For more advice, ask your vet.
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If your dog or cat is outside on a hot day, ensure he/she has a shady spot to rest in. Doghouses are generally NOT good shelter during the summer as they trap heat inside. You may want to fill a child's wading pool with fresh water for your dog to cool off in. NEVER leave your dog or cat in a closed vehicle on a hot day. The temperature inside a car can quickly rise to over 100 degrees. Provide plenty of cool, fresh water. Like people, pets should avoid strenuous exercise on extremely hot days. Take walks in the early morning or evening hours, when the sun is less intense. Avoid prolonged exposure to hot asphalt or sand, which can burn your dog's and cat's paws. If at all possible, keep your pet inside with air-conditioning.
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Always make sure your pet's vaccinations are up to date. Dogs tend to stay outdoors longer (and sometimes cats) and they come into contact with other animals more frequently in the summer. Keep your pets off of lawns that have been chemically treated or fertilized for a minimum of 24-hours, and away from potentially toxic plants and flowers. Keep your pet well brushed and clean. Fleas, ticks and mosquitoes (which carry heartworm disease), are more prevalent in warmer months. Your veterinarian can recommend an effective preventive to keep these parasites off your pet.
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Always make sure your pet has a shady spot to rest and plenty of FRESH water. Dogs, especially those with short hair, can sunburn. Always limit your dogs exposure to direct sun during the day, apply sun block (like you would with people) to his/her ears and nose 30 minutes before going outside in the sun. If you are at a public beach, check with the lifeguard for daily water conditions. Dogs are easy targets for sea lice and jellyfish. Remember that running on the sand is strenuous exercise. A dog that is out of shape can easily pull a tendon or ligament, so keep an eye on your dogs activity. Do not let your dog drink seawater ever! The salt water WILL make him/her sick. If your pet does swim in salt water, rinse off his/her coat at the end of the day with fresh water. Also respect others - not all beaches permit dogs, so check local ordinances before heading out.
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Most dogs enjoy swimming, however you may find some cannot swim and others may simply hate the water. Be conscious of this and monitor your pets skills before trying to make him/her swim. If this is the first time you are swimming with your dog, start in shallow water (like you would prefer if it were you) and coax him/her in by calling his/her name. Toys and Treats will help however praise goes a LONG way. Alternatively, let him/her follow another experienced dog. This may be all the coaxing needed. NEVER throw your dog into the water (would you appreciate someone doing this to your child or yourself)? If your dog begins to paddle with just his/her front legs, lend a hand and lift his hind legs to help him/her float. Trust is important and with it, he/she will quickly catch on. Swimming (as it is for people) is hard work and he/she may tire quickly. Do not let your dog overdo it! If swimming in the ocean, always be conscious of the tides and be extremely careful of strong currents. If you have your own pool, make sure your dog knows where the stairs or ladders are located. When your pool is not in use, be certain the pool cover is firmly in place. Dogs have been known to slip in under openings in the cover and drown. Never leave your dog (like children) unattended in water.
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By Air - Many airlines will not ship animals during summer months due to dangers caused by hot weather. Some will only allow dogs to fly in the early morning or in the evening. Check with your airlines for specific rules as they do vary. If you do ship a dog, put icepacks or an ice blanket in the dog's crate. Two-liter bottles or 1/2 gallon milk cartons filled with water and then frozen work very well. Always provide a container of fresh water (a container of frozen water that will thaw over the course of the trip) works well.
By Car - HOT CARS CAN KILL PETS! We know you meant taking your pet along for a family car ride as a kind thing, but you could be risking his/her life. Keep your dog cool in the car by putting icepacks in his/her crate. Make sure the crate is well ventilated. Put a sunshade on your car windows. Bring along plenty of fresh water and a bowl. Keep a spray bottle filled with water to spritz your dog to cool him/her down. DO NOT let your pet have his/her head out the window! There have been many cases of dust, dirt, pebbles that have hit them and they can damage their eyes and even the breeze will dry out heir eyes and this is unhealthy for them even though they obviously like it so much. NEVER leave your pet (like a child) unattended in a locked vehicle! This can be life threatening!
By RV - If you leave your dog in an RV with the generator running, check it often or have a neighbor monitor it. Some manufacturers have devices that will notify you if the generator should malfunction. Better safe than sorry as the equipment in an RV can break down! Is it worth the risk? Never leave an RV or motor home (just like a car) completely shut up, even if the generator and AC are running. Crack a window or door or run the exhaust fan. NEVER, EVER leave a dog unattended in a vehicle in the summer months! Heatstroke and death can occur within minutes!
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Heatstroke can be the serious and often fatal result of a dog's prolonged exposure to excessive heat. This is preventable! Here are some of the warning signs of heatstroke and the actions you should take if your dog is overcome.
Early Stages: Heavy panting - Rapid breathing - Excessive drooling - Bright red gums and tongue - Spreading out in an attempt to maintain balance
Advanced Stages: White or blue gums - Lethargy - Uncontrollable urination or defecation - Labored, noisy breathing - Shock
If your dog begins to exhibit signs of heatstroke, immediately try to cool the dog down! Apply ice packs to the groin area. Hose him/her down with water. Allow the dog to lick ice chips or drink a small amount of water. If you cannot get the dog cooled down and you begin to see signs of advanced heatstroke, take the dog to the veterinarian immediately!
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Winters cold brings many additional concerns for us responsible pet owners. Keep the following precautions in mind:
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*Don’t leave your dog outside in the cold for long periods of time
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*Adequate shelter is a necessity!
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*Keep your dog warm, dry, and away from drafts
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*An outdoor dog house is no place for your pet!
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*Like with children, be extra careful when walking or playing with your pet near frozen lakes, rivers, or ponds. Your pet could slip or jump in and become seriously injured.
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This may sound strange, however groom your dog regularly especially in the winter. Your dog needs a well-groomed coat to keep properly insulated. Short haired dogs may even become extra cold, so consider a sweater or coat which are readily available. Longhaired dogs should have excess hair around the toes and footpads trimmed to ease snow removal and cleaning. A boot made of frozen snow may make you chuckle, however this is very damaging to your pets paws. If you are uncomfortable in doing the trimming yourself, have a groomer or your veterinarian do this for you. It is very reasonable in price to have this done and if you do it on your own, quality supplies are also easy to find.
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Do not be afraid to feed your dog additional calories if it spends a lot of time outdoors or is a working animal. It takes more energy in the winter to keep his/her body temperature regulated, so additional calories are necessary.
*Just use caution if your pet is prone to obesity - consult your veterinarian.
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Towel off or gently blow-dry your pet if it gets wet from either rain or snow. Do not forget to dry and clean its paws, too. This will help avoid cracked pads leading to cuts that can bleed. It is safe to use petroleum jelly on the pads to help soften and prevent further cracking.
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Do not leave your pet alone in a car even in the winter. If the car engine is left on, carbon monoxide can endanger your pets life even in a newer vehicle. If the engine is off, the temperature in the car will get too cold very quickly.
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Pets can not tell us when they are ill
As a responsible pet owner, it is extremely important to pay attention to your pets well-being during the winter season. Many toxins are commonly used in the winter that they may be exposed to.
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*Antifreeze, which often collects on driveways and roadways, is poisonous! It smells and tastes good to your pet, it can be lethal!
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*Rock salt, used commonly to melt ice on your sidewalks may irritate footpads. Be sure to rinse and dry your pets feet after a walk. Many stores sell "pet friendly" Ice Melt and we highly recommend it!
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*Provide plenty of fresh water. Your pet is just as likely to get dehydrated in the winter as in the summer. A common fallacy is that by eating snow your pet gets enough water. Snow is not a satisfactory substitute for water.
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*Other common concerns are frostbite from being exposed for to long in the cold and supplemental heat sources like fireplaces and portable heaters. These can severely burn your pet. Make certain your fireplaces have proper screens, and keep portable heaters out of reach.
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The winter season brings lots of Holiday festivities, but pet owners should keep in mind these precautions:
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*While we all get the urge, the holidays are not an ideal time for introducing a pet into your family. New puppies and dogs require extra attention and a stable environment, which the holiday season simply is not conducive for.
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*A puppy is not a toy or gift that can be returned. If you are considering a future pet, start by picking up essentials for that time when it is right. Toys, a leash, bed or other pet items make great gifts and will last until that special time arrives.
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*Holly, mistletoe, and poinsettia plants are pet poisons! Make sure they are kept in places your dog cannot reach.
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*Make certain holiday gifts for pets are safe. Items such as plastic toys and small rawhide sticks may be dangerous.
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*Remove holiday lights from all of the lower branches of your tree. They may get hot and burn your pet.
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*Be especially careful with electrical cords. Pets try to chew on them thinking they are a toy and may get shocked or electrocuted.
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*If possible, avoid using glass ornaments altogether. They break much to easily and may cut your pets feet or mouth.
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*Some commercial ornaments may contain paint or toxins in the preservatives. These can be harmful to your pet.
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*Many of us like having a Christmas Tree. Whether you chose a live or artificial tree, both kinds of needles are sharp and indigestible.
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Obedience training Why Train Your Dog?
Dogs, by nature, are pack animals with a well-defined social order. As you and your family become your dog’s pack, your new dog will begin to look to you as - the leader of the pack - for guidance (this is why training is SO important). Leadership can and should be established in a firm but friendly manner. It is unrealistic to expect the dog to abide by the rules of the household without the leader teaching appropriate behavior! Just as we learn in business and raising our children, we lead by example!
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Like people, every dog is different. Some are hyperactive, some laid-back, some are serious and others are silly. Some pets may be shy, and yet others have too much confidence (sound like our children)?
Regardless of these differences, training is necessary for all dogs and beneficial to your entire family.
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Help correct nuisance behaviors such as jumping on people, digging, barking, and chewing, while providing mental and physical activities for your dog.
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Deepen the bond between you and your dog and increase the enjoyment, companionship and satisfaction of your relationship with your dog.
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Ensure your dog’s safety and happiness.
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Nurture good canine companionship for the benefit of your family, neighborhood and community.
Proper training is essential so you and your dog can continue to strengthen your bond and commitment to one another. Many books are available to get you started (and a young age is recommended) however do not be afraid to hire a professional trainer. The results are simply fantastic for you, your family and your pet!
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You are a responsible pet owner. You take good care of your pet by feeding him/her the right food, exercising him/her regularly, and taking him/her to the veterinarian for an annual wellness exam. But do you always remember to take care of your pet's teeth? The following are some tips you can use to ensure your pet stays healthy. These tips are not meant to replace those provided by your veterinarian and are meant as a guideline only.
Pets can develop dental disease and other dental problems, just like we can. Many of these problems can be avoided by taking your pet to your veterinarian for regular dental checkups and giving your pet dental care at home. It is easier in most cases than you think.
If your pet has bad breath or reddened gums, it could be from gingivitis. Soft plaque hardens into rough tartar which in turn irritates and inflames the gums. This can lead to an infection called periodontal disease, which can cause bleeding gums, loss of teeth, and infection in the heart or kidneys if it is left untreated. Gingivitis also makes it painful to eat; therefore, your pet could lose weight or even become anorexic.
Brushing your pet's teeth is an important part of home dental care. Just think how your teeth would look and how your breath would smell if you brushed your teeth once a week or less! We have all heard the phrase - ooh, dog breath! To begin a brushing routine for your pet, wrap a small gauze pad or washcloth around your finger and use it just like you would a toothbrush. Afterward, give your pet a treat as a reward. Do this once or twice a day for a couple of weeks to familiarize your pet with having his/her gums and teeth rubbed. Ideally, begin this routine with very young puppies and kittens as part of their training, even if their teeth look healthy. Now you are ready for a "soft" toothbrush - good quality brushes and toothpaste are readily available. Squeeze a small amount of special dog or cat toothpaste onto the toothbrush. Never use human toothpaste, because it will irritate your pet's stomach and can cause vomiting.
Home dental care is a good habit to get into with your companions especially at an early age. If you suspect a condition exists do not hesitate to visit your veterinarian as a professional cleaning and exam may be in order. Recurring dental disease is not normal and may be indicative of other health problems. If your veterinarian suspects an underlying disease, they may recommend further testing.
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