Hot diggity dog
When it’s hot outside we know how to beat the heat, but what about our furry friends? Well, you probably know the common-sense measures needed to keep your pooch cool, we thought we’d offer a bit of a refresher.
Staying safe in the sun
- Heat stroke can happen in a matter of minutes so keep your dog cool – never leave your dog in a parked car alone on a sunny hot summer day, even if the windows are slightly rolled down and even if it’s only for a short time.
- Limit exercise and play time to cooler times of the day. If you like to jog with your dog, stick to cool mornings or evenings. Avoid hot pavement as it can burn the pads of your dog’s paws.
- Make sure your dog has plenty of cool water at home and while on the go. Portable water dishes are our favourite to take when going for a longer walk or adventure.
- Protect Fido’s nose and other skin-exposed areas by applying sunscreen.
- Signs of heatstroke or overheating include excessive panting, sluggishness, excessive thirst, rapid heartbeat, lethargy, lack of appetite, dark tongue, and vomiting. If your dog has any of these symptoms, get him out of the sun and call your veterinarian immediately.
Ways to keep cool
You can wrap a cool pad or wet bandana around your dog’s neck. Let them hang out in a kiddie pool in the shade. If your dog has a heavy coat, brush often.
Just like humans, dogs like to stay cool with frozen treats. Check out your local dog store to see if they have treats in the freezer section. Try making your own treats like ice cubes with a chunk of cheese in the middle, or peanut butter mixed with mashed banana, honey and water.
Drool-worthy events . . .
Know of a dog-friendly event happening in your area? Please e-mail info@doggyvibe.ca all the details as we’d love to help spread the word.
Delta animal expo
It’s the first annual Delta Community Animal Expo, Saturday, July 25, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Memorial Park, 5010 47 Ave., Ladner, and Sunday, July 26, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Annievile Lions Park, 112th Street and 91st Avenue, North Delta. The event is free and is designed to promote animal safety, awareness and responsible pet ownership. The event will feature demonstrations, a pet parade, contests, and prizes.
Doglish
Vancouver Animal Wellness, 105 East Broadway, Vancouver, is hosting Doglish, a seminar on canine body language in partnership with RocketDog Training and Pet Care, Tuesday, July 28, 7:30 p.m. Seating is limited. To register, call the clinic at 604-738-4664. Event is free.
Pooch patio party
Uptown Dawg, 2803 Murray St., in Port Moody, is hosting a Pooch Patio every Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. (weather permitting). For $5 enjoy a dawg mini burger, puptini and doggie ice cream. Of that, $1 goes to the BCSPCA. By the way, bring poochie in for ½ price pawdicures every Sunday.
Dog off-leash parks open house
The Parks, Recreation and Culture Commission in Nanaimo is hosting an open house on Wednesday, July 29, 4 to 8 p.m., at the Beban Park Dog Off-Leash Park, 2300 Bowen Rd. (enter off Labieux) to hear the public’s feedback about the existing dog off-leash parks, and to find out comments on 15 potential new locations.
AKC summer show
The Alberta Kennel Club’s Summer Show is scheduled for Friday, July 31 to Monday, Aug. 3, at Springbank Park for All Season, 32224 Springbank Rd., Calgary. Tickets are available at the gate and are $5 for adults, $2 for youth 12 to 18; and seniors and children under 12 are able to attend for free. Only dogs entered in the show are allowed on the show grounds.
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