gainesville florida pet owners

Summertime dog news and blues keep your dog safe from the heat

by

My scope of experience includes employment as a Zoo Keeper, an Animal Services Officer, Veterinary Technician and a professional pet sitter with an Associate of Science degree in Animal Science.
Well… the heat is upon us and we need to watch our canine friends closely to avoid heat related illness. Here are some recommendations that will help you keep your friends safe.

  1. In the hottest part of the day 9:00 AM-5:00 PM limit your canine companion’s activity in the direct sun to twenty minutes
  2. Spray your companion down with cool water before going out
  3. Avoid pavement
  4. Seek frequent shade
  5. Have water available at all times.
  6. If your companion has rapid breathing that does not subside or/and has excessive salivation bring them indoors immediately continue to monitor and apply cool water (not cold) if there is no change transport to your veterinarian .
  7. Ask your veterinarian to show you how to monitor capillary refill.
  8. I’ve found that an easy way to carry water with me when I walk  dogs  is using a camelbak water container.
  9. Because you have left your canine companion out in the heat for extended periods before does not mean it is safe.

If you have a dog door that allows your canine companion to move freely from the house to the yard be sure to provide shade and plenty of water. It would be best to have an automatic waterer outside that can be secured to the ground or wall so that your companion never runs out of water and the water is always cool and clean.

If you have any suggestions as to how the process can be improved I’m all ears. Please let me know your suggestions.

HOW TO SAVE YOUR DOG’S LIFE

by

I have been caring for your pets for more than twenty five years as a Zoo Keeper, an Animal Services Officer and as a Veterinary Technician.
I have seen dozens of dogs needlessly hit by cars and attacked and killed by other dogs whose owners never thought it would happen to them. I have seen the suffering that the dogs experience and the heartbreak their owners go through. Please do not let this happen to you. Whether your dog is in Florida or somewhere else
You can save your dog’s life by following a few simple steps:

1. NEVER let your dog outside without you attached to one end of a leash and your dog secured to the other end in a harness. (Except in a fenced yard).

2.When taking your dog outside always use a harness  and not a collar. You should avoid step in and expandable mesh harnesses. The expandable material in the mesh harnesses can  not hold your dog securely and the step in harnesses are difficult to fit properly. An H style harness is your best choice. Remember it needs to fit tightly to work properly.  Your dog can slip out of a collar in a few seconds and be gone forever

3. Do not rely solely on electric “Invisible fence” type fencing. It is not effective for all dogs and is not as reliable as a physical fence.

4. Inspect your fence regularly for any damage or gaps that would allow your dog to escape.

5. Always have your dog’s identification attached to their harness or collar at all times (yes even inside).

6. Use a collar only for the purpose of attaching your dog’s identification or a fashion statement, but never for attaching a leash.

7. Have your pet micro chipped. Make sure you choose a chip that is recognized by your local shelter.

8. Please keep your dog on a leash. Remember you can control your actions, but you can not control the actions of those who may harm your pet, like speeding cars,other dogs,coyotes, etc. Use a harness and leash.

I encourage you to post comments.

What do you like about this post?
What other subjects would you like to see?

Please don’t buy a family member. ADOPT! Prefer a particular breed? Contact a rescue group like these

Florida Pit Bull Rescue http://pitbull.rescueme.org/Florida

The American Kennel Club http://www.akc.org/breeds/rescue.cfm
The Bulldog club of America http://www.rescuebulldogs.org/
The American German Shepherd Rescue Association http://www.agsra.com/ or contact me at http://bobspetsitting.com/ and I will be happy to help you.
I wish you and your dog many happy years together. Contact me I will be happy to help you.

How to choose a dog collar or harness

by

I have been caring for your pets for more than twenty five years as a Zoo Keeper, an Animal Services Officer, Veterinary Technician and a professional pet sitter with an Associate of Science degree in Animal Science.

Pet owners often use a collar for the purpose of restraining their dog or cat such as when walking. Collars should not be used for restraint. Your dog or cat can easily escape from a standard collar and martingale and pinch collars can cause injury. Pinch and Martingale Collars  should be used only by trained professionals and standard collars should only be used for the purpose of  attaching your pet’s identification. A harness is the proper tool for restraining your dog or cat and attaching a leash. You should avoid step in and expandable mesh harnesses. The expandable material in the mesh harnesses can  not hold your dog securely and the step in harnesses are difficult to fit properly. An H style harness is usually the best option. Remember it needs to fit tightly to work properly. Think your dog is so well trained you don’t need to keep them on a leash?

If you desire a harness with greater control look for one with the leash attachment in the front rather than on the top. An excellent example is the Freedom no pull harness from Wiggles Wags and Whiskers.  I am not affiliated with the company and have never received any compensation from them.

Choose the appropriate size harness for your dog or cat by measuring the circumference from around the belly to the top of the shoulder and adding five percent. You can do this easily with a flexible tape measure. NEVER leave your pet on a tie out without being supervised.

What’s your favorite harness!?