Beach tips for your pets

If you plan on taking your Fur Child to the beach, here are some tips to keep your pet healthy and happy!

Make sure your dog has a shady spot to rest in and plenty of fresh water.

Dogs, especially those with short hair, white fur, and pink skin, can sunburn. Limit your dog's exposure during the day and apply sunblock to his ears and nose 30 minutes before going outside.

Check with a lifeguard for daily water conditions. Dogs are easy targets for sea lice and jellyfish.

Running on the sand is strenuous exercise. A dog that is out of shape can easily pull a tendon or ligament, so keep a check on your dog's activity.

Do not let your dog drink seawater; the salt will make him sick.

Salt and other minerals in ocean water can damage your dog's coat, so rinse him off at the end of the day.

Not all beaches permit dogs; check local ordinances before heading out.

-Denea Duran

-Content Credit: http://www.akc.org/public_education/summer_safety.cfm

How Healthy Is Your Pet?

Having a pet is not only about shelter, food, romp and fun but also about keeping your pet healthy and happy. Would you know what to do if your pet was choking or suddenly stopped breathing? Here are some tips to ensure that you know all of the proper steps to keep your animal pal in prime condition!

HOW TO KEEP YOUR PET HEALTHY
Pet owners can follow these important steps to help keep their pet healthy. Make sure your pets:

• Get plenty of exercise.
• Have plenty of fresh, cool water.
• Get regular yearly checkups with their veterinarian, and are up to date on vaccines (especially rabies).
• Are spayed or neutered.
• Are kept leashed while outside – another animal or flashy object may be too much temptation.

Know how to perform CPR and provide basic first
aid until veterinary care is available 

PET FIRST AID    Courses on how to better care for your pet are available at many local Red Cross chapters. The Red Cross has also developed Dog First Aid and Cat First Aid Guides with DVDs that teach basic pet responsibilities available at their Store. The guides cover many helpful topics such as spaying/neutering, medications, proper CPR techniques and disaster preparedness. For more information, visit Redcross.org/training or call 1-800 RED CROSS to see when classes are available.




Content Credit: redcross.org
Photo Credit: Google Image

-Denea Duran