Are Dog Beaches Safe?
With the temperatures soaring over the summer, it’s not surprising that many dog owners look to local beaches for some relief—and not just beaches where they can enjoy the water, but beaches specifically for dogs. These beaches are often roped off from regular beaches, so that only dogs swim there, and they’re a great change of pace for a dog who usually only gets walks with their owner or a dog walker and the occasional trip to the dog park. But are dog beaches safe? Here are some tips and things to remember before you pack the sunscreen and head to the shore. Follow the Rules Similar to dog parks, dog beaches have rules that owners need to follow. Things like not bringing aggressive dogs to the beach, making sure your dog has ID and tags and is up-to-date on vaccinations, and following leash rules are all smart choices to make when bringing your dog to the beach. Practicing good etiquette will inspire others to follow and can also preserve peace of mind at the beach among other dog owners. Cleaning up after your dog is also imperative. Prior to your trip to the beach, you may want to make sure your pup will be in good physical shape—hiring dog walkers in Ukranian Village to take your dog on a midday walk will help them build up endurance so they can get the most out of running around on a sandy beach. Protect Your Dog Against Heat and Sun Like people, dogs can sunburn, and overheating a serious issue for dogs since they don’t sweat like we do. Short coated dogs, ones with short summer haircuts, and dogs with pink noses can all burn more easily than other dogs. You can find sunscreen specifically made for pets that is non-toxic and not oily. As for overheating, pay close attention to your dog’s behavior and breathing—excessive panting and drooling are signs that a dog is overheating, and you’ll need to get your dog out of the heat if you notice this. Avoid Beach Hazards Other tips to remember include knowing how your dog handles swimming. Life jackets for dogs are available, and can be very helpful for short-muzzled dogs like bulldogs, Boston terriers, and pugs, as well as short-legged breeds like dachshunds. Remember to rinse your dog off before heading home, as the water may irritate their skin.
Why Are Dogs Afraid of Thunderstorms?
We’ve all had moments where a crack of thunder startles us, so it’s no surprise that some dogs experience the same fear during a thunderstorm. However, some pets are extremely afraid of harsh weather. Why is that? And what can you do to help them out, even if you aren’t at home? While there are a few different ideas behind why dogs are afraid of thunderstorms, it can be hard to pinpoint exactly why. Likewise, it can be frustrating to find solutions to the problem, especially if you’re away from home during the day, when thunderstorms often take place, or if your dog’s fear causes destructive behavior. Reasons For the Fear One obvious reason for your dog being afraid of thunderstorms is the loud noise produced during them. Other studies suggest that the fear is caused by a buildup of static electricity within the dog’s coat. If your dog gets startled by other loud noises, like doors slamming or fireworks, you can be confident that your dog is experiencing noise phobia. Dogs also feed off of their owner’s behavior, so if you appear nervous during a storm, they will pick up on that and sense reason to be nervous. Tips for Calming Your Dog If you’re not at home during the day and there’s a thunderstorm on the weather report heading your way, you may want to consider having a friend stop by or hiring a dog walking service. Bucktown residents and other Chicago dog owners often have dog walkers stop in if their dogs are particularly averse to loud sounds, as the company can calm the dogs down and give them something else to focus on. If you are home, however, you can help your dog overcome fear of loud noises by remaining calm yourself during storms, as comforting them may make them believe they are correct in thinking the storm is a threat. You can also play with and exercise the dog so it sleeps though the loud noises, block out the outside noise with things like a fan or the television, or create a little “safe place” for your pup—their crate with some blankets can make many pets feel safer. It’s important not to yell at your dog for behaviors caused from fear—this will just upset them and stress them out even more.
Cruisin Canines JULY Dog of the Month is:
Draper!! Breed: Yellow Lab Age: 6 Where I live: East Village Joys in Life: Of course I love to eat, I am a lab. I also LOVE chewing on bones. I love big, stuffed toys, too. I love to rest my head on my “babies”. I love to chase squirrels and bark at seagulls when I am at the lake in Michigan (I try to swim out after them, too). Most of all, I love cuddling with my Mom and Dad who let me sleep between them on the bed. Dog Walker: Ben Chicago Dog Walking Buddies: I used to walk with Champ, but he moved away, so I get to enjoy Ben all to myself these days.
How to Keep Your Dog Safe and Cool in the Summer
Summertime is tough on dogs. While they might have access to a pool here and there, taking long walks can be difficult, especially if it’s a breed prone to breathing problems. Dog owners have to take extra care in the summer months to ensure their pup stays cool and healthy, while also making sure they get enough exercise in. Here are some summertime tips to make sure your best (canine) friend stays happy, even when it’s hot out. Beat the Heat Dogs should never be left in your car if you’re out and about. If you must bring them with you on your errands, make sure that you have someone stay with them in the car (with the air conditioning on). Leaving a dog in a car in the heat for even a brief period of time can be extremely dangerous or even cause death. Be careful about how long your dog stays outside on especially warm days. Make sure they have enough shade and cool water, and remember that their paws can get burned on hot pavement (just like our feet!). Try to take your dogs for walks in the early morning or evening, or add a quick mid-day walk so that they get enough exercise, and schedule a dog walking service. In Ravenswood, pet owners enjoy being close to Lake Michigan, since they can bring their dogs to Montrose dog beach for a cool-down. Dodge Boredom Dogs can get bored if they’re stuck inside or they don’t get their usual long walks in the summer like they do in cooler months. Fight off doggie boredom by playing games like tug of war with them, teaching them new tricks, or taking them on more frequent, shorter walks. If you live on the north side of the city, and you work long hours during the day, a dog walking service in Ravenswood can help out with those shorter walks. Making sure your dog gets enough exercise and playtime in the summer can be tricky, but playing more games and making sure they stay cool when they are outside isn’t too difficult.