Ways to Keep Your Stockton Dog Healthy During the Spring & Summer

Tips to Keep Your Mutt Healthy During Stockton's Spring & Summer 

Today was one of the first nice days in Stockton that we have had in weeks. I observed many people out and about enjoying the sunshine. I heard BBQ’s. I watched children outside running, and above all, I witnessed many families walking with their dogs.

Man’s best friend is no stranger to nice weather, and it’s great to have your mutt outside when the weather permits, but it is also VERY IMPORTANT to keep your pal’s safety in mind. I have made a little list of how to keep your pup healthy while enjoying the nice weather.


STAY HYDRATED!!!
Every time you drink a glass of water, your dog should too. It’s all too easy to forget to give your animal cold water throughout the day. If you put your dog outside while you are away, ensure he or she has access to clean water and a way to cool down. I suggest filling a kiddy pool up so that your pet can lay in it to cool off. It is also a good idea to leave a self-filling water bowl outside at all times of the year. In addition, ensure your pooch has access to immediate shade. Your backyard should have a tree to hide under or a doghouse where your dog can get out of the scorching Stockton sun!

If you are going on a walk or hike, bring a collapsible pet bowl for your pup or consider teaching them to drink from a water bottle!

Also, never leave your best friend in a car unattended during hot summer days. It can be deadly!

KEEP POISONS AWAY FROM YOUR PETS!!!
This seems like common sense, but think about what you do during the summer. If you are anything like me, you probably:

• fertilize the lawn
• leave citronella candles out while having a mid-summer dinner
• leave alcoholic beverages on the table or deck while cooking

All of these things seem harmless. You probably grew up doing them, but if ingested by your pooch, these poisons can cause serious reactions. In some cases exposure to poisons, such as alcohol, can leave your dog dead, or with a very large hospital bill. In other cases, the fumes alone are enough to cause a severe reaction in the skin (candles).

To avoid these situations:

• Never leave alcohol unattended. 
• Place candles up high, out of the reach of your animals. 
• After fertilizing water heavily and keep your dog out of the area for a few days. 

WATCH WHAT YOU SPRAY!!!
Sun screens, perfumes, and mosquito repellents should not be used on dogs unless they are specifically labeled for pet use. Why? Exposure to these sprays can lead to rash, excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and more. Don’t do that to your pet.

BE AWARE OF FLAMES AND EXPLOSIVES
Almost everyone loves having a nice bonfire or lighting off fireworks during good weather; that is, everyone except for your dog.

Loud noises, like those that occur on the 4th of July, are scary for pets. Consider keeping them inside in a secure location. It may also be a good idea to play the radio or TV to offer a distraction. If this doesn’t work, you might need to medicate them, to reduce your animal’s anxiety.

My Vet suggested giving my 60lb dog 1 60 mg pill of Children’s Nighttime Benadryl.  She said this will make him tired and less anxious, but this little trick also helps reduce the severity of allergic reactions. 

IMPORTANT: you MUST consult your veterinarian prior to giving your dog human medication. Certain dogs are allergic to specific medicines, and MOST DOGS are allergic to Tylenol. 

In addition, exposure to matches & lighter fluids can be dangerous on many levels! Exposure to the fumes can lead to respiration problems, and if fluid ends up on your dog, all it takes is a single spark and severe bodily damage can occur. If your dog is exposed to lighter fluid, wash your pet immediately!!!

DEADLY DIGESTION
Everyone wants to give into those puppy-dog eyes and feed their mutt scraps from the picnic, but giving your dog chicken bones, onions, and chocolates should be avoided at all costs!!! These foods can be dangerous and toxic to your pet.

On top of this, keep a close eye on things like beer caps, glow sticks, and festive decorations. If any of these are ingested by your dog it can lead to severe intestinal damage, an astronomical vet bill, and, in some cases, death.

PARVO VIRUS
Parvo Virus is the most common during the spring and summer months. This year in Stockton, the number of deaths due to the virus is expected to skyrocket. Already, Weston Ranch Dog Park has been closed temporarily due to the parvo-related death of a puppy at the site.

The disease in commonly transmitted through dog and cat feces. If a puppy walks through an area with affected fecal matter and then licks his or her feet, it is likely to get the disease. Worse off, treatment of Parvo is extremely expensive, and even with veterinary treatment, the likelihood of survival is slim.
To avoid contracting this disease, prevent your dog from going outside until he or she has completely finished his or her set of Parvo Vaccines. Flies are also known to carry the disease, so keeping your dog in your yard will not be proactive enough in Stockton this year.

If your dog does contract the disease and you cannot afford veterinary care, there are some alternatives. Hydration is the most important, so give your dog lots of water. I have even heard of people using Pedialyte successfully in combating the disease. There are also two well-known home remedies called ParvoBuster and PARV AID.

For more information on Parvo click HERE.

If you follow the advice in these tips, you should have no problem keeping your best friend healthy and happy in the months to come. Happy Stockton Dog Owning!