It has been a long time coming, but it looks like summer may arrive the first weekend in June. Dog lovers should begin to prepare for the season. What does that mean?
After a long winter and spring, many of us are eager to put on our walking shoes and work off some of those pounds acquired while we were more or less house bound. Our pets probably packed on a few ounces as well. As with humans, animals are prone to strains and sprains from doing too much - too soon after a long time-out from exercising. So take it easy, pick a cool time of the day for a hike and build up slowly to longer distances. Just because they have four feet doesn’t mean our pets are twice as fit to handle a sudden change to the exercise regimen. Remember to bring along water for both of you. Hot days in the Reno desert can lead to dehydration, which can be lethal to your pet and you. Stretching is important too as is a slow warm up for you joggers and runners.
If you are vacation bound and can’t take your pet along, you will want to line up a pet-sitter or kennel well in advance of your trip, especially if it winds up coinciding with a holiday like the 4th of July. For those who plan to hire a home-based pet sitter so their animals can maintain normal activities, be nurtured in familiar surroundings and avoid both physical and emotional illnesses, Betty Scott, owner of Fetch! Pet Care offers 10 Tips for selecting a professional pet sitting service:
1. Ensure the company has “backup” measures in place should your sitter have an emergency that prevents them from completing your assignment
2. Diligently check all of the company’s references – at least three should be voluntarily provided
3. Ensure the company is fully bonded and insured
4. Confirm that your sitter has undergone a criminal background check and has received proper training
5. Pre-interview sitter with your pet(s) present to observe interactions and establish a “comfort level” for both you and the pet(s)
6. Clearly state how you would like the sitter to use his/her visit time in terms of walking, playing, feeding, cleaning, etc.
7. Verify that the sitter can accommodate both your pet’s daily feeding and walking schedule as well as your desired vacation schedule, even during the busiest holidays
8. Ensure the company offers 7-day per week telephone and email availability
9. Provide medical and behavioral history about your pet(s) as well as veterinary and other emergency contact information, and gather all necessary supplies, including food, vitamins, and treats in one central location
10. Locate a pet sitter in your area using a reputable source, such as at www.FetchPetCare.com, local Veterinarian or pet related business.
If you plan to use the services of a neighborhood teenager or young adult, make sure to involve the parent in the discussion of expectations and compensation. Our neighbor’s son is in college and enjoys the opportunity when it comes up. The dogs love him and are excited to see him when he comes over. That’s a good sign!
Remember as the heat increases, your pet will require more water. Replacing water daily is the best way. If possible, have multiple sources. Our dogs enjoy a wading pool along with their bucket of water. The young beagle immerses herself in the pool when she gets too much sun to cool off. Both beagles are sunbathers, so water and shade to escape to are very necessary to their well being.
Finally, the summer is also a good time to check with your Veterinarian on updating your pet’s vaccinations and for a general health exam. The opportunities of your pet being exposed to canine communicable diseases such as parvo or corona virus are higher during the summer when social activities are increased. The risk is higher to puppies, so if a new pet has joined your household, be sure to check with your Veterinarian about shots and worming.
Enjoy the summer! It’s been a long time getting here!
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