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Hey, Katie K-9!KatieK9@readthecitizen.comwww.KTK9.com 651-429-5433 |
Hey, Katie K9!
This summer has been so hot, my dogs look miserable. They are not as active, they eat less, and do not want to go outside much. They love the air conditioning. If I get them shaved will that make them more comfortable? I have two golden retrievers and an Aussie mix.
Feeling bad for my dogs. Tonya
Hey, Tonya and gang!
During hot weather it is very common for dogs to not eat as much and not be as active. It's HOT out! They drink more and do less, just like us when we are out in it for a while. It is very important that you limit activities, like ball chasing and go for short walks when it is cooler out, in the early morning or after the sun goes down. With overweight dogs it is VERY IMPORTANT to keep them cool. They are very prone to heart attacks as well as heat stroke.
Stay off hot tar! Dogs sweat through the pads of their feet. If you walk them on hot roads or pathways you could put them into heat stroke. Walk only on grass or gravel when it is hot out. If you can't walk barefoot on the sidewalk, neither can your dogs.
To cool your dogs down quicker - stand them in cool water or rub ice cubes on the pads of their feet or in their armpits. DO NOT run hose water over their backs! Slowly help drop their temperature, it is healthier for them. Start at the feet and work up.
As for shaving your dogs because they LOOK hot to you. A dog's coat is their insulation from the cold as well as from the heat of the day. Yes they "look" hot with all their hair, but by shaving them, their coat will never grow back normal, it will always look like puppy hair. By you taking their insulation away, you actually make them hotter.
Get a plastic kiddie pool for them to lounge in, keep walks short, do not let them play hard and having air-conditioning is really nice for them.
Stay cool!
Katie K9
Hey, Katie K9!
I have a four-year-old Springer Spaniel. We have only had him for four or so months. Every time I take to say... "visiting". Our yard isn't fenced in and I really don't want to have to fence it in. I am somewhat afraid to try invisible fences or a shock collar. What can I do?
Jo Jo
Hey, Jo Jo and new friend
When you get a new dog or even a puppy they have to earn their "wings" to be free in the yard. You need to keep control so he learns to hang around you and come when called. Get a 20 ft. piece of rope at the hardware store that feels comfortable in your hands. Put a good hook on it.
When you go outside, tie the rope around your waist and hook your dog on to it. Now you have the control. Your dog learns to hang around you because he cannot go anywhere and when you call him, he cannot run away. Do not pull him in to you when you call him, bend at your waist so you look more friendly, clap yours hands at his eye level, now scoot backwards. Keep moving, clapping and saying "Come Come Come" in a light happy voice until he gets to you. Give him a gentle message with the tips of your fingers on his ribs and rump. Now "Come" means come in for your message!
Always sound happy! When he gets good at hanging around you - keep him on the long line, but let him drag it around the yard if he tries to run off . Quickly step on the line.
Every dog is different as to how long you have to let them drag the line around - it could take up to a year depending on the personality of the dog. Be patient!
Here's to hanging out together
Katie K9