Summer Fun with your Pet, By Pet Expert, Diane Pomerance, Ph.D.

June 4, 2010 - PRLog -- Now that Memorial Day has passed and the summer has unofficially begun, it is a great idea to make some fun plans that include your best friend. There are many pleasurable activities you can share including spending some quality time in your home and garden with her. Simply hanging out together can be restful and beneficial for both of you.  You can rest comfortably in a hammock or on the grass in the shade accompanied by your pet – and you can easily throw a Frisbee or ball for her to fetch. She will also simply enjoy sharing outdoor time with you.

1).  Play in the shade and in the early morning and evening hours with your pet.

2). An early morning and evening walk as well as outdoor exercise are greatly appreciated by your pet – you’ll benefit.  

3). Provide her with plenty of fresh, clean water throughout the day wherever you and your pet go.

4). Take her for a walk in a dog-friendly park.

5). Take her to a local lake or beach, but make sure she is a welcome guest.  Bring plastic bags to pick up poop in case she goes on the shore.  Familiarize her gradually with the water – make sure she knows and obeys basic obedience commands, - particularly to come when she is called.

6). Protect your dog from potential life-threatening danger   by keeping her on a leash and   giving her a life-vest if you are anticipating a boat ride or easy access to the water.

7). Always make certain your pet has proper identification – including her name and yours, your phone # and address and any other important health or contact information.

8). Take your well-behaved pet with you at to a dog-friendly café for breakfast, lunch or dinner.  You and your pet will very likely make new friends with other pet-lovers.

9). Take your pet on a hike in a beautiful recreational area.  Don’t over-do it in the heat – go when it’s cool outside.

! 0). Have a picnic with friend’s lakeside or by a river and bring your pet. Monitor him closely and don't let him run away from your designated area. Your friends may wish to bring their well behaved and sociable pets also.  

11). Make sure your pet is not suffering from heatstroke – symptoms are excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, listlessness, body heat, glazed eyes, lack of responsiveness. Hydrate him and cool him down with cold water and a cool wet towel ASAP if he displays any of these symptoms.

Provide your pet with a diet appropriate to the season – you may need to give him less food and lighten his caloric intake.

Keep a close eye on your pert– don’t ever keep her in your car in hot weather as she can readily suffer the consequences of the heat.  Excessive time in the heat can prove fatal.

Always THINK about and anticipate the potential dangers and hazards to which you may be exposing your pet in the summer. Then, think about the fun you can share and plan accordingly.

Dr. Diane Pomerance
http://www.animalcompanionsandtheirpeople.com
http://www.twitter.com/dianepomerance
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Dr. Diane Pomerance is an author, animal rescuer and pet expert. She also created the Pet Grief Counseling Program for the SPCA of Texas which incorporates grief support groups and counseling.

Visit Diane at http://www.animalcompanionsandtheirpeople.com