Water Hazards

Not all dogs are natural swimmers; use life vests on boats. Beware of harmful blue-green algae in lakes, and rinse off chlorine/salt after swimming

Hot Asphalt & Pavement

Surfaces can burn paw pads; if it’s too hot for your hand (try the 5-second rule), it’s too hot for paws.

Parked Cars

Never leave a dog in a car. Even with windows cracked on a 70°F day, temperatures can reach 100°F in under 30 minutes.

BBQ & Picnic Dangers

Keep dogs away from grills and table scraps. Cooked bones can splinter, while corn cobs and skewers can cause severe intestinal obstruction.

Heatstroke & Overheating

High temperatures and humidity can cause rapid, fatal heatstroke, especially in brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds. Symptoms include excessive panting, drooling, and rapid pulse.

Toxic Substances

Be wary of fertilizers, insecticides, and rodenticides. Keep citronella candles and insect coils out of reach.

Parasites

Fleas and ticks are more active; maintain year-round prevention and check your dog regularly.

Just A Dog

A faithful dog will play with you,

He’ll laugh with you or cry.

He’ll gladly starve to stay with you,

Nor ever reason why.

When you’re feeling out of sorts, he’ll somehow understand,

He’ll watch you with his shining eyes and try to lick your hand.

His blind, implicit faith in you is matched by his great love

The kind that all of us should have, in the Master up above.

When everything is said and done, I guess this isn’t odd

For when you spell “dog” backwards, you get the name of God