June News
June Newsletter: Summer Safety for Your Dog
Summer brings longer days, outdoor adventures, and plenty of opportunities for our dogs to enjoy the sunshine. It also brings a few seasonal hazards that every dog owner should know about.
Summer Enrichment Ideas
When it's too hot for long walks:
Frozen stuffed Kongs
Snuffle mats
Short training sessions indoors
Kiddie pools
Sprinkler play
Frozen watermelon treats (seedless and rind removed)
Frozen carrots - cook whole, top-trimmed, peeled carrots in bone broth for ten minutes and freeze
Mental exercise can tire a dog out almost as effectively as physical exercise.
Watch Out for Garden Dangers
Many gardening products can harm dogs. Metaldehyde-based snail and slug baits are especially dangerous. Use pet-safe alternatives and store them securely.
Fresh mulch may tempt dogs. Avoid cocoa mulch, recycled construction wood, and chemically treated types. Hardwood or pine bark mulch is usually safer.
Check that new plants are pet-friendly. Sago palm, foxglove, and oleander are toxic if chewed.
For those who walk their dogs in neighborhoods, keep in mind that people without pets may apply chemicals to their lawns and use toxic plants/mulch in their landscaping.
Preventing Painful Hot Spots
Hot spots are common in summer, appearing quickly and often getting infected.
Common causes include:
Swimming or trapped moisture in the coat
Flea bites and allergies
Insect stings
Matted fur
Excessive licking or scratching
The best prevention is simple:
Brush regularly.
Keep your dog's coat free of mats.
Dry thoroughly after swimming or bathing.
Stay current on flea and tick prevention.
Address itching before it becomes excessive.
My standard poodle, Max, recently developed a hotspot. His groomer clipped around, and with ointment from the vet, it cleared without issue. I did make him wear a kiddie-size OMD t-shirt to keep him from licking. If you see a red, moist, painful spot, call your vet. Early care prevents infection.
Summer Hazards Beyond the Backyard
As temperatures rise, keep an eye out for a few additional seasonal dangers.
Blue-green algae can develop in ponds and lakes during hot weather. Water that looks like green paint or pea soup should always be avoided.
Grass awns and foxtails can get stuck in ears, eyes, or paws. Check your dog after walks through tall grass.
Mosquitoes are more than a nuisance—they spread heartworm disease. Keep your dog on year-round heartworm prevention.
Hot pavement can burn paws. If it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for your dog.
A Few Final Summer Tips
Always provide plenty of fresh water.
Walk during cooler morning or evening hours.
Never leave a dog unattended in a vehicle.
Keep cookout foods, corn cobs, cooked bones, and skewers out of reach.
Consider frozen enrichment treats and indoor games when temperatures are extreme.
With a little awareness and preparation, you can help ensure summer is safe and enjoyable for you and your dog.
Nursery News
Mini sproodles in a variety of colors, only two females and a bunch of males.
Goldendoodles F1b males and females, some with wavy coats, some with curls.
Goldendoodle F1 male
All of the photos in this newsletter were taken this morning of the puppies.
So You want to be a Groomer
I don’t necessarily advocate grooming your doodle at home; it’s not as easy as the pros make it look. If it’s something you’ve decided might be fun, I’m happy to share some things I’ve learned. First, invest in the proper equipment. I purchase supplies at PetEdge.
grooming table with the arm
Clipper with replaceable blades
2-3 blades (I use #5 and #7 - cuts short though)
blade coolant
brushes and combs
scissors
I follow them on Instagram. They don’t have a step-by-step guide; however, they offer the best tips for clipping tricky areas, such as around the ears and where the legs meet the torso. Both areas are very easy to accidentally cut your dog, and I highly recommend searching their site for those short tutorials before you begin.