Hot weather can make anyone feel uncomfortable, and your dog is no exception.
 
Never leave your dog unattended in direct sunlight or in a close vehicle heatstroke can occur and lead to brain damage or death. Signs of each store or panting, drooling, rapid pulse and fever. Immediately immerse the dog in cold water, and seek emergency veterinary assistance.

Never leave your dog unattended in a pot, parked car. When it's only 80° outside, the inside of a car can heat up to more than 120° in just minutes. Leaving the windows partially rolled down will not help. Your dog is susceptible to heat stroke and possible death in these conditions. Always make sure your dog has access to fresh water.
 
Taking your dog to the beach can be a great way to spend a beautiful summer day. Provide plenty of fresh water and shade for your dog dogs can get sunburned, especially short haired dogs and ones with pink skin and white hair. Limit your dog's exposure when the sun is unusually strong, and apply sunblock to his ears and nose 30 minutes before going outside. Check with a lifeguard for daily water conditions - dogs are easy targets for jellyfish and sea lice.
 
A few dogs out of shape, don't encourage him to run in the sand. Running on a beach is strenuous exercise, and an out of shape dog can easily pull a tendon or ligament. Cool ocean water is tempting to your dog. Do not allow him to drink too much seawater. The salt of the water will make you sick. When you are ready to leave for the day, rinse them with fresh water.
 
Not all beaches permit dogs. Check local ordinances before you begin your excursion.  The majority of dogs can swim, and they love it. But dogs entering the water for the first time should be tested. Never throw your dog in the water. Start in shallow water, and call your dog's name. You can also try to coax him in with a treat or toy. But always keep your dog within reach.  Another way to introduce your dog to the water is with a dog that already swims and is friendly with your dog. Let your dog follow his friend.
 
If your dog begins to doggie paddle with his front legs only, lift his hind legs and help him float. He should quickly catch on and within keep his back and up.  Swimming is a great form of exercise, but don't let your dog overdo it. He will be using new muscles and may tire quickly.  The careful of strong tides that are hazardous for even the best swimmers. Never leave your dog unattended. You should always be in a position to help you get out of the water.

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Imagine your dog sailing through the air, ears flopping and tongue dangling. Then — splash! — as he catches the yellow tennis ball and simultaneously plunges into a pond. Cheers erupt from onlookers.

Your dog is a star. That’s the point of the 2008 Spook Splash and Dog Olympics. Spectators and owners of any dog breed are welcome to the three-day event on Buckingham Road in Fort Myers this week.



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Call them the dog days of summer - literally! Pets are on the go like never before as doting pet owners pack 'em along for summer vacations everywhere.Your pet is your best friend! Who wouldn't want to share your best times with your best friend.According to celebrity dog trainer Daniela Sodero, some people are even building vacations around their dogs.

While canoeing will have some dogs howling, others will howl with delight for the Ventanas al Paraiso in Los Cabos, Mexico, which offers a pets' luxury program, including special spa food, massages and even pet cabanas.  In fact, an increasing number of hotels and travel destinations are opening their doors to our four-legged companions. 

Taking along Tux spares owners the stress of finding a kennel or friend who can dog-sit, as well as worrying about how their pet is doing without them. Most dogs love exploring new places, and their enthusiasm on trips can be infectious. Dogs need vacations too, and exposing them to different sights, sounds and smells boosts their confidence and mental stimulation.

However, not all vacation destinations lend themselves to pets, including cruise ships or tour groups; and not all pooches travel well - one in six dogs suffers from motion sickness.

Planning is key to smooth sailing ahead. While some countries are simple to travel to, for example, the United States only requires that dogs to be in good health and have a current rabies vaccine to enter, some other countries, such as the U.K., have stringent policies, including mandatory quarantine periods.

Safety Tips

- Restrain dogs, either in a crate or harnessed in a seatbelt.

- Don't allow your dog to stick their heads out the windows of a moving vehicle -- they could jump or fall out, or suffer eye or ear damage.

- Always leash a dog before opening the car door to avoid it rushing out into traffic.

- Never leave them in the car alone temperatures can reach dangerous levels.

- Proper I.D. is crucial: List your contact information, including cell number, on a custom dog tag attached to a secure dog collar. Add a city dog tag so info can be accessed if someone calls in the tag.

- Be prepared with vets' contact info along your route.

- Don't let your dog drink from dirty water - such as from puddles, ponds or water in parking lots.

- Be sure your dog is up-to-date with shots. If canine motion sickness is a problem, check out a new treatment called Cerenia.

- Look for hotels that are dog-friendly while planning your vacation together.



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