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Beat The Heat With Your Dog This Summer

dog training, dog summer tips. arizona dog training

Beat The Heat

Fortunately for us here in Arizona, this beginning to our summer has come in fits and starts.  Nice and cool for a bit, BAM 105 degrees, nice and cool, BAM 100 degrees, rain, cool and BAM here comes the heat again.  Seems like mother nature is trying to tell us something – and it sounds something like, Be Prepared!

Tips to Beat The Heat for Dogs

Check out what our friends at The Whole Dog Journal have to tell us about ways to beat the heat this summer, here.

Dog Heat Stroke is Real

Heat Stroke is serious stuff in dogs, and yes it can happen in dogs too.  We went to the pros at Cornell University to find out the signs and symptoms of heat stroke in dogs and ways to prevent it.  Read more about that here.

We know getting out with your dog is difficult in the summer months so please try to find indoor areas you can go to.  Lots of malls allow you to walk inside during the morning hours before the stores open.  There are parks that have water features suitable for dogs.  If you have a pool, please get your dog swim lessons!  Playing in the pool is great exercise for a dog and a perfect way to stay cool.

Get Indoors

Or try one of our indoor dog classes!  Start a new dog sport or work your way through obedience classes all the way up to CGC!  Check out our dog training class calendar here.

 

6 Summer Safety Tips – Protecting Your Dog’s Paws

dog's paws, az dog sports, arizona summer, summer heat

Top 6 Ways to Protect Your Dog’s Paws

As the hot AZ summer sun shines brightly and temperatures soar; it’s crucial to remember that our pets need special care too.  This is especially important when it comes to their sensitive paws. Dogs’ paw pads are not only adorable but also crucial for their mobility and well-being. Here’s a short guide to keeping your dog’s paws safe and happy during the summer months.

  1. Pavement Awareness:

One of the most common summer hazards for dogs is hot pavement. When the sun beats down on asphalt and concrete, these surfaces can reach scorching temperatures that can burn your dog’s paws. To prevent burns and discomfort, try to walk your dog during cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening. If you can’t avoid walking on hot pavement, test it with your own hand – if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog.

  1. Moisturize and Inspect Your Dog’s Paws:

Just as we might experience dry or cracked skin in the summer, so can our dogs. Keep your dog’s paw pads moisturized with a pet-safe paw wax or balm to prevent cracking. Regularly inspect their paws for any signs of injury, irritation, or foreign objects like burrs or thorns, which can easily get lodged between their toes during outdoor adventures.

  1. Hydration and Cooling:

Dogs cool themselves primarily through panting and sweating from their paw pads. Make sure your dog always has access to fresh water, especially during walks or outdoor play. Consider bringing along a portable water bowl and offering frequent water breaks. If your dog enjoys water, let them splash around in a kiddie pool or shallow pond to cool off.

  1. Protect Your Dog’s Paws from Chemicals:

During the summer lawns, parks, and sidewalks may be treated with fertilizers, pesticides, or other chemicals that can be harmful if your dog ingests them or if they come into contact with their skin or paws. After walks, wipe your dog’s paws with a damp cloth to remove any potential residues and reduce the risk of ingestion through licking.

  1. Consider Paw-Friendly Footwear:

If your dog will tolerate them, paw protectors or booties can provide an extra layer of insulation against hot pavement and protection from sharp objects. However, not all dogs take easily to wearing shoes, so make sure to introduce them gradually and use positive reinforcement.

  1. Watch for Signs of Discomfort:

Dogs are often stoic creatures, so it’s essential to pay attention to their body language. Signs of paw discomfort include limping, licking or chewing at their paws, reluctance to walk, or visible injuries. If you notice any of these signs, give your dog’s paws a thorough check and consult your veterinarian if you have concerns.

By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your dog’s paws stay healthy and happy throughout the summer. Remember, a little prevention goes a long way in keeping our beloved canine companions safe from seasonal hazards. So, lace up your walking shoes, grab your leash, and enjoy the sunshine together – safely and comfortably!

Summer Fun With Your Dog In Arizona

Summer in Arizona can be hard on all of us.  But it can be most hard on our four-legged friends who don’t understand why their normal walks and romps in the yard are no longer allowed.  We all want to keep our dogs happy, but that becomes difficult once temperatures start climbing.

Here are some great ways to keep your dog entertained, give them a bit of training and stimulation, and have fun yourself while you’re together!

Dog Friendly Malls/Stores in Phoenix area

  • Scottsdale Fashion Square – walking in the mall before the stores open is an option. Plus some stores let you bring your dog in once they are open.
  • Scottsdale Quarter – lots of shaded areas and misters on the walkways around this beautiful outdoor mall.
  • Biltmore Fashion Plaza – This centrally located outdoor mall offers great scenery and plenty of shade and covered areas to eat and walk.
  • Desert Ridge – Great North Phoenix outdoor mall. Desert Ridge has center facing stores that provide shade and misters for walking.
  • Chandler Fashion Square – walking inside this mall before they open is a good idea too!
  • Also, don’t forget that most Home Depot, Lowes & REI stores all allow you to bring your leashed dog with you inside.

You will need to make sure that your pup has basic obedience skills and is potty trained before entering into a private business.  Some other things to remember:

  • Look for and obey all posted signs at the front of each store.
  • Potty your dog before going inside.
  • Keep your dog on a leash at all times.
  • Bring plenty of treats.
  • Keep a water bowl and water bottles in the car for when you return.

Dog Friendly Restaurants around the Valley of the Sun

    • Ohso Brewery
    • Snooze AM Eatery
    • NY Bagels & Bialy’s
    • The Farm at South Mountain
    • Arizona Wilderness Beer
    • State 48 Brewery
    • Pedal Haus Brewery
    • Gadzooks Enchiladas & Soup
    • Search for “dog friendly” options on OpenTable.com to get the best list in your area.

Look also for the plethora of Dog Boutiques around Scottsdale & Phoenix.  There is one for every dog enthusiast out there.  A quick internet search and you can find posh doggy stores and puppy party supply places sprinkled throughout the local area.

If you want to try a fun stay-cation style adventure with your pup, try out 1 or 2 new weekly classes with us.  It will give you and your best friend something to look forward to each week to get you through the summer months!

Stay tuned, next week we will be showcasing some of our most adventurous and fun classes to take for your stay-cation!

Relieving Your Dog’s Pain

relieve your dog's pain

Do you know how to best help relieve your dog’s pain?  Your pup may not be able to tell you how they are feeling, but you know just by one look or one sound.  You can decipher your dogs looks and mannerism well enough to know when it’s time to get some outside help.

When you visit your Vet, he/she can determine what is needed and will likely offer you a few options for managing your dog’s pain.  After your visit, you can check out what our friends at Whole Dog Journal have to say about choosing the right pain meds.  Read their article HERE.

Remember, you know your dog best.  Stay informed and work closely with your Veterinarian to find the best option for you!

relieving dog's pain

 

 

Can I Feed My Dog Fruit?

What fruit can my dog eat?

Do you hesitate to feed your dog fruit?  Sometimes it can be hard to wade through all the information that is out there about what food is safe and what is not safe for your dog.  The Whole Dog Journal is here again to help us learn what is good and what is not.

Check out this short read HERE.

As always, if you are having behavioral issues with your pup, please give us a call.  We want to help!

602-237-6775

 

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