By CASPER McMAHON
Guest Columnist
“I love a dog. He does nothing for political reasons.” – Will Rogers
This week I am subbing for my human mom as she is on a well-deserved get away from me and my dog sister, Blue. I will be spending some fun time with my pet sitter Ashley, and Miss Blue has other arrangements made this time. Sometimes we need a break from each other as well!
Both Blue and I are what you might say “middle age” dogs, so we don’t cause too much trouble around the house except for some barking now and then, that sort of thing. We love the groomer and just tolerate the veterinarian – although we know that we need our health updates.
In considering some topics for this column, I find I have a few which may be news to some and hopefully taken in the spirit in which they are intended. After all, my furry friends and their well-being is important to me, and I know it is to all of you pet owners, too.
Summer is just around the corner – yay! More outdoor time, more walks, more yard creatures at which to bark, I love it! However, there are some summer related issues which might affect us dogs so let’s talk about it.
Fleas and ticks – yuck! I am very grateful that my humans make sure that I have the necessary meds to keep those pesky and dangerous critters away from me. Not only are they dangerous for me (and Blue of course!) but may also affect my humans so we need to follow our vet’s advice on that topic.
Outdoor activities – as much as we love spending time with you, we do not especially enjoy being taken along on a hot day to a ballgame, concert, parade … you get the picture. If you feel you must take us along, please be sure we have access to shade and water. And I don’t know if you would like to walk barefoot on hot pavements, but OUCH, that can be quite dangerous.
“Pavement, like asphalt or artificial grass, can become incredibly hot and cause discomfort, blisters, and burn a dog’s paw pads,” says Dr. Jerry Klein, DVM, Chief Veterinary Officer for the AKC and an expert in veterinary emergency and critical care.
I bet he has seen a few examples in his practice. Thanks to public service awareness, most people are now aware of the dangers of hot cars, for both people and pets. Did you know that the inside of a closed car on an 80-degree day will heat up to 99 degrees in only 10 minutes and up to 109 degrees in 20 minutes?1
Yikes!
So, I hope you reconsider traveling us around to events in very hot weather as most of us (all of us I imagine!) would prefer to wait at home in the A/C until you come home to play with us. You may also know that both the City of Noblesville and Hamilton County have passed legislation which addresses the legal obligations of pet parents in relation to the above.
I think a mention of crowds and associated noise levels warrants a mention here. We canines have very sensitive ears, as you may know. Most dogs are uncomfortable at a noise level over 70 dB. Most humans are uncomfortable over 85 dB. Many outdoor concert venues present music over 120 dB.2 We know our humans love their music and they like to show us off (that is sweet), but really, we do not have the need to be exhibited nor are we able to cover our ears. This applies to the Fourth of July events as well!
If I could put in a word about the importance of pet rescue organizations, please consider adopting your next pet – and yes, I am a rescue dog. What a relief – I was really scared (still kind of a sissy) and it has taken a lot of love and patience, but I am much better now – whew! Blue is also a rescue, and although she is really lazy and not much fun, I know that she is very happy here as well.
We miss our humans, but we know that they will be as glad to see us (right?) as we are to see them when they return. I have enjoyed writing for you – and who knows, maybe I will get another opportunity if the humans need a break. This was fun!
Casper (and Blue)
1 Department of Geosciences, San Francisco State University
2 Joshua Leeds, Pres., BioAcoustic Research, Inc.
Please consult your professional veterinary medical associates for more information regarding any recommendations presented in this column.