Magnet and Muffy.... The Happy Mutts Blog


If you have a dog who loves to take a dip in a pool here are some pool safety tips that I have compiled. We used to have a pool in our backyard so I know first-hand the perils and pleasures that pools are for dogs who love the water.

1.  Not All Dogs Love the Water!  If your dog is fearful or apprehensive, please don't force him or her to go in the water!  It will only stress out the dog and make it fear the water even more.  I have seen stupid pet owners throw their dogs in the pool with a "sink or swim" mentality.  So please respect your dog's boundaries and understand that he or she may be just as content sitting out and observing.

2. Pool Decks Get Hot!  Be mindful that pool decks get hot! For dogs this can burn their paw pads. So keep them off hot decks and in the cool grass or lay a towel out for them.

3. Don't Let Them Drink the Pool Water! Plain and simple, if your dog ingests the chlorine and chemical laden water he will get sick. Keep fresh drinking water for your dog near the pool. This goes for salt water pools as well. Too much salt is toxic for dogs. Signs of salt poisoning include initial vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, stumbling, excessive thirst or urination, tremors and seizures.

4. Be Aware of Heat Stroke!  Dogs like us humans are susceptible to the heat.  Be aware of the symptoms of heat exhaustion including lethargy, excessive drooling, foaming at the mouth, etc.

5. Supervise Your Dog! as you would children.  Monitor your dog's exercise as some dogs tire quickly or simply do not know when too stop.  Not all dogs are natural swimmers. So use a dog life vest jacket from One Sassy Dog to improve their buoyancy and make them easy to spot!.

Magnet and Muffy.... The Happy Mutts Blog

Dogs love to play! And playing with your dog is great way to bond with your dog, develop a long-lasting trusting relationship and help nurture their natural instincts.  Healthy play keeps your dog physically and mentally challenged and also fulfilled and less likely to be destructive or anxious.

Simple play like throwing a tennis ball or frisbee in the park or chasing sticks in the water burn up energy. Dogs just love to run and chase things, it is in their nature.   Chasing after a ball or playing hide and seek can teach obedience skills like "Sit" and "Stay" but it also allows your dog to exercise his or her "nose"! A dog's nose is his or her's most powerful sense and there are dog games that have been specifically developed to exercise your dog mentally and allow our dog to exercise his sense of smell.

We have put together a list of top-notch Dog Games to challenge your dog mentally and entertain him or her at the same time!

1. Agility and Obstacle Course Dog Games -  Interactive game for you and your dog.  A positive learning experience that builds a bond and trust between you and your dog.
2.  Slo-Bowl® Slow Feeder - Promotes dog food play and healthy eating habits. The Slo-Bowl is a natural, healthy, and playful solution for dogs that gobble their kibble too quickly. Our nature-inspired designs promote natural eating habits by requiring dogs to forage for their feasts.
Dogs quickly learn to “chase” their food through the maze of ridges and valleys, making dinnertime feel more like a hunt. And, because the Slo-Bowl “rewards” their play with bits of food, furry friends become more and more engaged as the meal goes on.

Magnet and Muffy... The Happy Mutts Blog

For many of us our dogs are our family members and when we head out for a hike or a weekend of camping our canine companions come along for the fun.  Part of the pleasure of being outdoors is watching our dogs experience it with us.  Watching tails wag excitedly as they splash in creek or swim in the ocean or run freely in a field always brings a smile to my face!



However, in bringing your dog along for a hike or camping trip safety and their well-being should be primary consideration.  Fortunately there are some great Dog Outdoor Gear and Dog Travel Accessories that have been designed with safety and comfort in mind.

Here are some tips for how to enjoy the great outdoors with your dog this summer.

1. Health Check. Make sure your dog is up to date on all vaccinations and boosters and make a copy of the certificate and bring it along with you. Be sure to bring along any medication for you dog that is prescribed, be up to date on your Heartworm medication, and I also bring along a bottle of doggy buffered aspirin because dogs can get aches and pains to from a long day on the trails. Also stock up on flea and tick products if you are going to be in a area prone to either pests.

2. Microchip.  Microchip your dog and have him or her registered. No one wants to imagine a lost dog scenario but insuring that he or she can be identified is an easy thing to do!

3. Car Travel.  Consider purchasing a Dog Travel Harness for your dog to keep your dog safe and a dog car hammock or cover to keep your dog comfortable and your car clean!



4. Dog Gear Packing List.  Luckily there are a variety of durable and functional dog gear products to make your dog's time outdoor enjoyable and safe!

• Dog Harness
• Dog Leash with a Long Lead
• Portable Dog Bowl or Dog Treat Bag
• Dog Backpack (so your dog can carry his own food, water and treats!)
• Dog Life Jacket (if you will be boating or swimming)
• Backpack Dog Carrier (for small to medium dogs)
• Portable Dog Travel Beds
• Dog Crates or Pens (if your dog needs one)
• Dog Toys such as Tennis Balls or a Frisbee!

5. Food and Water.  Remember to keep your dog hydrated!! Bring plenty of water and pack their food in air tight containers.

Have Fun, Be Safe and Enjoy!

One Sassy Dog!

          No matter what spring activity you do with your dog, it will be a benefit to both of you.   I take my dogs on daily walks, and hikes and I look forward to it almost as much as they do!  Time to get out and do all those fun activities with your best friend!