Tag: dog

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Safely Enjoying Summer Strolls with Your Canine Companion

As the summer sun casts its warm glow upon us, many of us look forward to spending more time outdoors, including leisurely walks with our four-legged friends. While walking your dog can be a fun and healthy activity, it’s crucial to be mindful of the rising temperatures. Hot days pose potential risks to our canine companions, ranging from overheating to burnt paw pads. 

What are the Risks?

Overheating: Dogs are susceptible to overheating, especially on scorching summer days. Unlike humans, they cool themselves primarily through panting, and excessive heat can lead to heatstroke. Signs of overheating include excessive panting, lethargy, and even collapse.

Hot Surfaces: Pavements and sidewalks can become scalding hot under the intense sun. Walking on these surfaces for prolonged periods can result in burns on your dog’s paw pads. Dogs’ paws are sensitive, and they can easily be injured by contact with hot pavement.

What you can do:

Choose the Right Time: Opt for walks during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening, to avoid the peak heat. This reduces the risk of overheating for both you and your dog.

Stay Hydrated: Ensure your dog stays well-hydrated by bringing water along for both of you. Portable water bowls are convenient for providing frequent sips during breaks.

Shorter Walks: On hot days, shorten walks to minimize the time your dog spends in the heat. Engage in indoor activities or play in shaded areas to keep them active without risking overheating.

Check the Pavement: Before embarking on your walk, test the pavement with the back of your hand. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. Opt for grassy or shaded areas whenever possible.

Grooming: Regular grooming may help keep your dog cool by removing excess fur. However, be cautious not to shave your dog too close, as their coat also provides insulation against the sun.

While summer walks with your dog can be immensely enjoyable, it’s essential to prioritize their well-being by understanding and mitigating the risks associated with heat. Taking care on hot days can help ensure that both you and your furry companion can make the most of your time outdoors while staying safe and healthy. Remember, a little extra care goes a long way in making every walk a tail-wagging success.

 
 
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Do dogs need grains in their diet?

dog eating from bowl

Dogs do not necessarily need grains in their diet to thrive and maintain good health. Dogs are primarily carnivorous animals, and their bodies are well adapted to digest and utilize animal-based proteins and fats.

While grains like wheat, corn, and soy are commonly used as fillers in many commercial dog foods, they are not essential for a dog’s nutritional needs. In fact, some dogs may have sensitivities or allergies to grains, which can lead to digestive issues or skin problems.

That being said, carbohydrates can still be a part of a dog’s diet in the form of easily digestible and nutritious options such as fruits, vegetables, and certain legumes. These ingredients can provide dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals to support overall health.

It’s important to note that the specific nutritional requirements of dogs can vary based on factors such as age, breed, size, activity level, and any underlying health conditions. We recommended talking to us about any specific requirements to determine the best diet for your individual dog. We can provide guidance on selecting a balanced and appropriate diet that meets your dog’s nutritional needs.

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Dog Friendly Weed Killer

Dog Friendly Weed Killer

Simple but effective.

  • 1L white vinegar
  • 2Tbsp liquid dishwash
  • 1 cup salt
  • spray bottle

Stir the salt into the vinegar to dissolve it, add dishwash and stir well.

Pour the mixed solution into a spray bottle.

On a sunny dry day, soak the weeds or plants you want to kill. Be careful as this weed killer doesn’t know the difference between good or bad plants and will also stop anything from growing there again.

If you don’t want a very long term weed killer simply don’t add the salt. It will still kill the weeds but won’t stop anything growing back again.

Put any left over mixture in a plastic container with the cap secured tightly, clearly labelled ‘weedkiller’ and store in a dark place indefinitely. You want to accidentally pick this up instead of the rose spray!

If you need to dispose of left over mixture do so responsibly.

As some people with sensitive skin can be affected by vinegar. It is always a good idea to wear gloves.

Disclaimer: K9 Essentials and staff take no responsibility for any plants, weeds or soil killed with this weed killer.