The Lawhead Team would like to share this great article from Coldwell Banker to help keep your dog safe around your pool.

• The most important safety precaution you can take is making the time to train your dog how to swim. If you aren’t comfortable with taking on such an involved task as this, consult with an experienced dog trainer. You may also want to think about learning how to properly administer CPR to a dog in the event an accident occurs.
• A common misconception with dogs is that all breeds are natural and instinctual swimmers. Some breeds – like the Retrievers, Labradors and Setters – love the water; others like Bulldogs and Dachshunds swim as gracefully as a block of cement. And regardless of breed, all dogs have to first be properly taught how to doggy paddle – never throw a weeks old puppy into the water to learn on its own! It is extremely dangerous and can be traumatic.
• One of the biggest hurdles to getting your dog in the pool could just be getting her comfortable with the water itself. If your dog seems hesitant, it may be a good idea to use a kiddie pool to introduce the fun in a more relaxing environment.

Some of the most frequent accidents occur when a dog does not see the edge and slips into the pool. That is why it is necessary to make sure your dog is completely comfortable entering and exiting the pool using the steps and will not panic if she slips. Help your dog always identify the stairs by marking the area with a large visible object, such as a plant, to help steer her in the right direction. If your dog is unable to use the steps to your pool, there are doggy ramps that can be purchased to make that transition all the smoother. Making sure your dog takes the steps will also cut down on the damage that the cement edges of a pool can do to claws and paws.

Another concern is the surface that surrounds your pool. The health of your dog’s paws should also be in the back of your mind if she is excitable and runs around the pool for an extended period of time. Many times these surfaces are hot, damaging and can cause serious harm to a dog’s bare paws.

It is loads of fun playing fetch and watching your dog fly through the air, splashing into your pool to retrieve her favorite toy. However, you also should be taking into account the amount of water your dog is drinking while her mouth may be open holding the stick or toy on her way to the stairs to start the game all over again as too much chlorine intake can make your dog sick. At the end of your swimming session, give your dog a rinse with fresh water after she gets out to get rid of the bacteria and chemicals that may be lingering.

If your dog will be spending most of their time outside, consider investing in a pool fence to stop an accident from occurring while you are unable to supervise. If you find the idea of a pool fence unsightly, an invisible fence is a great option. When it is time to close the pool for the colder months, be sure that your pool cover does not have any openings and is secured firmly.

To read the entire article click here: http://blog.coldwellbanker.com/dog-pool-safety/

Summer is a great time to bring your pet along on vacations and daily outings. It is important however to keep their well-being in mind and make sure they are safe during the warmer months.

The following are tips for pet owners from the ASPCA on summertime safety for pets:

• Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water when it’s hot outdoors. Make sure your pets have a shady place to get out of the sun, be careful to not over-exercise them, and keep them indoors when it’s extremely hot.
• Symptoms of overheating in your pet include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse. They can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomit along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees. Animals with flat faces, like Pugs and Persian cats, are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively. These pets, along with the elderly, the overweight, and those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.
• Never leave your pet alone in a parked vehicle. On a hot day a parked car can heat up like an oven. Do not leave your pet in the car!
• Do not leave pets unsupervised around a pool-not all dogs are good swimmers. Introduce your pets to water gradually and make sure they wear flotation devices when on boats. Rinse your dog off after swimming to remove chlorine or salt from his fur, and try to keep your dog from drinking pool water, which contains chlorine and other chemicals that could cause stomach upset.
• Feel free to trim longer hair on your dog, but never shave your dog: The layers of dogs’ coats protect them from overheating and sunburn. Brushing cats more often than usual can prevent problems caused by excessive heat. And be sure that any sunscreen or insect repellent product you use on your pet is labeled specifically for use on animals.
• When the temperature is very high, don’t let your dog linger on hot asphalt. Being so close the ground, your pooch’s body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. Keep walks during these times to a minimum.