This month I really scared Jim and Karen! I have this habit of eating grass, especially in our neighbor’s yard. Well, I got really sick, almost like I was going to die. Within a few days I was feeling better with the help of natural remedies, chicken broth and rice. So now when we walk I’m not allowed to eat the neighbors’ grass because they might have fungus, bacteria, or toxic chemicals on them. It turns out that vets call it “spring belly.” Lesson learned.
Here are some helpful tips for keeping your animals safe, happy, and healthy during the upcoming hot summer months!
- Be mindful of hot pavement! It’s very easy for dogs to burn their paws. Try walking in the early morning or evening when the sun isn’t baking the streets, or find walking areas that offer more grass and shade.
- NEVER leave your dog in a hot car, even for short periods. It takes very little time for the inside of a car to heat up to dangerous temperatures.
- Use a lifejacket when swimming in lakes, rivers, or the ocean. Even strong swimmers can get tired or be overtaken by a strong current.
- Provide lots of fresh drinking water and shade when outside. Adding ice can help on really hot days.
- Be aware of pesticides or fertilizers that may be present in grassy areas or parks. These chemicals can wind up on your pets’ feet and may be accidentally ingested when they lick to clean themselves.
- If you have small animals outside, never leave them unattended. Even in the city there are predators like owls or hawks who could scoop up your loved one.
We have had a beautiful spring here in Portland, OR. So while my parents are gardening, I watch the family of robins that are roosting in the back yard. The mom and dad robins make bomber flights to and from the birdbath, veggie garden, and the fence while the baby robins wait to be fed in their nest.
I love to be outside and sunbathe. Life is good!
