SEASONAL TIPS—FALL
Walking in the Dark
Autumn and winter walks can mean dark walks. If you are walking in the dark, don’t forget to wear some reflective clothing. Even a reflective band or sash will help you to be seen. And your dog can wear one too. A safety blinker is also a good idea. As the light fades, a safety blinker will help you to see where your dog is during your walk and also help to avoid accidents should they go astray.
Nails
Walks on wet grass will not wear down your dog’s nails as much as the hard ground of summer. When you start to hear that tell-tale click, click, click on your kitchen floor, it's time to check your dog’s nails and cut or file them down. If clipping dog nails is really not your strong point, take your dog along to your vet or groomer.
Bringing the Outdoors In
A common problem in wet weather after toilet breaks and walks is your dog bringing the wet and mud in with them when they come back through the door. One option is to buy a special dirt trapper mat. Another idea is to train your dog to wait at the door instead of racing inside with wet feet. A basic sit command at the door is all that is required. This then gives you the opportunity to wipe their feet before they go indoors.
Sleeping in Comfort
As the nights get colder, don’t forget to check out your dog’s sleeping area. Is it warm and cozy enough for colder nights? Don’t forget, there can be draughts down on the floor that we aren’t necessarily aware of, so get down on your hands and knees and check it out.
Shedding
Most dogs shed their summer coats in the fall before putting on their winter coat. During the shedding season, if you do not remove the shedding coat, you will most likely see it falling out all over your house for about a period of a month or so. Regular daily or weekly brushing (as needed) is the best way to keep the loose hair from falling on the floor or your furniture.


HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS
Trick or Treat
If your dog is likely to get upset when children disguised as ghosts come knocking on the door, either don’t answer the door or make sure your dog is in another room or is suitably distracted. What may be a harmless ghoul costume to us could be seen as a potential threat to our dogs. If you have a bag of treats to hand out, make sure they are kept out of reach of your dog.
Fireworks
Many dogs are affected by fireworks. If they showed mild fear last year, they will show greater fear this year. When you are expecting the fireworks, put your dog in the room with the most sound proofing and play some loud music. This can reduce the intensity of the sudden bangs of the fireworks. Some dogs will even let you put cotton balls in their ears (remember to remove them afterwards!). With dogs that have severe phobias to fireworks, ask your vet how they could help.
Candies
Remember to keep all candy, especially chocolate, away from pets. Chocolate can be deadly to dogs and serious problems can arise when pets eat other candies.


THANKSGIVING SAFETY TIPS
1) Go for a long walk. Tire your dog out before visiting or hosting holiday guests. Your dog is more likely to behave after some good exercise.
2) Educate your guests. When you have guests, let them know the dos and don'ts of the household; everyone should enforce the same rules, boundaries, and limitations.
3) Don't share the human food. Instead, purchase or make some healthy dog treats in fun shapes that you and your guests can feed to your pup safely. If you really want to share part of your meal, give your dog a small piece of white turkey meat. Turkey skin is very hard to digest and can cause acute pancreatitis. Potato skins, gravy and onions (raw or cooked) can also be toxic to your pet.
4) Clean up and secure all food waste in a sealed container when dinner is over. To your dog, those wafting smells aren't just coming from the dinner table -- scents from the trash are just as tempting. And those tasty leftovers are often attached to dangerous objects like roasting bags, pop-up timers, and string.
5) Use temporary tags. Traveling out of town with your pet? Consider adding a tag listing your new location and cell phone number.
6) Keep emergency contact information handy. With all the temptations of a Thanksgiving meal, and guests who may not be used to resisting the sweet mug of your begging pet, it's always a good idea to have the number to your veterinarian and the nearest emergency clinic handy -- just in case.


CHRISTMAS SAFETY TIPS
Houseguests: During the holiday bash, pets may not understand why their usually quiet home is now full of people and noise. Providing pets with a quiet place to retreat, where they can venture out to visit if they feel like it, will help them be more at ease. Pet parents also should keep an eye on pets when doors are opening and closing frequently. Dogs and cats easily can slip out in all of the commotion.
Electrical cords: Twinkling lights around the house mean extra cords and plugs -- and more tempting "chew toys" for pets. Taking an extra minute or two during decorating to tape down or cover cords will help prevent shocks, burns or more serious injuries.
Christmas trees: Anchoring the top of the tree to the ceiling with a strong cord will help keep it in place around frolicking pets. Cats also are inclined to eat tinsel hanging from trees -- this can cause an intestinal obstruction -- so pet parents are cautioned to keep tinsel decorations high on the tree where the family cat won’t be tempted.
Mistletoe berries, pine needles and other tasty treats: Mistletoe and holly berries, as well as poinsettia plants can be poisonous to pets, causing severe upset stomachs. Pine needles can puncture holes in a pet’s intestine causing an emergency visit to the vet. Repellent sprays also help keep pets away from areas and objects that may cause them harm.


SEASONAL TIPS — WINTER
Feeding
If your dog spends a lot of time outside, he may need more calories in the winter to produce body heat. If your dog spends most of his time indoors, and he has a decrease in activity, he may require fewer calories. When in doubt, always ask your vet about seasonal diet changes.
Water
Dogs can become dehydrated in winter. Make certain he always has plenty of fresh water available. Snow is not an efficient alternative to water.
Poisonous chemicals
Dogs can pick up chemicals or other nasty things on their paws in the rain, and licking those paws clean can create illness. Antifreeze that leaks onto driveways and roads smells and tastes good to dogs. However, it is highly poisonous and can be lethal to your canine companion if ingested. Be sure to wipe your dog's feet and stomach after a walk in the rain.
Insulating fur
Knotted or matted fur doesn't insulate properly. Brush or groom your dog's fur regularly. Shorthaired dogs and those with coarse furs get cold easily. Consider purchasing a blanket, coat or sweater to keep your dog warm.


SHARING VALENTINE'S DAY WITH YOUR POOCH
• Indulge your pooch with a "pet spa day." An aromatherapy spa treatment will relax your dog's cares away. Start with a warm bath and blow dry, and finish with a well-deserved massage. Your dog will return home rejuvenated.
• Get some exercise. A spirited walk and a picnic in your local dog park is a great way to burn energy and spend some quality time together. Who knows-maybe your canine will find a valentine, too.
• Remember this special day forever by having a one-of-a-kind pet portrait made of your dog. You will appreciate the elegance and joy that this artwork will bring for years to come.
• Give your furry friend a new toy. Nothing says "Be My Valentine" like a pink or red heart-shaped chew toy. Be sure it is dog-safe and your four-legged friend will get hours of enjoyment out of a new plaything. Plus, those cute little toys scattered throughout the house are just little reminders of how much you love your pup.
• Dinner and a movie are a fun way to spend Valentine's Day with your beloved pooch. Pick your favorite animal-related movie, and curl up with your pup and your favorite snacks. What's better than a good movie, fun food, a blanket and a best friend?
• Cross off your annual vet check-up from your list. An annual vet visit for a thorough check means extra peace of mind on this special day.
• Bake some homemade dog biscuits for your pooch. If baking isn't your forte, pick up gourmet treats at a local pet boutique. Even our furry friends deserve to have their tummies pampered on Valentine's Day.


SAFE EASTER
Flowers
You may already know that the popular Easter lilies are poisonous, as all lilies are. Here are some other flowers that could present a hazard to your pets: daffodils, amaryllis, caladium, calla lily, cyclamen, gladioli, hyacinths, iris, lily-of-the-valley, peace lily, and tulips. Make sure your flowers are out of reach of your pets.
Easter candy
The effects of sugar, corn syrup and other sweeteners, plus all the chemical dyes in the candies, can hit the bodies of your pets really hard. Be careful to keep them away, together with the chocolate.
Easter baskets and nests
That plastic grass that lines Easter baskets or make nests for Easter goodies could be tempting to your pets. If they eat some, it could tangle up in their intestines and require major surgery.
Easter toys
Small toys (like little plastic bunnies and eggs) should be kept out of pets’ reach. A puppy or dog who’s used to ripping up animal-shaped dog toys will not be able to tell the difference between his toys and those adorable stuffed bunnies or chicks. The stuffing inside them might be hazardous to your dog.
Bones
Traditional Easter meals may include lamb, ham, goose, or many another meat. If you serve goose, chicken, turkey, or other fowl, or fish, don’t give the bones to your dogs or cats. Fish and fowl have soft bones that create a real choking hazard in pets, and can get stuck in their throats or digestive systems. Instead, if you want to give them a treat, boil up those bones in a little water, let it cool, take out and toss the bones, and give them the broth. They’ll love it!


SPRING
Fleas and ticks
If you discontinued the preventative flea treatments in the winter, you should start early in the spring to keep your pet's coat, and your home, free of pests.
Cleaning products, paint, lawn fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides
Spring cleaning is a tradition in many households. The cleaning products should be kept out of reach of your pets. Even if some chemicals are not lethal to your pets, they can still be dangerous for their long-term health. After applying these products, follow manufacturer instructions on how long you should wait before allowing your pet into the area.
Planting
Make sure that you only use plants that are safe if they are ingested. Toxic plants can include lilies, azaleas, rhododendrons and oleander. Some mulch products are also toxic to pets, such as cocoa mulch. The dog is attracted by the smell and will eat the mulch.
An important item that is often overlooked in the yard is the metal lawn edging. If the top is not covered or rounded, the edging can slice through the dogs foot and cause extensive injuries.

Dogs often start digging in the yard when the new plants start coming up, make sure that you are providing exercise for them, both mental and physical. Puzzle toys are a great way to keep them busy so that they are not looking at your newly planted rosebush for entertainment.


SEASONAL TIPS - SUMMER, part 1
General Health
- Keep your dog's vaccinations up to date, since they tend to stay outdoors longer and come into contact with other animals more during the summer months.
- Keep your dog well-brushed and clean.
- Fleas and ticks, and the mosquitos which carry heartworm disease, are more prevalent in warmer months. Ask your veterinarian for an effective preventive to keep these parasites off your dog.
Heat Hazards
- Make sure your dog has a shady spot to rest in. Doghouses can trap heat, so they are not a good shelter during the summer. You may want to fill a wading pool with fresh water for your dog to cool off in.
- Never leave your dog in a closed vehicle on a hot day.
- Always provide plenty of cool, fresh water.
- Take walks in the early mornings or evenings, when the sun's heat is less intense. Avoid long exposure to hot asphalt or sand, since they can burn your dog's paws.
- Short-faced dogs, such as Bulldogs, Boxers, Japanese Chins, and Pekingese, have an especially hard time in the heat because they do not pant as efficiently as longer-faced dogs. Keep them inside with air-conditioning.
Travel
- By Air: During summer months, many airlines will not ship animals, and some will only allow dogs to fly in the early morning or in the evening. If you do ship a dog, put icepacks or an ice blanket in the dog's crate. Provide a container of fresh water, as well as a container of frozen water that will thaw over the course of the trip.
- By Car: Keep your dog cool in the car by putting icepacks in his crate. Make sure the crate is well ventilated. Bring along fresh water and a bowl, and a tarp or tent so you can set up a shady spot when you stop. Keep a spray bottle filled with water to spritz on your dog to cool him down.
- By RV: If you leave your dog in an RV with the generator running, check it often or have a neighbor monitor it. Some manufacturers have devices that will notify you if the generator should malfunction. Never leave an RV or motor home completely shut up, even if the generator and AC are running. Crack a window or door or run the exhaust fan.


SEASONAL TIPS - SUMMER, part 2
A few tips for the 4th of July:
- Don't bring dogs to a public fireworks display. As much as you might enjoy it, your dog would not like the crowd, the noise, the heat, and the fireworks.
- Don't leave your dog in the yard when you leave. They will believe that you are in danger from the commotion and noise. Even if they're chained up in a yard with a high fence, they will find a way to escape to find you.
- Make sure your dog has an identification tag containing up to date contact information.
- Provide a safe space for them. You can even turn on a tv or radio with familiar programming or soothing music to help distract from the noises going on outside.
- Don't leave dogs in the car. A slightly open window doesn't provide enough air for a pet in hot weather, but it does provide an incentive for someone to try and break in to steal them and anything else inside your car.
- Don't share your food and don't allow your guests to do so either.
- Be aware of citronella pots and candles, and other oils. If the wax is coupled with citronella oil and other bug repellents, the potential for danger is increased. Bug repellents can be poisonous for pets. Only use pet-approved bug repellent.

A few tips for a safe beach experience
- Before heading out, check if the beach permits dogs.
- Provide a shady spot for your dog and plenty of fresh water.
- Dogs can sunburn too. Limit your dog's exposure during the day and apply sunblock to their ears and nose 30 minutes before going outside.
- Running on the sand is strenuous exercise. A dog that is out of shape can easily pull a tendon or ligament, so keep a check on your dog's activity.


SEASONAL TIPS - SUMMER, part 3
Water Safety

- Check with a lifeguard for daily water conditions. Dogs are easy targets for sea lice and jellyfish.

- Do not let your dog drink seawater; the salt will make him sick.

- Salt and other minerals in ocean water can damage your dog's coat, so rinse him off at the end of the day.

- Most dogs enjoy swimming, but some cannot swim, and others may hate the water. Be conscious of your dog's preferences and skills before trying to make him swim.

- If you're swimming for the first time with your dog, start in shallow water and coax him in by calling his name. Encourage him with toys or treats. Or, let him follow another experienced dog he is friendly with.

- Never throw your dog into the water.

- If your dog begins to paddle with his front legs, lift his hind legs and help him float. He should quickly catch on and keep his back end up.

- Don't let your dog overdo it; swimming is very hard work and he may tire quickly.

- If swimming at the ocean, be careful of strong tides.

- If you have your own pool, make sure your dog knows where the stairs or ladder are located. Be sure that pool covers are firmly in place; dogs have been known to slip in under openings in the covers and drown.

- Never leave your dog unattended in water.