Hi friends,

We want you and every member of your family to enjoy your time in Pismo Beach – your great escape from the July heat. This week our Annual 4th of July Fireworks Celebration takes place with music, food, and a Grand Fireworks display from our famous 1,200 foot Pismo Pier.

Since many of you will be traveling with your canine companions and staying in one of our many fido-friendly accommodations, we’d like to extend some tips for keeping your dog safe, not only on July 4th, but also during the upcoming warmest months of the year and beyond… For a list of our dog-dedicated amenities, visit DogFriendlyPismoBeach.com

Cheers!

Goldie

Some Tips for Keeping Your Dog Safe During Summer Travel

1. Avoid Heat Stroke Heat stroke occurs when your dog’s body temperature rises dangerously high. It is most common when dogs are left in a car for too long, or when they exercise in the heat. Never leave your dog in the car in hot weather, and always remember that a cracked window is not enough to cool a car. Your dog always needs access to shade outside. Never muzzle your dog during the heat since it interferes with a dog's ability to cool itself by panting.

2. Do Let Your Dog Sunburn Did you know dogs could burn in the sun just like people? White, light-colored, and thinly coated dogs have an increased risk of sunburn. Sunburn causes pain, itching, peeling, and other problems. To prevent sunburn, apply a waterproof sunscreen formulated for babies or pets. Be sure to cover the tips of your dog’s ears and nose, the skin around its mouth, and its back.

3. Avoid Burning You Dogs Foot Pads Sidewalk, patio, street, sand, and other surfaces can burn your dog’s footpads. Walk your dog in the morning and at night when outdoor surfaces are coolest. Press your hand onto surfaces for 30 seconds to test them before allowing your dog to walk on them. If it is painful for you, it will be painful for your dog.

4. Don't Let Your Dog Get Dehydrated Prevent dehydration by providing your dog with an unlimited supply of fresh cool water. Ice cubes may encourage your dog to take in more fluids and help keep it cool. You can also feed your dog canned or moistened dog food during the summer to increase its fluid intake.

5. Use Caution Around Campfires and Barbecues Keep your dog away from barbecues and campfires. Your dog may try to take burning sticks from the fire since they think that you are playing when you chase them. Food that is stuck to barbecues after cooking can tempt your dog to lick the barbecue and burn its tongue or mouth. Lighter fluid is a poison and should not be left where your dog can reach it.

6. Keep Your Dogs Away From Fireworks Some fireworks look like sticks, which makes your dog think that they are toys. The loud noises and sudden flash of fireworks can disorient and startle your dog, causing it to run wildly. If you cannot avoid being around fireworks, then keep your dog on a very short leash next to you.

7. Prevent Parasites Ticks, fleas, mosquitoes, flies, and other insects are at their peak during the summer months. Talk to your veterinarian about appropriate protection such as collars, sprays, shampoos, dips, and other products.

8. Chemicals in the Water Swimming can be fun for you and your dog and helps prevent heat stroke. However, chlorine can irritate a dog's skin and upset its stomach. Rinse your dog with fresh water after swimming in a pool and do not let it drink more than a small amount of pool water. Standing water, such as puddles, can also be dangerous for dogs to drink due to the presence of antifreeze or other chemicals. Provide your dog with fresh water to drink whenever possible.

9. Seasonal Allergies Fleas, mold, flowers, and other potential allergens are common during summer. Allergies can cause itching and excessive scratching, coughing, sneezing, discomfort, and other problems for your dog. Keep your dog away from allergy triggers when possible, especially if you know it has a particular allergy. Ask your veterinarian about whether your pet would benefit from a canine antihistamine or other medication.

10. Avoid Losing Your Dog To prevent it from becoming lost in unfamiliar surroundings, always have someone watching your dog whether your dog is on or off their leash. A collar with a contact information tag should be considered the minimum safety precaution, moreover, microchip your dog for more reliable identification.