Cottage Safety For Pets

Summer is a time for cottage get-togethers with family and friends. Whether you’re spending the weekend at the lake or just taking a day trip to the country, it’s important to keep your dog safe. Here are some tips to make sure your pup has a fun and safe time at the cottage.

On The Way

If you’re travelling with your dog, it’s important to keep them cool and comfortable. Never leave your pet alone in the car, even with the windows partially open. The temperature inside a parked car can quickly become intolerable, even on a mild day. If you need to make stops during your journey, try to run errands before you hit the road. This way, you won’t have to leave your dog alone in the car.

If your furry friend is prone to car sickness, there are a few things you can do to help prevent it. Feed your pet a light meal at least four hours before the trip. This will help to reduce the amount of stomach movement during the drive. Finally, if your dog is still prone to car sickness, ask your veterinarian for a prescription medication that can help prevent it.

Schedule rest stops every two to four hours so they can stretch their legs, have a bathroom break and get some water. Attach their leash to their collar or harness before opening the car door to prevent them from bolting out into traffic. If your pet is not used to travelling, consider using a harness instead of just a collar as it’s more difficult for them to wriggle out of.

By following these tips, you can help make sure that your dog has a comfortable and safe journey to the cottage.

Pets Can Get Lost

Imagine what would happen if your pet got loose. They could end up in a dangerous situation or even hit by a car! That’s why it is important to confine them safely inside the cottage if they do not have a good recall. There is so much wildlife out there, which can tempt many dogs to chase after them. Make sure they have ID with contact info on their collar or harness. If they are not micro-chipped, it would be best to do it before going to the cottage. There is a higher chance of being reunited with your dog should they ever get lost and become separated from you.

Fleas and Ticks

Many varieties of ticks and other parasites can be found around cottages, so flea and tick prevention is a must! Be sure to visit your veterinarian for the best parasite prevention medication and tools so your dog is fully protected. While many pet stores sell parasite prevention, many of them do not protect against many ticks.

Update All Vaccines For Extra Protection

Also, make sure your dog is up to date on all of their vaccines if they’re overdue. While core vaccines like Rabies and Distemper are required by law in the province of Ontario, we recommend vaccines against Lyme disease and Leptospirosis. The importance of leptospirosis in dogs can’t be overstated. The most common way dogs get leptospirosis is through water contaminated with urine of an infected animal, particularly stagnant or slow-moving water like puddles, ponds or lakes.

Water Safety

Cottage season is the perfect time to take your dog swimming. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure your dog stays safe. First, always supervise your dog while they are in the water. This is especially important if they are not a strong swimmer. We highly recommend investing in a life jacket for dogs. Second, remove their chain or slip collar before they go into the water. These collars can snag on hidden underwater obstacles, such as plants, branches, or debris.

Even if the water looks calm, there may be a strong current beneath the surface. This can make it difficult for dogs to swim against the tide and they may quickly become exhausted. If the water is cold, there is also a risk of hypothermia. Be sure to test the temperature before letting your dog in and pull them out if they shiver or look tired. By taking some simple precautions, you can help ensure that your dog has a safe and enjoyable swimming experience.

Summer is a great time to take a road trip to the cottage with your furry friend. Just make sure you use common sense and pack everything you need to keep them safe and comfortable. And if there’s any doubt, it might be best to leave Fido at home. If all of this sounds like too much work, we can help! Call us for all your pet grooming needs–from a shave down before hitting the trails, to keep them clean and healthy all summer long.

Cottage Safety For Pets