dog days of summer

Now that the dog days of Summer are here, it's important to keep an eye on your pup for signs of heatstroke. Along with playing at the beach and enjoying long walks, simply spending time outdoors when the temps soar can put your pooch at risk of heat stress or heatstroke. Not sure what to look for? The signs of heat stress or heat exhaustion include heavy panting, rapid pulse, glazed eyes, a deep-red or purple tongue, vomiting, lethargy or any unsteadiness or staggering gait.

If you notice your dog having a hard time breathing or he seems disoriented after spending time outdoors in the hot sun, then get your pup inside pronto, as the conditions are very serious. If your pet does become overheated, then you need to immediately lower his body temperature with the following steps:

1. Move your pet indoors or to a shady area and apply cool water over his body. Lowering your dog's core body temperature is essential, but it's important that the water isn't too cold.
2. Next, apply ice packs to your pet's head, neck, and chest.
3. Offer your pet small amounts of water, either with a dish or letting him lick ice cubes.
4. If your dog is still lethargic or having difficulty breathing, then head to your vet immediately.

Along with knowing how to handle heatstroke, make sure to take the time to prevent your pup from overheating:

• Have water available for your dog during the hot Summer months. Bring along a water bottle to offer to your pooch while playing outdoors.
• Take breaks while enjoying a game of catch or taking long walks when it's extra hot outside. And allow your pup to pant, which is his way of regulating his temperature.
• Head to shady areas with your pooch after spending time outside — or go for a swim, which cools everyone down.
• Never leave your dog unattended in the open sun. And keep a close eye on older and overweight dogs, making sure they are in well-ventilated areas during the hot Summer months.
Source: Flickr user jeremiahjw

Warm weather walks aren't just a fresh way to get your pet out and about or work on your posture and fitness. They offer the visual bonus of blooming buds, chirping birds and an air of romance. In celebration of Flower Day, which happens to be today, I have put together a roundup of helpful hints for enjoying flowers and plant life both within your home and on the street. Do you know which plants are poisonous and which are fine for pup to munch one? Find out before you take that Summer jaunt through the wildflowers.

1. Let Him Stop and Smell the Flowers	2. Know Which Flowers Are Poisonous to Pets	3. Pet-Proofing Your Home by Avoiding Poisonous Plants
4. Just Say No to Cocoa Mulch	5. Plant a Pretty and Pet Safe Garden	6. Know What to Do When Kitty Eats Plants

In many parts of the country the temperatures are already dropping, but I'm still holding out for a couple more warm weekends in California. Before Fall totally takes over, pick up this Kool Dogz Ice Treat Maker to get one last use now that it's on sale for just $26. The kit includes a steel base with a reservoir to catch the melting water, a reusable freezing bucket with lid to fill, and a sturdy stake to fit in the ground. Plus, there's a book of treat recipes for your pets – or stick toys inside – just like all their zoo friends.

To check out a gallery of my fave zoo ice bucket snacks of last Summer, read more

In California, it's not unusual to get some pretty hot temps in September, and last weekend was no exception. LilPeaPod took Samson camping for the first time, and not only was he totally overwhelmed with nature, it was also super hot. It's pretty well known that smooshies don't do well with heat or swimming, so taking a dip in the lake was out of the question. LilPeaPod explains how she kept little Samson cool in the blazing hot 95-degree weather with a little ice:

Since Samson can't swim, I decided to bring the water to him by using our melted ice from our cooler. I soaked his collar and a towel to keep his body temp down while he slept in the shade. We also gave him plenty of ice to snack on (which he loves, obviously) – it kept him cool until the temps dropped that evening!

If your pets can't swim, it's pretty easy to keep them comfy with a few ice cubes and some water! What are your surefire ways to keep your pets cool in the hot weather?

As if the ominous name didn't clue you in, death caps are very dangerous. This species is responsible for the majority – 95 percent! – of fatal mushroom poisoning of people and pets. Not commonly found throughout the US, the fungi have been reported in areas as wide-reaching as upstate NY and New Jersey over to southern Oregon and the San Francisco Bay Area.

If you're taking a walk with your pooch, know how to recognize and avoid the (scientific name) Amanita phalloides. They grow year-round and thrive in moist environments commonly found on the roots of live trees. Although the above picture is one example, exact identification is unreliable because their appearance can vary . . . translation: Don't eat, or let pets eat, any wild growing mushrooms.

Learn how this affects your pets and should be treated when you read more

While there are times I wish North had more outdoor space to frolic, quite often I'm grateful for my pooch's sheltered city lifestyle. Don't get me wrong, he still takes nice long walks . . . but I'm on the other end of the leash making sure his nose (and mouth) stay out of mischief!

While we know not to have hazardous chemicals like rat poison around the house, you can't be certain that all your neighbors behave the same way. If a pet is not decontaminated immediately after ingestion, these agents are absorbed into the blood and ultimately alter the ability of blood to clot normally.

Learn what to look for when you read more

Don't leave your grills (or pets) unsupervised at any outdoor parties! Have some extra sticks and balls to distract him from hovering around the BBQ and your yums. If your speedy pup grabs something piping hot, or gets too close to the grill, you should have a plan, and supplies, to treat paw burns.

If your dog is walking as if in pain, incessantly licking his paws, or you spot any cracking or blistering on the pads, he could have a minor burn. (Remember the dangers of sidewalks and hot sand, too.)

If he suffers a burn such as this, apply a cool, wet compress to sooth. Clean the wound then cover with a pet-safe burn ointment or spray – yet another use for aloe – and wrap with gauze. I especially like this first aid kit ($18) because it includes an antiseptic, liquid bandage spray, sterile eyewash, non-stick pad, and gauze roll for all those emergencies.