How Can I Make Sure My Dog Is Safe Outdoors?
Just like any good parent, when your children go outside to play you want them to be as safe as possible. It is no different when you are a responsible pet owner of a puppy! You will definitely need to pick up some dog supplies for your new puppy.
There are many hidden dangers that you may or may not be aware of that could really hurt or even pose grave dangers for your pup! Your puppy has no sense of what safety is. However, you can do a few simple things to ensure that your puppy is safe when outside.
One of the first things to look out for is water areas. It is true that every dog can swim, but young pups need some training. There are cases every year of dogs that drown because they got into water that was too much for them. In one story, while on a hiking trek, a man and his new German Shepherd puppy along. When he approached a lake, the pup was so excited that he took off into the lake. The pup did not automatically swim, actually the puppy became overwhelmed by how large a body of water such as this lake.
The puppy would have drown had the man and his friend not gotten to the German Shepherd puppy in the nick of time! Again, all dogs can swim but puppies cannot swim well enough to take on such large bodies of water such as lakes, streams, rivers, etc. So make sure that your puppy stays on their leash when you are approaching water areas. It is always better safe than sorry! Another danger to your puppy can be insects!
Im talking about bugs! Fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and other common insects can be real trouble for puppies. These bloodsuckers can pose a real threat to your puppy because they carry disease not to mention can cause skin irritations and in some puppies, allergic reactions. So make sure just as with yourself and loved ones, that your puppy has more than ample protection against insects. Be sure that you take a quick look at dog dresses and dog shampoo.
There are many great products that give round the clock protection against fleas and ticks in addition to a variety of products that will ward off other bloodsucking pests! These medications may come in the form of a pill, spray, lotion or cream, and powders. There are also many holistic products that are all natural and do not contain chemical repellents that have had success when used correctly. A good rule of thumb is that you use these repellents during the early morning and at dusk because that is when mosquitoes are at their most prevailant.
You can also avoid marshy and heavily wooded areas as well that will reduce the chances of your pup being eaten alive by mosquitoes.
