Hot Dogs & Holidays: A Puppy Service Announcement

Minnie has been walking the Eastside, but she takes a brief timeout from her usual reviews to give a "PSA"--Puppy Service Announcement-- about hot weather and summer events.

How much do I love car rides? Just ask me if I want to go bye-bye in the car and watch the frenzy of excitement mount. In fact, as a certified Patch Pooch, I've ridden all over the Sound, from Issaquah to Edmonds, enjoying every dog park in between. But with this hot weather, I know I'm going to be staying home more, in the relative comfort of my crate, because I'd rather eat a hot dog than become one.

Here's my advice for pet owners to keep your best friends safe and comfortable this summer:

• Don't unintentionally cook your dog in the car. Even if it feels cool when you leave your house with your dog, temperatures can vary greatly just a few miles from your starting point, or that sun can suddenly poke out from the clouds and make the car sizzle. If you can't take us with you when you get out of the car, best to leave us at home.
• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. The best times of day for a walk or romp are early morning and dusk, but be sure I always have access to water. If I'm panting, I need a drink. When I visit a dog park, my mom brings my own supply of water, because shared water dishes are like germ petrie dishes. (By the way, sprinklers or a hose sprayer with a fine mist setting are my favorite ways to get cool, and super fun to play in.)
• I'm glad I have a wolf-like snout. The ASPCA says pets with flat faces, like Pugs and Persian cats, are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively. These pets, along with the elderly, the overweight, and those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.  Symptoms of  overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse. They can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomit along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees. You can get more hot weather tips from ASPCA here.

Along with summer comes a lot of great events, but we always check to see if four-legged guests are invited before we go, so we don't end up having to leave early (because remember, I don't want to roast in a car while you enjoy a beer garden!). Some good examples:

• Kirkland's markets and Redmond's Saturday Market are dog friendly, but if you're visiting another nearby market, be sure to check first. Many farmers markets now ask people to leave their pets at home. When I do go to market, I'm always supervised on a short leash.
• Kirkland's Celebrate Kirkland! Fourth of July advises no dogs are allowed at the event. That's for the best, too, with large crowds and loud fireworks. I'm licensed and microchipped--and nervous about strange or loud noises--so I'm planning to enjoy a couple of chamomile calming chews and stay home during the fireworks. If you want to do something with your dog on the Fourth, there's an annual kids and pets parade in Issaquah that's super fun, and a great way to enjoy the morning with your dog before heading out to fireworks elsewhere. (More to come on our dog-friendly Eastside soon.)
• I'm a lover, not a fighter. I love meeting other dogs at events, but aggressive dogs or really big dogs off their leashes make me nervous. Please make sure your dog is able to play nicely before bringing him or her to a dog-friendly event. If that's not the case, a lot of local training classes can help you teach your dog proper pooch etiquette and practice in a more controlled environment. 

Have you been thinking of inviting a dog into your home to enjoy year-round fun and affection? Here are some great local ways to find a new best friend:

• Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) is celebrating the "Dog Days of Summer" by reducing the adoption fee for adult dogs to just $50 for a limited time. Find out more here.
• Motley Zoo Pet Rescue is close to reaching the 1,000 adoption mark, and they shared 10 great adoptable pets with us. Read about them here.

Happy Fourth of July--woof!