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Pup 'N Iron™ E-News
July 2010

In This Issue

Keeping Your Dog Safe in the Heat
What's New at Pup 'N Iron
Food Recall Updates
Just A Dog
Upcoming Events

Keeping Your Dog Safe in the Heat

By Laurie C. Williams CPDT-KA

It seems like yesterday when we were surrounded by snow, literally everywhere! However, like clockwork, summer and warmer temperatures are upon us, with a vengeance! It’s hot out there already, and rather than use this as an excuse to keep our dogs inside, with a little planning and being proactive, we can still have outdoor fun with our pets.

For starters, never leave your dog inside your car unattended. In case you didn’t catch that, let me repeat again, NEVER leave your dog inside your car unattended. This is non-negotiable. Too many dogs die yearly from being left inside a hot vehicle, and these deaths are preventable. Heat stroke, which occurs when a pet’s internal body temperature rises to dangerous levels, can occur surprisingly fast. Tests show that when the outside temperature is 72 degrees, a car’s interior temperature can rocket to 116 in just one hour, even with the windows partially down. At 85 degrees, temperatures can soar to 102 in 10 minutes, and 120 degrees in thirty minutes. Further, it's not a good idea to put your dog in the back of your pickup truck either. Even though it might be an open bed truck, your dog is still not protected from the sun beating down on him and his paws aren't protected from the hot metal of the truck bed. So again, regarding leaving dogs in your car, just don’t do it.

Here are some additional hot weather safety tips:

Be sure to offer your pet cool, fresh water often. For pets left alone all day, especially if outside, make sure the water is in a tip-proof bowl so it doesn’t get spilled out during the day.
If your dog or cat is out during the day, remember that asphalt and concrete can also get very hot and could burn the pads of your pet’s feet.
Outdoor pets should also have access to shade and shelter at all times.
Exercising your dog is great, but be sure to walk him during cooler hours such as early morning, or in the evening when the sun is less harsh.
Do your homework before shaving off all of your long-coated dog’s hair for the summer. While some believe it’s best to shave long-haired dogs to keep them cool, this isn’t always the case. A dog’s fur can provide protection from the sun, biting flies and mosquitoes. Always consult your veterinarian or professional groomer first.

Summer is a great time for family fun and that includes our pets, as long as we keep in mind that their safety is in our hands.

What's New at Pup 'N Iron

At PNI our goal is to keep coming up with fun and innovative ways humans can spend quality time with their dogs! This summer we are offering a variety of fun games and workshops for dogs and handlers of all levels:

Fast, Fabulous and Reliable Recalls - Tuesday, July 13, 7-8:00pm - Get your dog to come when called .... NOW!
Yes, My Dog Can Do That - Friday, July 16, 7-8:30pm - Come have fun and show off what your dog can do in this action packed game.
Find It! Nose Games - Saturday, August 7, 2-4:00pm - Nose work is one of the latest training activities that helps enhance your dog's natural scenting abilities through fun and games.
RELAX, REJUVENATE, AND RENEW! - Saturday, August 21, 1-6:00pm - Do you have a performance, service and/or therapy dog that deals with a lot of stress? Or is your dog the best pet in the world that you'd like to thank for being such a loyal, faithful companion? In either case, this could very well be the BEST 5 hours you've ever spent with your dog!

For registration information, visit our Summer Fun information page.

Have you ever wondered if you and your dog has what it takes to be a therapy dog team? Most often, people think it entails merely passing a test, but there is so much more to becoming an effective and successful team than that. This 12 hour comprehensive, educational and most importantly, interactive workshop will put you and your dog inside the world of animal assisted therapy. Upon completion, you will not only be ready to pass the test, but ready to do the work!

Click here for registration information.

Food Recall Updates

ALERT!
United Pet Group Expands Recall CINCINATTI, OHIO

United Pet Group is voluntarily expanding its recent recall of its Pro-Pet Adult Daily Vitamin Supplement tablets for Dogs to include additional pet nutritional supplement products for dogs and cats due to possible Salmonella contamination. The Food and Drug Administration is aware of this recall. The recalled products are sold nationally at various retailers. All of the affected products are in tablet and powdered form and are being removed from the shelves and consumers should immediately stop feeding these supplements to their pets. Consumers may contact United Pet Group at 1-877-399-5226, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm EST. To read more: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm217999.htm

Just A Dog

We think this piece speaks to how we and all of you feel about our dogs and wanted to share it with you.

Just A Dog - Author Unknown

From time to time people tell me, “Lighten up, it’s just a dog,” or, “That’s a lot of money for just a dog.”
They don’t understand the distance traveled, time spent, or costs involved for “Just a dog.”

Some of my proudest moments have come about with “Just a dog.”

Many hours have passed with my only company being “Just a dog,” and not once have I felt slighted.

Some of my saddest moments were brought about by “Just a dog.” In those days of darkness, the gentle touch of “Just a dog,” provided comfort and purpose to overcome the day.

If you, too think it’s “Just a dog,” you will probably understand phrases like “Just a friend,” “Just a sunrise,” or “Just a promise.”

“Just a dog” brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust and pure unbridled joy.

“Just a dog” brings out the compassion and patience that makes me a better person. Because of “Just a dog,” I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly into the future.

For me and folks like me, it’s not “Just a dog.” It’s an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment.

“Just a dog” brings out what’s good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.

I hope that someday people can understand it’s not “Just a dog.” It’s the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being “Just a man or woman.”

So the next time you hear the phrase “Just a dog,” smile, because they “Just Don’t Understand.”

Upcoming Events

Obedience Open Ring Run Thrus
9:00-11:30am

Saturday, July 10
Sunday, July 18
Sunday, August 8
Saturday, August 21

Rally Obedience Run Thrus
11:30am - 2:00pm

Saturday, July 10
Saturday, July 31
Saturday, August 14
Saturday, August 27

Click on the links above for registration information.

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