Dogs Die In Hot Truck

Earlier today I made a post referencing an article about keeping dogs safe from the heat.  Unfortunately, we have an example of two dog deaths occurring in Massachusetts while in the back of a truck.  And, this occurred in the back seat of a pickup truck with the windows open and the dogs having access to water.  This happened to a pet owner that thought they were taking all of the proper precautions.  Folks, this could happen to your pet.

Below is the report from WWLP

Two dogs dead after being left in hot car

On Wednesday, the season got off to a deadly start.

A well-meaning pet owner left two dogs in the back of a covered pickup with fresh water and the windows open. But the heat quickly took its toll.

“It just gets too hot when there’s no ventilation,” explained Dr. Erika Mueller, the hospital’s co-owner and Critical Care Specialist. “One presented dead and the other one died shortly afterward just from the high temperatures.”

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“Even on a 70 degree day, parked in the shade with windows cracked, the temperature inside a car can reach over 100 degrees in a matter of minutes,” said Lash.

That’s why veterinarians are warning pet owners: there’s no safe way to ever leave an animal in a car during warm weather.       www.wwlp.com

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As mentioned above, even on a 70 degree day, we could lose our pet friends in a parked car.  Please be careful and never take chances with your best friend.

Dog Days of Summer – Keep Your Pets Safe from The Heat

The dog days of summer are here and we should all be aware of our pets and there exposure to these hot days.  As a professional trainer, I limit my doggie clients workouts to short periods of time (10-15 minutes) when it is hot and have plenty of water and shade available.

Below is an excerpt from a nice little article written by Steve Dale and found in the Chicago Tribune on tips that we should be aware of with our pets in our homes, yards, cars and pools.

Protect your dog from summer’s heat

Dogs can die in hot cars. And no wonder. According to the AAA Chicago Motor Club, when it’s 85 degrees outdoors, and even with the windows open for cross-circulation, the dashboard of a car will heat up to 170 degrees in 15 minutes.

“How hot it can get in a car just blows me away,” says Dr. Mike Cavanaugh, executive director and CEO of the Denver, CO-based American Animal Hospital Association.

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Regular swimming pools, though, could be a problem.

“Sometimes even dogs who are capable swimmers, like Labrador Retrievers, can’t get out because there’s no ramp,” says Rubin. “Adult supervision around a pool is always a good idea.”

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For dogs left outside during the day, Chicago veterinarian Dr. Sheldon Rubin says, “They must have shade and plenty of water. In fact, we suggest a children’s wading pool so the dog has the option to walk around or sit inside it to keep cool.”

Please watch your pets as they depend on you for their safety.  Below is a bio on the author of the article.  If you are using an electronic dog fence or you just have a fenced in backyard, make sure your dog has plenty of water and shade.

(Steve Dale welcomes questions/comments from readers. Although he can’t answer all of them individually, he’ll answer those of general interest in his column Send e-mail to PETWORLD(at)STEVE DALE.TV. Include your name, city and state. Steve’s website is http://www.stevedalepetworld.com; he also hosts the nationally syndicated “Steve Dale’s Pet World” and “The Pet Minute.” He’s also a contributing editor to USA Weekend.)

Doberman Pinschers

At a glance:

• Breed Group: Working dog
• Height: 24-28 inches
• Weight: 65-68 pounds
• Color: blue-grey, black, red, black and tan, white and fawn
• Life Expectancy: 8-12 Years
• Feeding: Medium-Demanding
• Temperament: Alert and biddable
• Average litter: 3-8 pups

History:

The breeding of Doberman Pinschers was first done in Germany during the 19th Century by Karl Friedrich Louis Doberman. After he died in 1894, Germans named Doberman-Pinscher in Karl’s honor. Doberman Pinchers are accepted to be a blend of different dog breeds. The Black Greyhound, Great Dane, Beauceron, Rottweiler, Weimaraner, the German Short Haired Pointer. There is still no concrete evidence on the mixing ratios and the different breeds utilized for breeding. Single exceptions are the crossing with Greyhounds. There is a large belief that the gene pool of the German Shepherd had the largest contribution to their breeding.

Physical Representation:

Doberman Pinschers are elegantly bodied, powerful and agile. They have shorter backs, muscular sinewy neck and well balanced chest. They have parallel and straight legs. Their teeth are well developed closing in a scissor bites and intellectual expressions are perceived through their dark eyes. They have cropped ears and are taped for a considerable period to help them stand erect. Recently, Doberman Pinschers are left with their natural tails and ears. Short haired coats of the Pinschers are hard, thick and close fitting. Color of the coat for pinschers include blue grey, black, red, black and tan, white and fawn. Presence of white markings cannot be guaranteed.

Personality and temperament:

The personality of a Doberman Pinscher can be explained by the following features, watchful, energetic, alert, determined, loyal , obedient and fearless. Doberman Pinschers are dog types that are bred for dangerous and stressful work. It requires pinschers to have impetus and strong characteristics with a brave heart and controlled spirit. They are not vicious and stubborn but aggressive and determined.

Type of work breed does:

Initially, Dobermans were utilized as police dogs. However, currently there are very few used as police dogs in the U.S. Their robust size and ferocious features allow them to be excellent watch dogs. If they are properly trained by owners, they can perform most activities that have been asked of them.

Care:

Doberman Pinschers have a short haired coat that requires a little amount of maintenance and grooming. Pinschers are average shedders.

Living Environment:

Doberman Pinschers are content living in small apartments or households if given enough regular exercise. They are happiest with a yard that is average sized. They are sensitive towards cold so avoid having them as outside dogs for prolonged periods of time. Owners of Pinschers should have the will and ability for harnessing his companion’s powerful and specific took kits. If the required environment is provided, they get a committed, loving, ultimate partner and bodyguard in a Doberman Pinscher.

These dogs work well with electronic fencing as long as the dogs are even-tempered and not aggressive or fearful.