It is one hot day today. The temperature is going up to 100 degrees today with a heat index of 119 degrees. That is one heatwave. I guess that is why they call July and August the Dog Days of summers. But don’t blame us dogs for this heat.

Please apply the following precautions against heat stroke, dehydration, and other heat related challenges:

• Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your time outdoor. Drinking soda will not hydrate you the way good old water will.
• Minimize your time in direct sunlight. If you must be in the sunlight, put on sunscreen, where a hat, and put on sunglasses.
• Save the exercising for evening and morning when it is cooler.

Please apply the same principles to your pets, dogs, and beagles. For a great article to protect your dog or beagle from heat stroke, go to Heat Stroke.

This Crazy Beagle is staying inside today. This is one day this beagle is not looking for a walk outside.

Stay Cool!

It’s another beautiful summer day, and it’s time for this crazy beagle and my fellow dogs to go outside. Beware! There are many hazards that we dogs need to be aware of so that we can enjoy many healthy days in the summer.

The following are five hazards that we dogs need to be aware of and how to overcome them:

•  Heat Stroke/Exhaustion – Don’t underestimate the occurrence of your dog having a heat stroke. Heat stroke can cause a serious risk to dog’s health and in some cases, it can be fatal. Restrict your pet’s exercise during the hottest hours of the day. Treat your dog well by taking them for an early morning or late evening walk and/or exercise during the summer. Make sure your pet is well hydrated, take them to a shady area to cool down, and relax. Give your dog a treat and provide opportunities for your dog to swim.

Nothing makes this beagle crazier than seeing my fellow dogs sitting in a hot car during the summer. Never, ever leave us dogs in the car for any length of time. Many dogs die annually in hot cars. Even if your windows are cracked, or you park in the shade, heat can build quickly in a car in the summer, turning it into an oven. If it’s 90 degrees and you leave your windows cracked, the temperature in your car may still rise as high as 108 degrees. This is a recipe for disaster for your dog. If you must leave your dog in the car for any period of time, put the air conditioning on.

• Parasites – Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes, oh my! Summer is the season for fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes to present a minor discomfort to your dog at best and at worst may be life threatening. Improve your dog’s immune system by feeding them a high-quality diet without preservatives or chemicals so that your dog can build a resistance to parasite infestation. Use a wide variety of preventatives on the market such as chemical spot-on treatments, repellent shampoos, essential oils, and flea/tick collars. Consult with your vet to see what they recommend for your dog. Frequently clean your house and keep your dog well groomed so that the risk of parasite infestation will decrease.
• Dehydration – Water, water, and more water is the key to keep your dog hydrated during the summer. This crazy beagle says one of the best ways to keep your dog safe in the summer time is by providing lots of cool, clean, fresh water. This crazy beagle loves when he receives ice cubes in his water. Keep the water coming for your dog!
• Hot Dog Paws – During the summer sun, sidewalks and streets can burn a dog’s paws. To avoid scorched paws, walk your dog very early in the morning or in the late evening when the streets have cooled off. If you must walk your dog during the day, dog booties can protect his feet or try to walk on grassy or shady areas as much as possible. Test the asphalt by putting your hand on the asphalt for about thirty seconds. If you can’t stand the heat it is too hot for your dog to walk on without hurting his paws.
• Seasonal Allergies – Watch to see if your dog is allergic to seasonal items, which include fleas, grass and various plants, and mold. Visit your vet if you suspect your dog may have seasonal allergies. If your dog is scratching and perhaps losing fur, a visit to your vet is recommended.

The Crazy Beagle says invest in paying more attention to your dog during the summertime so that summer can be an enjoyable time for them. Apply the five summertime dog health tips so that your dog can avoid the above-mentioned dog hazard.

The Crazy Beagle says enjoy the summer!

Sonic the Crazy Beagle wishes you a happy, safe, and fun 4^th of July!  Please remember why we celebrate this holiday.  Also, remember those who gave much so that we can enjoy this holiday.

Also, member us dogs during this holiday.  Please keep your pets inside because of fireworks and other noisy celebrations that might upset your pet.

Have you and your dog added a few pounds? If so, it’s time to pull out the leash and get some exercise. Or maybe your dog just wants to go outside and exercise you (hint, hint from the Crazy Beagle).

Here, five great tips for exercising with your furry friend.

1. Keep Your Dog Hydrated – Your dog can become dehydrated very quickly in the heat. Provide plenty of drinking water to cool your pet down, and don’t forget to hydrate yourself while you’re at it.
2. Provide the Chase – Dogs are always up for chasing or being chased. Grab your dog’s favorite toy and make your dog work to get it.
3. Take Small Steps – Depending on your dog’s breed, fitness level, and age, you may need to start with short spurts of exercise. Very young, old or overweight dogs need time to develop their strength, tone, and stamina. Some breeds aren’t able to walk as far as others, so check with your vet for guidelines on reasonable fitness goals for your pet.
4. Break it Up – If one long walk is too much for you or your pet, take two or three shorter walks different times in a day. Go further than just down the block. Set a route that requires 10 to 15 minutes to complete. Don’t let your dog set the pace. Keep it brisk to keep your dog from smelling the whole neighborhood. Also, you might want to acquire a weighted leash to add resistance.
5. Play Fetch – Toss your dog ball over and over again to tone your upper body, thighs, back, and abs. Do a squat or lunge every time you time you pick up the ball. Switch arms and give both sides of your body a workout.

Take the time to improve your and your dog’s fitness and go outside and exercise.

Happy second day of summer.  Boy, is it going to be a hot one for this beagle today.  The temperature is suppose to be 94 degrees.  This crazy beagle wouldn’t mind staying inside with the air conditioning and plenty of water today.

If you do bring your dog for a walk outside, remember that dogs do not sweat through their skin like humans.  Dogs release heat primarily by panting and they sweat through the foot pads and nose. If a dog cannot effectively expel heat, the internal body temperature begins to rise. Once the dog’s temperature reaches 106°, damage to the body’s cellular system and organs may become irreversible. Unfortunately, too many dogs succumb to heat stroke when it could have been avoided.

Remember, heat stroke for your dog can be avoided.  For complete information on how to keep your dog healthy and cool, go to http://dogs.about.com/od/dogandpuppyhealth/qt/heatstroke.htm