Doggy Knows » True Dog Stories

Keeping Dogs Safe From The Summer Sun

Betsy Reinier — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 04:04:42 +0000

The heat from the summer sun can be almost unbearable for us at times. We can turn on fans or even air conditioners to keep us cooler, but what about the dog? How can you protect your dog from the summer heat when the temperature keeps climbing?

Below I have a few suggestions that may save your dogs life from the blistering heat of summer.

1. Air Conditioner – For people who own a kennel, the best thing for the dogs would be to have an air condition building that you can keep your dogs in when the temperature keeps climbing. After the heatwave, than they can go outside in their kennel runs so they are able to enjoy the cooler breeze of summer. (Note: I have kennel runs inside my building and kennel runs outside as well. I do bring my dogs inside the building every night around 9 pm. or so; no matter what the weather is. I feel the dogs are safer and it keeps the neighbors happy because they don’t hear any noise from the dogs during the night).

2. House dogs - If you only have house dogs and live in a super hot place during summer – having an air conditioner is a real plus for your dog(s) as well. During the hottest part of the day, the dog needs to be in the house. If the dog needs to go “potty,” make sure that the dog is not outside for too long. The dog can not survive without shade and plenty of water during a heatwave. (Note: I have a doggy door installed in my backdoor. This way the dog can go out when he needs to potty and can come back in when he is done).

3. Fans - Use fans or a “gel pack” fan covers over the fans. There is a product that fits over the round plastic (or medal) cover of the fan, (that protects the blades from being touched). It’s a thin netting type material, that holds a “gel pack” in the middle. This gel pack can be frozen and put in place on the fan cover. When the fan is turned on, it forces the air to blow on the “gel pack,” and it instantly produces a cool breeze.

4.Garden hose - Use your garden hose to wet down the “underside” of the dog, (belly, inside back legs and up to his chest. Also soak the dogs feet. This helps keep him cooler.

5. Make a pool of water - I fill the front of my kennel runs with water so they can run around in it and stay cooler for a little bit, (until the water leaks out). I do this several times a day, (along with soaking the dogs underside thoroughly each time).

6. Fresh drinking water – Always change the dogs water daily. The dogs love the taste of cold water.

7. Swimming – Take you dog swimming when you go the lake or swimming hole. One of our friends has a very large pool that she uses just for the dogs. ? Swimming is a great way to cool down your dog and it is also great exercise for him/her.

8. Use a sprinkler – Turn on your sprinkler and let the dogs play in the water, or get a child’s plastic swimming pool and fill it with water and let them jump in and out of the pool. They love to splash the water everywhere. Try to keep the kids pool in a shaded area if you can.

9. Your yard – Soak a large section of your yard that is in the shade, so they can lay in it and/or roll around in the cool wet grass.

10. Shade – Don’t let your dog(s) outside in the direct sun for very long. They need shade, (and water). Dogs can get “heat stroke” just like humans can and they can also get sunburned; (especially the light colored dogs and/or dogs with a white nose).

For more information on how to keep your dog safe all year around, take a peek right here!

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Things Aren’t So Bad If You Have A Friend

Betsy Reinier — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 10:34:45 +0000

Things are so bad when you have a friend…even if the friend is just your dog.

Dogs play an important part as kids are growing up. If parents are capable of taking care of a dog, I believe that all kids should have at least one dog as they grow up.

Having a dog teaches the child some responsibility when they are old enough to help with the care of the dog. It also gives them a friend they can sit with and talk, or cry, while the dog nuzzles them with understanding. One who will listen and never judge.

Some kids need that special friend who will listen when they don’t want to confide in their parents because they are afraid they might ridicule or think they are stupid. Dogs always have the time to listen and are happy you shared your most important secrets with them, as they will never reveal them to another single soul. As it is said, “dogs always wag their tails and not their tongues”.

Dogs are always there to share in your happiness or sorrow. You can talk to them when you are afraid or lonely, and when you are in trouble; they are by your side.

You can always count on them for any support with their unwavering loyalty and unconditional love. One lick from them on your hand or face, eases any pain.

VP Biden’s gets a new puppy

Betsy Reinier — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 05:15:04 +0000

Perhaps you have heard by now…Vice President-elect Joe Biden told his wife that if he was elected VP that he would buy them a big dog. Well, last week Biden picked out a male German Shepherd puppy at the home of breeder Linda Brown in Chester county, Pa. Biden showed up at her house along with his brother’s family, Secret Service agents, and a trainer he hired to take the pup when it’s old enough, and train it. Then the pup will be placed with the Biden family as their family pet.

The vice president-elect has previously owned three other German shepherds so they are familiar with this breed. Biden promised that his grandchildren can name it.

Now we just have to wait, along with the Obama girls, to see what kind of dog they are going to get. If you remember, he also promised to get a family dog on election night.

Amazing Story on Thunder Road

Betsy Reinier — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 08:28:25 +0000

Years ago when we first started breeding and showing dogs, we had a dog that we named Thunder Road. He was the only sable German shepherd in the litter. It was our first litter and they all got parvovirus; one died. Thunder spent the longest at the Vets. They called me up at 1:00 am the morning of his 6th day at the Vets and said he was slipping away. They wanted to know if they could give him a strong steroid shot to try and jolt his system back. I said, “YES”. Later that morning they called me and said he was doing much better. We went to visit him again; just like we did every day that he spent in there. He made a full recovery and Thunder was never sick a day in his life after that.

But all good things have to end. Just like every night, I take my dogs from their outside kennel runs to their inside runs in our 30×40’ building. I gave the dogs their cookies for the night after feeding them and cleaning the kennels and said goodnight to each of them, pulled both double doors down for the night, turned the light off, left the radio playing and locked the door behind me. Thunder was lying on his blankets in the front of his kennel run, where he slept every night. I found him the next morning in the same spot I left him. He had passed away peacefully in his sleep. He was a great dog. I still miss him.

Reinier’s Thunder Road
June 4, 1987 – January 31, 2000

“Blessed is the person who has earned the love of an old dog”.
~ Sidney Jeanne Seward ~