GM News - December 2024

For our last 2024 edition we're going deep on Summer - the good, the bad and the dangerous.

We wish you a safe and happy festive season!
Thank you for being with us in 2024.

Amanda, David & Ruth
Gentle Modern School of Dog Training

An ID tag that your dog wears is an absolute must! A microchip is great but it needs a Vet or relevant Council employee to read it. Have two phone numbers on your dog's ID tag - if you're with your dog and you are incapacitated, you don't want the only number to ring to be yours.

Summer

Heat is high risk for any fur-friend

Plan walks and manage exertion carefully. Special caution for overweight, flat-faced, old and young dogs.
Take water for your dog and yourself.
Touch the back of your hand to the footpath, road surface, etc. Hot? Definitely too hot for dog feet.
Stay home - Paddle pool in the shade. Fans. Lots of water bowls. Indoor play.
Heat stroke is a serious condition for dogs - Check out Preventing Canine Heat Stroke: Myths, Facts, and Practical Tips

Swimming/paddling

Choose your spot carefully.
Snakes love water.
No stagnant water, no strong currents.
Rocks/debris?
Unlikely to be shade at the beach.
Check tide times.
Is your dog a competent swimmer?
Sunscreen needed for your dog?
Water intoxication

Grass seeds

Can get trapped in dog fur.
Signs: excessive licking, biting at the body, localised swelling, redness, discharge from eyes/ears/nose, limping, coughing or gagging, and sudden behavioural changes e.g. irritability or lethargy.

Road Trips, Camping

How does your dog cope with new experiences?
Practice runs if your dog is unused to long car trips and/or tents.
Plan for stops.
Water from home.
Usual food.
Ticks where you're going?

Your Reward for Reading to the End . . .

2024 Dog Photography Awards, Popular Science

It's been a long year.