The Red Dog Inn

Today, I took the dogs with me to the barn.  I have a rule: If I can’t take them with me, I leave them at home with plenty of water and access to shade.  My great neighbors look out after them, too!  Today, I could take them.

Nonetheless, it amazes me that people still take their dogs with them on warm days, park under a tree, roll down windows and think that their dogs are safe! Shockingly, even people who claim to be “animal lovers” are loving their animals to death by continuing this practice. 

• Dogs normal body temp is about 101 degrees F.  At 103 degrees, your dog is in trouble.
• Dogs can suffer heat stroke when temps reach 110 degrees. On a 70 degree day, the inside of your car or truck can reach lethal temperatures within 30 minutes!!!   (http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn7631)
• In California, leaving your pets unattended in a vehicle is illegal (SB 1806) http://www.theanimalcouncil.com/files/CA_PENAL_CODE_SECTION_597.pdf 

Trees don’t help much and cracked windows don’t either.  Here’s a study that illustrates the point: http://www.mydogiscool.com/x_car_study.php 

While we never expect to be detained in a store or a restaurant, you never know. I never expected to pass out at the grocery store and be taken to the ER! Thankfully, my dogs were at home for that incident.

Can we please agree to leave our pets at home? Work through separation anxiety — your pet’s or yours!  But, if you are going to stop for lunch, stop at a pet friendly place or leave Fido at home!   If you love your pet, don’t put them in the oven — er, your car.

BTW… before summer heats up and power outages start, you may want to invest in a battery-powered fan or two — one for humans, another for dogs.  Check these out: http://www.aftproducts.com/Energy_Efficient_Fans_ff474071d2.dept

It’s Springtime, and for some of us that means getting into the garden. Pet owners should take extra caution when choosing plants for their garden because some plants are toxic to dogs, cats and horses.  The ASPCA has a list of plants to avoid if you have pets.  Check it out before you head over to the home center or nursery.

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/plants/

All the people and critters at the RED DOG INN are a-okay after the quake.  Sending prayers to the folks who were affected by the quake.

It’s also a good reminder to prepare for your pets, too.  Add a 5 lb. bag of your critters’ favorite dry food and treats to your emergency kit as well as bowls and water!  Make sure you have extra leashes and tags and collars.  The canines of the RED DOG INN have been microchipped, too.

There’s a misconception about microchipping.  You can have your pets microchipped and then CHOOSE to subscribe to the additional service. The Red Dog Inn dogs were microchipped for about $50 each, which included one year of service.  The chip can always be read!  Ask your vet about this method to get your pets home safely and quickly!

Here are some good resources: bit.ly/9RCqeP and bit.ly/b7Z23