When temperatures start to really rise, even the most mild mannered people can get a little testy… and likewise for our dogs! This is a time when parents need to take extra measures of precaution to protect both children and pets.

Most parents will attest that on hot, sticky days it gets uncomfortable when your children want to hang all over you. Remember that your dog likely feels the same way. Your furry Golden Retriever who normally doesn’t mind being hugged and routinely enjoys the antics of young children, may react differently under such extremely hot circumstances.

Knowing that even pets with the best temperaments can get grouchy, it is each family’s responsibility to create and enforce rules and routines to protect the health and safety of all family members, human and canine.

Here are some things you can do to prevent problems:

• Practice obedience training and exercise your dog or puppy in the morning or evening rather than midday.
• Provide plenty of cold drinking water at all times for your dog or puppy.
• Have your dog or puppy spend time in the air conditioning during the heat of the day.
• If your dog or puppy lives outside, provide plenty of deep shade at all times.
• If you’re spending family time outdoors, wet your dog or puppy with a hose, sprinkler, or small plastic pool.
• Teach children when “enough is enough”. Everyone is entitled to have their own personal space, even your dog.
• If your pet does behave inappropriately, correct him and provide him with some cool, quiet time. Keep up with practicing obedience training, and contact a professional dog trainer if you see a problem developing.

By using some common sense, you can protect both your children and your pets’ safety, health and well-being. The dog days of summer can be fun for everyone!

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