Dog Days of Summer are Upon Us

Last year, we had a very wet summer in the Northeast when most of June was rained out. This year, the temps have been so high, the days have been described as “scorchers” by most meteorologists.  We are truly in the “Dogs Days of Summer,” which according to the Farmer’s Almanac, are “the 40 days beginning July 3 and ending August 11,” meaning we could have yet another three weeks of this hot, humid, Husky un-friendly weather.
 

During these hot days, a large number of folks run their A/Cs and fans constantly. Please remember to always do a safety check: Are the filters cleaned? Are the cords intact and not frayed or split (or in many canine homes, chewed)? Are the outlets overloaded? The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has put out a Home Electrical Safety Check List that is worth reading.

And, if your dog is barking, please go check it out. Don’t assume everything is OK. Please don’t yell "be quiet" to your canine without first checking out why he or she is barking. I recently read an article in a newspaper where a Siberian Husky barked to alert her owners that there was danger: their house was on fire. The dog managed to wake the family who were all able to escape. Unfortunately, the Sibe did not make it. If she had not alerted her family, the outcome could have been even more tragic. This Sibe is truly a canine hero. Her first instinct was to save the family she loved, and that she did honorably.

So let’s all remember to do a thorough check when turning on cooling equipment to avoid any accidents. Here are a few safety reminders (in no particular order):

• Have an escape route planned for both family and pets.

• Have window clings for your children AND for your pets. These vinyl window signs adhere to a window alert fire personnel of your pets’ whereabouts in the home and the number of pets; dog, cat, or other.  (See my blog on National Pet Safety Day to find out how to get the pet window clings).

• Have a fire extinguisher nearby.

• Keep unused outlets closed with child safety caps to keep pets out of the sockets.

• Keep emergency numbers on hand, such as the fire department.  Have the numbers programmed in your cell phone so you can call when you are safely out of the house.

• Keep your pets’ leashes and medications nearby so you can grab them on the way out, and leash your pets once outside so they don’t run away during all the commotion.

But most of all, listen to your furry best friend. What they are trying to tell you could save your life.