Mendip Living Aug - Sep 2021

Summertime...
The Kennel Club advises us on how take care of your
friends during this time of year
Warm summer and autumn months are
great for spending time out with your
four-legged friend, catching up on the
adventures we all missed during the
pandemic, exploring new ‘walkies’ routes
or enjoying ‘staycations’ and trips.
These newly found freedoms and
socialisation opportunities can be very
exciting for dogs, and it is important that
owners know how to make sure their canine
companion is safe and comfortable wherever
they go.
The Kennel Club, the UK’s largest
organisation dedicated to dog health, welfare
and training, has rounded up top tips on how
to make sure you and your dog are enjoying
the end of the summer safely:
Seaside adventures and BBQs
If you are planning to enjoy the last weeks
of the English summer by the seaside or
throwing a garden party, keep an eye on your
four-legged friend too.
Many dogs enjoy water and swimming in the
sea, rivers or ponds, especially on a warm
day. To make sure your dog is enjoying the
water safely, always start off in a shallow
water to help them adjust before testing
deeper water. Never let your dog swim in a
rough sea, ensure they don’t swim too far
out, and make sure they come back if you
call them.
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When taking your dog swimming, be aware
of blue-green algae, which can be found in
water bodies and is toxic for dogs. Algae is
especially common after heat waves and
can cause a range of serious reactions. If
your dog becomes unwell, contact your vet
immediately.
Whether you are planning your own
celebration or walking around popular BBQ
spots on the beach, make sure to look out
for any leftovers and watch your dog closely.
Skewers, cooked bones and even corn on
the cob can be dangerous for dogs.
Travel and staycations
If you are planning to enjoy a well-deserved
holiday soon, it’s important you also keep
your canine travel companion safe and
happy.
Whether you are off on a day trip or a
longer staycation, make sure to check the
dog-friendly status of all sights and places
you intend to visit and stay at to avoid
disappointment. The dog-friendly status of
some places might have changed during
lockdown or have seasonal restrictions in
place too. Whilst visiting attractions or pubs
and restaurants, keep an eye on your dog
to make sure they aren’t overwhelmed and
if it’s sunny or warm, make sure they have a
shady area to rest in. Wherever you go, be
sure to bring water for your dog.
It is also important to keep your dog safe
on the road - making sure they have a
comfortable and cool spot in the car and
taking regular breaks so they can go to the
toilet or have a drink. Most importantly, never
leave your dog alone in a car, even for a short
while and especially during warmer days
Wildlife and countryside walks.
If you are planning a long dog walk in the
countryside, make sure you’re aware of local
dog walking rules, many of which change
during the year, so you and your dog can
enjoy time in nature responsibly.
Whilst out with your four-legged friend, follow
pathways and pay attention to signage about
dogs being on leads or not allowed. Make
sure you prevent your dog from approaching
and chasing any wildlife or livestock and use
a lead if necessary or required by signage.
The Kennel Club’s Paw by Paw Guide is
a useful hub with information and advice
including seasonal dog walking and
travelling tips, helping owners and their
four-legged friends enjoy the summer whilst
staying healthy, happy and safe. For more
information visit: thekennelclub.org.uk/
pawbypaw