Tis the season to be spooky! Halloween is nearly here, and you’re likely starting to think about costumes for you, your family, and of course, your pet. Continue reading the blog for simple pet costume ideas to jumpstart your spooky season!
Ty Beanie Baby
The first costume idea requires only a few easy items- felt, wood or cardboard, glue, a ring to loop onto the collar, and an adorable pet of any size. Start by creating a red heart-shaped base, then glue your cut-out felt on, and attach the costume to your pet’s collar. This costume is so simple yet adorable, it’ll practically put itself together.
Lions, Tigers, Bears, Oh My!
The lion-look needs just one thing, a mane! One stop-shop costumes are perfect, especially if you’re putting together a last minute costume. All you’ll need for the mane is any fuzzy material of your choosing, along with something to secure the mane to your pet. Any pet of any size can easily rock this look.
Iconic Duos
Who doesn't love the most classic duo of all time? The angel-devil duo look is perfect for households with two pets, and fitting for your different pet’s personalities! This costume look easily comes to life with various red and white accessories of your choosing. Depending on the squirminess of your pet you can modify, customize, and or personalize your costumes.
Family
Looking to challenge your group this spooky season? Get the whole family or group involved with Monsters Inc! While this costume may require the most work, it’s the perfect way to include everyone. The options and variety for this look are infinite; feel free to reference examples online or dare to take your own twist on Monsters Inc.
Pets Who’d Rather Not Be Dressed Up
The key to dressing up a squirmy pet is simple- just add wings! One-item costumes are great because they're simple, cute, easily adjustable and removable. Wing costumes can include bats, butterflies, bumblebees, or any other winged creature (real or imagined). The main thing to remember while putting together your costumes is keep it simple and keep it enjoyable! Costumes are intended to be fun; with any of these looks, you’re guaranteed an affordable yet paw-fect look. Feel free to play into your pet’s personality and most importantly, embrace the spookiness of the season! Written by: Gracie Butler
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Come to our Birthday Party!
We will be celebrating on October 27th from 4:30-9:30 pm at Lakes & Legends Brewing in Minneapolis! (1368 Lasalle Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403) $1.00 from every pint purchased throughout the night will go to support the Animal Care Foundation! We will have a pet costume contest, some free snacks, a food truck, raffle drawings, and a $50 Amazon gift card door prize! All Night Events: - ACF Scavenger Hunt (Completed form enters you for the Door Prize Drawing) -Take a photo of your costumed pet and enter our Virtual Pet Costume Contest -Snacks from 5:30-8:00 (or until we run out) -Food Truck (Pharaoh's Gyros Food Truck) -Raffle Tickets for Sale until 8:25 -Information Booth Scheduled Events: 6:30 - Raffle Drawing 7:00 - Pet Costume Contest (Audience will select the winner) 7:30 - Raffle Drawing 8:30 - Raffle Drawing Updated information can be found on our website here or you can add the event on Facebook by clicking here. Live In-Person and Virtual CE Opportunities
Wednesday, October 5th, 2022 (12:00-1:00 pm Central Time) "New Recommendations for Monitoring Transfer of Passive Immunity in Dairy Calves" 1 CE Sandra Godden, DVM, DVSc, Professor and Interim Associate Dean of Graduate Programs in the Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota Hot Topic Webinars Free to all veterinary professionals! Tuesday, October 11th, 2022 (12:00-1:00 pm Central Time) "Are You the Rock or the Hard Place? Why You Should Re-Evaluate the Role of Insurance in Your Practice" 1 CE Scott Huggins, DVM, MBA MVMA Lunch and Learn Free to MVMA Members, $45 for non-member veterinarians, $20 for other non-member professionals (Virtual) Thursday, October 20th, 2022 (9:00-5:00 pm Central Time) "Animal Care Foundations Annual Fall Webinar" 7 CEs Justine Lee, DVM, DACVECC, DABT, CEO and Founder of VETgirl Jane Quandt, DVM, DACVAA, DACVECC, Tenured Professor at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine Lisa Powell, DVM, DACVECC, BluePearl Veterinarian and Former Intensive Care Unit Director and Professor at the University of Minnesota Veterinary College of Medicine David Brown, MS, PhD (Pharmacology), Professor and Department Chair, Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota Animal Care Foundation Veterinarians: $220 - $240 Technicians: $120 - $140 Students: $80 Tuesday, October 25th, 2022 (12:00-1:00 pm Central Time) "Hematological Horrors! The Blood Thirsty Poisons" 1 CE Holly Hommerding, DVM, DABT Pet Poison Helpline Free (Virtual) Thursday, November 10th, 2022 (9:00-3:35 pm Central Time) "Frustrating Ear Cases-If You Can't Avoid Them, Here's How to Treat Them" 6 CEs Craig E. Griffin, DVM, DACVD, Animal Dermatology Group MVMA Fall Staff Seminar $195-$220 for MVMA Members, $245-$270 for non-member veterinarians, $125-$150 for other non-member professionals (On-Site and Virtual Options) Thursday, November 10th, 2022 (12:00-1:00 pm Central Time) "Trends Impacting the Veterinarian-Pet Owner Relationship Today" 1 CE Kerry O'Hara, PhD Pet Poison Helpline Free (Virtual) Tuesday, November 18th, 2022 (12:00-1:00 pm Central Time) "The History and Future of Veterinary Medicine: A DEI Discussion" 1 CE Elizabeth Martinez-Podolsky, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota MVMA Lunch and Learn Free to MVMA Members, $45 for non-member veterinarians, $20 for other non-member professionals (Virtual) On-Demand Virtual CE Opportunities "A Day for the Cats: Trends in the Diagnosis and Treatment of your Feline Patients" 7.5 RACE approved CE credits Presented by the Animal Care Foundation Registration Veterinarian-$200.25* Technician and Other Staff-$110.25* Student-$50.25 *10% discount available for active Animal Care Foundation Member Clinics. Send us and email for the code. "Gastroenterology for the Small Animal Private Practitioner and Technician" 5.5 RACE approved CE credits Presented by the Animal Care Foundation Registration Veterinarian-$145.25* Technician and Other Staff-$80.25* Student-$35.25 *10% discount available for active Animal Care Foundation Member Clinics. Send us and email for the code. “Animal Care Foundation's Annual Fall Webinar” Featuring: Justine Lee, DVM, DACVECC, DABT CEO and Founder of VETgirl, the #1 online veterinary continuing education service Jane Quandt, DVM, DACVAA, DACVECC Tenured Professor at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine Lisa Powell, DVM, DACVECC BluePearl Veterinarian and Former Intensive Care Unit Director and Professor at the University of Minnesota Veterinary College of Medicine David Brown, MS, PhD (Pharmacology) Professor and Department Chair, Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota 7 CE* Spring Seminar October 20th, 2022 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM *This program has been approved for 7 hours of CE credit in jurisdictions which recognize RACE approval. All proceeds will go to support the Animal Care Foundation. **Early Registration pricing through October 7th. ACF Member Clinic staff, please email for link to discounted pricing.
Program: Respiratory Emergencies and Therapies (1 CE) Lisa Powell, DVM, DACVECC Critical Care Nutritional Support (1CE) Lisa Powell, DVM, DACVECC Anesthesia and Treatment for Hypotension (1 CE) Jane Quandt, DVM, DACVAA, DACVECC The Septic Abdomen (1 CE) Jane Quandt, DVM, DACVAA, DACVECC Top 20 Poisons (2CEs) Justine Lee, DVM, DACVECC, DABT Companion Animals and Cannabinoids: Perils and Promises (1 CE) David Brown, MS, PhD (Pharmacology) Meet the Presenters Justine Lee, DVM, DACVECC, DABT, CEO and Founder of VETgirl Dr. Justine Lee is a board-certified veterinary specialist in both emergency critical care (DACVECC) and toxicology (DABT). Dr. Lee attended veterinary school at Cornell University and completed her internship at Angell (Boston, MA). She completed her fellowship and residency in emergency and critical care at University of Pennsylvania. Previously, she was on faculty at University of Minnesota (2003-2008) and the head of an animal poison control center (2008-2013). She is the founder and Director of Medicine of VETgirl, a subscription-based podcast and webinar service offering RACE- approved, online veterinary continuing education. More information can be found at www.drjustinelee.com and www.vetgirlontherun.com. Jane Quandt, DVM, DACVAA, DACVECC Dr. Jane Quandt obtained her DVM from Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1987. Following this, Dr. Quandt was in a small animal practice for one year then decided to pursue an anesthesia residency and board certification. She completed an anesthesia residency and Masters in anesthesia at the University of Minnesota and became board certified in anesthesia in 1993. In order to improve her ability to manage critical cases, Dr. Quandt then completed a second residency in small animal emergency and critical care and became boarded in small animal emergency and critical care in 2007. Dr. Quandt was on faculty at the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Minnesota and is currently a tenured full professor in comparative anesthesia at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Quandt has had the privilege of being awarded the Cart Norden-Pfizer Distinguished Veterinary Teacher Award and the Zoetis Distinguished Veterinary Teacher Award. Lisa Powell, DVM, Diplomate ACVECC Dr. Powell has worked as an ECC clinician at BluePearl since 2016 and recently became the Intern Director. Prior to this, Dr. Powell spent 15 years as an intensive care unit director and professor at the University of Minnesota. A consummate educator and prolific writer, she has held editorial positions with the Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care and Clinician’s Brief. She has worked with the St. Paul police and fire departments and in 2011 was awarded the Minnesota Public Safety Service Award of Merit for going above and beyond to help save the life of a police K-9 who was stabbed in a robbery attempt. Dr. Powell's clinical interests include treatment of trauma patients, toxicities, and cardiopulmonary disease, especially conditions requiring high flow oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation. David Brown, MS, PhD (Pharmacology), Professor and Department Chair, Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota David R. Brown earned MS and PhD degrees in Pharmacology from Emory University and was a NIH-sponsored research fellow at the University of Chicago and University of Michigan Medical Schools. He has been on the College of Veterinary Medicine faculty at the University of Minnesota for 38 years, and currently serves as Professor and Chair of the Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences. He teaches core content in pharmacology and toxicology to veterinary and graduate students. His research program, funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, was one of the first to investigate cannabinoid receptors in the gastrointestinal tract. Join us for the Fourth Annual Animal Care Foundation Pet Costume Contest! It is easy to enter and to vote. Just follow the directions below.
1. Share your pets costumed photo with us between now and Thursday October 27th through:
2. Include your pet's name, approximate age, and favorite toy/activity. 3. Ask your friends and family to vote for your monster/alien/ghost on Facebook and Instagram from October 28th-31st. To vote, they simply like the photo of your pet. They can vote on both platforms. 4. Check in to see the winner as you chow down on your left over candy November 1st. First Place: $10 Caribou Gift Card and your pet will be featured on our Facebook and Instagram pages and our blog. Second Place: Your pet will be featured on our Facebook and Instagram pages and our blog. Third Place: Bragging rights. Upcomming Webinar Hosted by the Animal Care Foundation
Thursday, October 20th, 2022 (9:00-5:00 pm Central Time) "Animal Care Foundations Annual Fall Webinar" 7 CEs Justine Lee, DVM, DACVECC, DABT, CEO and Founder of VETgirl, the #1 online veterinary continuing education service Jane Quandt, DVM, DACVAA, DACVECC, Tenured Professor at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine Lisa Powell, DVM, DACVECC, BluePearl Veterinarian and Former Intensive Care Unit Director and Professor at the University of Minnesota Veterinary College of Medicine David Brown, MS, PhD (Pharmacology), Professor and Department Chair, Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota Animal Care Foundation Veterinarians: $220 - $240 Technicians: $120 - $140 Students: $80 Live In-Person and Virtual CE Opportunities Wednesday, September 7th, 2022 (12:00-1:00 pm Central Time) "Rabies Update: New Guidelines for Rabies Pre-exposure Vaccination Plus an Interactive Rabies Fun Quiz to Test Your Knowledge" 1 CE Joni Scheftel, DVM, MPH, Minnesota's State Public Health Veterinarian, Leader of Zoonotic Diseases Unit at the Minnesota Department of Health Hot Topic Webinars Free to all veterinary professionals! Tuesday, September 13th, 2022 (12:00-1:00 pm Central Time) "Nutritional Management of Canine Allergic Skin Disease" 1 CE Catherine Ruggiero, DVM, DACVN, Scientific Communications Specialist, Hill's Pet Nutrition MVMA Lunch and Learn Free to MVMA Members, $45 for non-member veterinarians, $20 for other non-member professionals (Virtual) Thursday, September 22nd, 2022 "A Crash Course in Veterinary Neurology!" 6.5 CE Carrera-Justiz, DVM, DACVIM, College of Veterinary Medicine University of Florida MVMA Academy Seminar Veterinarians: $195 - $270 Technicians: $125 - $150 Students: $80 - $95 Wednesday, October 5th, 2022 (12:00-1:00 pm Central Time) "New Recommendations for Monitoring Transfer of Passive Immunity in Dairy Calves" 1 CE Sandra Godden, DVM, DVSc, Professor and Interim Associate Dean of Graduate Programs in the Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota Hot Topic Webinars Free to all veterinary professionals! Tuesday, October 11th, 2022 (12:00-1:00 pm Central Time) "Are You the Rock or the Hard Place? Why You Should Re-Evaluate the Role of Insurance in Your Practice" 1 CE Scott Huggins, DVM, MBA MVMA Lunch and Learn Free to MVMA Members, $45 for non-member veterinarians, $20 for other non-member professionals (Virtual) Tuesday, October 25th, 2022 (12:00-1:00 pm Central Time) "Hematological Horrors! The Blood Thirsty Poisons" 1 CE Holly Hommerding, DVM, DABT Pet Poison Helpline Free (Virtual) On-Demand Virtual CE Opportunities "A Day for the Cats: Trends in the Diagnosis and Treatment of your Feline Patients" 7.5 RACE approved CE credits Presented by the Animal Care Foundation Registration Veterinarian-$200.25* Technician and Other Staff-$110.25* Student-$50.25 *10% discount available for active Animal Care Foundation Member Clinics. Send us and email for the code. "Gastroenterology for the Small Animal Private Practitioner and Technician" 5.5 RACE approved CE credits Presented by the Animal Care Foundation Registration Veterinarian-$145.25* Technician and Other Staff-$80.25* Student-$35.25 *10% discount available for active Animal Care Foundation Member Clinics. Send us and email for the code.
We all know dogs' eyes are different from humans, but what do they actually see? A dog’s weakest sense is their vision; unlike their sense of smell, eyesight is not their strong suit.
Dogs have dichromatic vision, meaning they can see violet-blue, yellow, and shades of gray. Humans on the other hand have trichromatic vision, which gives us the ability to see all the colors that we can. The world that people who are protanopia color-blind see is often compared to the world that dogs see, since their range and quality of color is similar.
It’s important to remember your dog’s vision is likely very different from yours. Because of these differences in vision, some dogs have trouble with depth perception on certain stairs and they may not be able to tell where that cliff is on your vacation. If you are in new surroundings, make sure to keep them on a leash until you are able to scope out potential dangers. And don’t ever forget, a chipmunk is much better at scampering down a cliff than your pooch is, so if they start a chase, it could end in disaster (even if they do see the cliff).
While dogs see the world in fewer hues than humans, our furry friends are not fully colorblind and rely on their superior senses, such as hearing and smell. Their world is just as beautiful as ours.
With summer winding down, and leaves beginning to change, school is nearly back in session! The transition from the summer season to the school year can be ruff on pets, continue reading for tips to prepare your pet for the smoothest transition possible.
Easing Into a New Routine The key to a smooth transition with routines is to start slow! By easing your pet into their new routine, they’ll be more likely to adapt faster. During the summer pets get used to lots of activity and sounds around the house, meaning its up to you to make sure your pet gets used to staying home alone. Starting three or four weeks before school starts, build in short absences during the week. The goal is to make your pet feel as comfortable as possible, normalizing the new schedule while it’s still summer prepares your pet for a gradual and smooth transition
Bathroom and Meal Times
It’s inevitable your pet’s bathroom and meal times will change with the new schedule. However, establishing specific times throughout the day can help smooth out the change of routine. Focus on consistency! Mapping out you or your family’s day is also critical in relation to letting your pet out and making sure they’re fueled. Talk to your family and establish a game plan for who’s taking your pet out, and who’s feeding your pet. Weeks before school starts, try to stick to the times you’ve picked for your pet; this will ensure your pet knows exactly what to expect! The adjustment might take some time, but with your help, your pet will adapt.
Exercise
Despite the busyness of back to school, your pet’s physical activity should not be compromised! Be sure to strategize how you’re going to fit in lots of walks and outside time for your pet with the new schedule. A dog or cat with pent-up energy that’s left home alone all day can become stressed and they may cause you extra stress if the diversions they come up with for themselves damage your belongings. An active pet is a happy pet, make sure exercise does not take a back-seat despite how crazy your schedule may feel.
Quality Time
We all love our pets unconditionally throughout every season, though it may be more challenging to find quality time to spend with your pet during some seasons. With all of the adjustments to your schedule, it’s important to make sure your pet isn't feeling neglected. Find a few blocks of time to play catch, use the laser pointer, or snuggle up with a magazine or book and your furry friend on the couch. You can also try and find activities that meet multiple needs. For example, you could bring your dog to the hardware store the next time the toilet breaks and it can be a fix it trip as wall as a walk. Separation Anxiety Separation anxiety is real! It’s natural to miss your pet, but making a big deal everytime you say goodbye perpetuates the idea that leaving your pet is a big deal. As you and your family get ready to spend more time away from your pet, normalize leaving. Go to the shop and simply say, “Goodbye, Fido” instead of making a big deal about leaving. If you make a big deal everytime you leave, your pet will think there is a problem and be more stressed for longer periods after you go then if you treat it as a normal occurrence that is not a big deal. (If you are the one experiencing the anxiety, fake it till you are out of the house and far enough away that your pet can’t hear you. I know, they’re your best friend! It is hard to say goodbye! But, you’ll be home in no time!)
In Conclusion
Keep in mind there’s not one perfect schedule, the best thing to do is practice your new routines and continue showering your pet with lots of love, care, and attention. Find time to spend with them and ensure that their basic needs are met and they should adapt to the new schedule. Written By: Grace Butler
As the summer heats up, it gets more challenging to find weather appropriate outings for your dog. The extreme heat makes walks on pavement a big no-no mid-day, and the sun can cause your dog to overheat in no time. So, what is a dog loving owner supposed to do? Consider checking out some of these dog friendly patios in the Minneapolis/Saint Paul area for your next brunch or lunch break with Fido
Name: Aster Café
Address: 125 SE Main St, Minneapolis, MN 55414 Cuisine: Sandwiches and Flatbread Dog Amenities: Patio Name: The Bar Draft House Address: 2101 Vermillion St, Hastings, MN 55033 Cuisine: Simple Bar Fare Dog Amenities: Patio Name: The Block Food + Drink Address: 7007 Walker St, St Louis Park, MN 55426 Cuisine: Home Style Fare & Health Conscious Bowls (Vegan Options) Dog Amenities: Patio (heated in the winter), yoga matts for lounging, dog menu
Name: Book Club
Address: 5411 Penn Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55419 Cuisine: California Inspired Eatery Dog Amenities: Patio Name: Burger Moe’s Address: 242 7th St W, St Paul, MN 55102 Cuisine: Burger Joint Dog Amenities: Patio Name: Duke’S on 7 Address: 15600 MN-7, Minnetonka, MN 55345 Cuisine: American Dog Amenities: Patio (heated in the winter), yoga matts for lounging, dog menu Name: Fletcher’s Ice Cream Address: 1509 Marshall St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413 Cuisine: Ice Cream and Waffles Dog Amenities: Patio Name: The Free House Address: 701 N Washington Ave #101, Minneapolis, MN 55401 Cuisine: Gastropub Dog Amenities: Patio Name: Hai Hai Address: 2121 University Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418 Cuisine: Modern Vietnamese Street Food Dog Amenities: Patio Name: Hola Arepa Address: 3501 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408 Cuisine: Venezuelan style stuffed arepas Dog Amenities: Patio Name: Howe Daily Kitchen and Bar Address: 3675 Minnehaha Ave South, Minneapolis, MN 55406 Cuisine: Pub Food Dog Amenities: Patio (heated in the winter), yoga matts for lounging, dog menu Name: Lake & Irving Address: 1513 W Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55408 Cuisine: American Dog Amenities: Patio Name: McCoy’s Public House Address: 3801 Grand Way, St Louis Park, MN 55416 Cuisine: Burgers, Pizzas, and Comfort Food Dog Amenities: Patio Name: Pub 819 Address: 819 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN 55343 Cuisine: Gastropub Dog Amenities: Patio (heated in the winter), yoga matts for lounging, dog menu Name: Stanley’s Northeast Bar Room Address: 2500 University Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418 Cuisine: Pub Food Dog Amenities: Patio (heated in the winter), yoga matts for lounging, dog menu Name: Stray Dog Address: 401 E Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55414 Cuisine: Pub Food with many vegetarian options Dog Amenities: Patio Written by: Heather Mains Whether camping in a tent, a cabin, or a camper, there is nothing better than doing so with your best friend. Picking your Partner In my case, my best pal is my pup, Ben. Now, he didn’t exactly have much of an option but to camp since we first crossed paths on a cross country road trip. Luckily for me, he is a natural in the outdoors. But, how can one tell if their favorite housemate is ready to camp? Some things to consider are your dog's comfort level with travel, their ability to change up their routine, temperament around people and animals, and of course, a desire to adventure. Ask yourself, can your dog handle a long (or short) car ride to your destination? If not, camping may not be for them. A camping trip does not need to be far from home, but generally involves some travel. Next, how does your dog handle change? For most of us, camping is quite different from our normal routine. This can mean a change in feeding and bathroom routines, as well as sleeping in a different environment. Take into account how you will be camping. Whether you are in a tent, a cabin, or a camper, think about how your dog usually sleeps. Keeping their routines as close to normal as possible will help ensure you both enjoy your camping experience. Depending on your location, it is likely you will encounter other campers of all ages, as well as their pets. If you are at a public campground, RV park, or cabin resort, it is important that your dog be comfortable with strangers. Lastly, what kind of adventures does your dog enjoy? In my case, Ben likes anything that involves water, fetch, and getting pets from anyone, especially kids. Is your dog high energy like mine? Or are they more content with an afternoon basking in the sun? Any dog can be a camping partner as long as you find the right trip for them! Location, Location, Location While any dog can be a camping dog, not every location will allow them to be. When looking for a place to camp, there are a few things to consider. Private campgrounds make-up their own rules. While many campgrounds, RV parks or resorts post their pet policy on their website, it is always a good idea to call to make sure your partner in crime will be welcome. State park and state forest campgrounds tend to be more pet friendly. Keep in mind, your pet will need to be leashed at all times while in the campground and on trails. This is for your pet’s safety, as well as for others. Campgrounds are often busy with both car and foot traffic. As always, bring plenty of bags to pick up after your pet! One thing to note is that in my experience, state park and state forest yurts and cabins do not allow dogs. Wherever you choose to camp, it is a good idea to keep your pet leashed. If your pup is well trained to be off leash, do so in an area that is designated for off leash, or is free of other visitors. I like to bring a long wire tether for Ben, as he has a habit of chewing through anything he can when tied up! This gives him freedom to roam, but keeps him a safe distance at all times. Tips & Tricks You know the saying, there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing… The same can be said about camping! Luckily, Ben and I enjoy cool weather together. And, while we both melt in the heat, it can be much more dangerous for him. One way that we help beat the heat is by camping near water. Ben is great at knowing his limits and will find his way to water when he starts to overheat. However, it is still important that you keep an eye out for signs of heat stress. Dogs don’t sweat the same way we do, so it can be more difficult for them to dissipate heat. If your dog is panting heavily and acting lethargic, this is a sign that they are too hot! The best way to combat his heat is to provide them with plenty of cool water to drink, shade, and a cool space to rest. Wetting your dogs fur and going for a drive with the windows down is another way to help lower their body temperature. When camping in cooler weather, make sure to provide your dog with a warm place to curl up. Ben’s double coat makes him an ideal winter dog, but smaller dogs and dogs with short fur are not. If you notice your dog shivering, give them a blanket to lay on or cover them with. In a pinch, you can usually put one of your sweaters or jackets on, putting their front legs through the sleeves. Hot or cold, camping is always best when done with friends. Once you know your pup is ready for an adventure and you’ve found a place, plan some fun activities. Go for a hike, a swim, play fetch, or take a nap, because any adventure with your dog is a good one. Written by: Samantha Glowacki
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