The Dogfather: Avoid hot dogs at all costs

I don't know what happens to dog owners in summer. Normally conscientious and caring individuals do such crazy things.

Twice last week during the hot weather I had to go looking for owners who had parked their cars leaving dogs inside with minimum ventilation.

"He will get out if I open the window any wider," one owner told me by way of an excuse.

I was tempted to tell her that jumping out of the window when the car is as hot as an oven was a very sensible option.

Another poor dog I encountered had a leg amputated after the family thought it fun to shove it on the trampoline with the kids.

It doesn't take a genius to realise that dogs do not possess the balance or co-ordination for gymnastics. You wouldn't expect your dog to do a handstand just because your kids can so why in Gods name would anyone think bouncing up and down on a trampoline was a suitable activity?
Sadly this dog paid with the loss of a leg.

There are lots of great things you can do in summer with your dog like walking in the hills or swimming in safe locations but you must keep your dog hydrated.

Once they go down with heat stroke dogs are very difficult to revive. Working dogs that love retrieving are their own worst enemy in summer they will literally retrieve until they drop.

Once you see them panting you must stop and provide water. They may not drink it if they are obsessed by play but don't continue or you may have an emergency on your hands.

If in doubt err on the side of caution as the consequences are too awful to behold. I once tried to revive a Lab suffering with dehydration and failed.

It's not something you want to experience.

By all means enjoy the summer but keep your dog cool and safe and definitely away from trampolines.

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The Dogfather, Vic Barlow