Happy June Everyone,
I trust this message finds you in peace and all is well.

Last month I started the newsletter by saying “April brought lots and lots of changes.” It turns out April was just a warm up for May.

Let’s start with the big one.
We made some changes to our roster, and as a result Greg, Erin, and Jenny have moved on to bigger and better things and no longer part of Off Leash Dog Training.

Please contact me or the office directly for your questions and/or support issues.
Although this seems like a big change, regardless of this fork in the road, it’s been what’s best for us all.

Last month we started a new feature called “Ask a Vet” and the questions we received were about the safety of our dogs during hot summer months.
So, I turned to Dr. Michael Herman from South Charlotte Animal Hospital and he was kind enough to provide the following article:

Now that the weather is getting warmer, be aware of the risks of traveling by car with your pet.
The inside of a car heats up amazingly fast. In fact, it’s comparable to the ‘greenhouse effect’ and if you leave your pet in a vehicle on a warm day… it can literally be ‘a killer’.
When it’s 85 degrees outside, in just 10 minutes the inside of the car (even with the windows slightly open) soars to 102 degrees in only 10 minutes!… or worse, 120 within a half hour.
A dog’s normal body temperature ranges from 101 – 102.5 degrees but it can only withstand a temperature of 107-108 for just a short period of time before suffering brain damage – or even death.
Don’t let this summer be the one you look back on with regret in years to come.

If your pet spends a lot of time outside during the warmer months don’t forget to leave them in an area where they have access to shade and fresh water while you’re gone.
Provide two areas of fresh water and shade…just in case one spills! If you utilize a ‘dog house’ make sure it’s very well ventilated.
Also, be sure to change out any blankets or bedding if you have ‘plumped it up’ for extra comfort.
Sometimes those blankets can become infested with bugs, ticks or even become a hiding area for poisonous snakes!

Jogging is also dangerous in the warmer months. If your dog jogs everyday with you and is in excellent shape – it’s fine, right?
No!
We humans can shed heavier clothing for shorts and tanks and sweat more to compensate for the extra heat. Your dog cannot.
Dogs are still sporting their winter coats – even after a shed and they can only cool themselves to a degree by panting or sweating through the pads of their paws. T
his isn’t enough. They’ll want to please you and keep up but do your dog a favor and bear this information in mind while making better ‘running choices’.
Go in the early morning or late evening. Allow them to run on the grassy side so as to not burn the pads of their paws and offer them a break now and again with a portable bowl of fresh water.

We humans can speak when we’re feeling ill or faint from the heat. Our pets cannot – at least in a language we could understand. So body language is all we can rely on with our pets. Please look for the following signs of heatstroke and seek help with a veterinarian immediately.

* Panting
* Staring
* Anxious expression
* Refusal to obey commands
* Warm, dry skin
* Rapid heartbeat
* Vomiting
* Collapse or unusual lethargy

We all love a cool dip in a pool when it’s hot. So does your dog, no doubt. Be sure there is an easy ‘exit area’ of your pool in the event your dog decides to sneak a little ‘skinny dip’ while you’re not around. There are numerous cases of pets drowning in pools due to not having an area to simply walk out of. If this is a concern for the set up of your pool – consider a cover. For both pets and children, they offer a great peace of mind. Oh, and don’t let them drink the water! A belly full of chlorinated water could make for a sick pooch!

The following is a list of things that are helpful to have on hand in case a little TLC is needed for your pet. This will hold you over until you think you might need a more in-depth look by a veterinarian.

# Vet Wrap

# White athletic tape

# Ace athletic bandage

# Benadryl (for snake bites or bee stings! Call for dosage information!)

# Antibacterial ointment

# Hydrocortisone cream

# Hydrogen peroxide

# Antibacterial cleanser

# Gauze sponges
# Syringes to flush wounds

Thank you so much Michael! By the way South Charlotte Animal Hospital give 10% off to our Off Leash Community. Please submit all other vet questions here.

Group Lessons are always changing. The most accurate list is on FanPage. Remember the power of these lessons is the Group. When we have less than 3 people sign up, the lesson may be canceled. Check the status of your Group Lesson on FaceBook. Please remember to RSVP.

Do you have any friends or family who would benefit from having a well balanced dog like yours?
If so, click here for your referral. Referrals are how we stay in business.
The best way to say thank you to us is through your referrals.
We thank you for your continued support and remember to support our partner members listed under the Photo of the Month (This month’s diva is Miss little Ginger) , many of which offer discounts to our Off Leash Community.

We look forward to an exciting summer! The World Cup starts tomorrow so if you have upcoming lessons, I may train your dog to score a GOOOOOOOL!! Go Team USA!!
All the best,
Turk.
Off Leash Dog Training.com