Tips On Hiking, Camping And Swimming With Your Dog (NAPSA)—Spending time with your dog in the great outdoors can be even more fun if you remember to protect yourpet. Here are some tips from the experts at Novartis Animal Health US, Inc. to keep your dog safe while enjoying such activities as camping, hiking and swimming: Camping and hiking Before going camping, make sure your dog is current on vac- cines and a parasite preventive, and that you take along proof of rabies vaccination. Without proper protection, pets and family members may be in danger of internal parasites that pets can pick up. Take along a good flea and tick preventive. Makesure yourpet has ID. Get your dog in condition before hiking and campingby tak- ing him on shorter hikes close to Protect your dog by making sure his vaccinations are up to date. are allowed on trails and at parks Swimming Most dogs enjoy a swim. Dogs are best introduced to water home. Check beforehand that dogs and campgrounds. Bring along sunblock. Dogs can get sunburn. Dogs that have recently received short haircuts are at a greaterrisk. Medium or large dogs can carry a backpack with unbreak- able items. Just remember not to use a backpack on dogs under 1 year of age or on any dog with health problems. Check your dog’s foot pads every day for thistles or soreness. Checkforticks. Bring along plenty of bottled water since your dog will need to drink more when he is more active. Dogs have a higherinter- nal body temperature than humans and get warmer at lower temperatures. Don't let your dog wanderoff. He may eat poisonous berries or mushrooms. early in life in a quiet place with shallow water. Never force a dog into water and don’t let him go too deep. Belly deep is enough. A dog can jump into deep water and not be able to get out. Even in a swim- ming pool, a dog may not be able to figure out how to get out. If your pool has graded steps, you can teach your dog how to get out of the pool. e Sand andsalt water can irri- tate paw pads, so rinse pawsafter visiting the beach. Dry out ears immediately. Use an oral flea preventive. Wet flea collars can irritate the skin and active ingredients will washoff. For more information on pets,visit www.growingupwith pets.com.
