Taking extra care round the pool in the summer

AT this time of year extra thought must be put in to ensuring that your dog does not drown in your pool.
If a pool does not have walk in steps then there is no way that your dog can get out should it fall or jump in.
The result is they swim until their little hearts give up on them and drown.
Of course it is costly to call in builders to put walk in steps into your pool.
The first sensible advice is to build a fence around the pool.
Many people do this to ensure that children cannot fall into the pool.
The other safety idea is to fit a chair upside down on top of the swimming pool ladders.
By doing this you will ensure that if the dog falls into the pool he has a platform to get on and will be able to get out of the pool.
Chemicals and dogs do not get on; dogs can suffer dermatological skin problems from chlorine.
Dogs have inefficient cooling systems compared to humans.
With sweat glands in its tongue and paw pads, a dog primarily sweats by panting.
If something such as a muzzle or a respiratory blockage interferes with its ability to pant, a dog may overheat quickly.
A high temperature of more than 104 degrees Fahrenheit can produce rapid panting, bright red gums, tongue and other mucus membranes, vomiting, watery and bloody diarrhoea and staggering.
Thick saliva is also a sign of impending heat stroke.
If a dog is not treated immediately it is possible that coma, respiratory collapse and death can ensue.
If your dog shows any signs of heat stroke cool it off by submerging the dog in tepid water and immediately take it to your vet.
Cooling a dog that is in shock too fast can cause further problems.