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Here at Humboldt Pet Supply, we always look out for the safety and best interest of our pets. Whether it's the food they eat or the toys they play with, we go out of our way to ensure everyone has a fun and safe time. Summer activities are definitely rewarding when shared with a pet, so it's also good to keep safety in mind when hitting the water. Here as some quick tips to make the most of your water play. 

Water Wisdom
Though many canines excel at the doggy paddle, some breeds are at a disadvantage when it comes to swimming. Breeds with short snouts that have hard time breathing or those with short limbs will not be as adept at swimming. If your dog wants to share in the wet fun, a float coat or life vest will go a long way in keeping them buoyant. Of course, after all that swimming your dog is bound to be thirsty, so bring some clean water for him or her in a portable bowl so your pet won’t be tempted to drink sea water or stagnant river water.


Sand Safety
If you’re heading to the beach, feel out the ground before you let your dog get too far into burning sand. Here in Humboldt, coastal sands don’t tend to get hot very often, but inland river shores can heat up and burn your pet’s paws. Applying topical wax to your pet’s foot can help mediate the heat, but it shouldn’t be relied on for complete protection against scorching grounds. If you know you will be on hot ground for an extended period of time, bring a towel or blanket and something to shade the area where your pet will be sitting.


Boating Basics
If you and your pet are going to hitting deeper waters, have a contingency plan if your pup goes overboard. Being prepared will help you get your dog back onboard as quickly and safely as possible. Keep in mind that the weight of a dog increases when they are soaked, which may make it more difficult to lift larger dogs. If boating will be a new experience for your dog, make sure to acclimate them by gradually introducing them to life on the waves before planning long outings.


River Reminders
Locals know that Humboldt harbors a plethora of breathtaking river spots to enjoy with your pet. While there, be wary of the water’s speed as well as your dog’s energy levels. Swimming through currents requires much more effort than a still body of water like a pool so it is easy to overestimate your dog’s capability to swim against the current after a long day of water play. Also be on the lookout for rocky river areas where snakes may be hiding and stagnant pools of water that may contain harmful bacteria. Blue-green algae becomes a major problem in late summer but, due to the changing climate, may become more active earlier this year. We’ll be covering blue algae more in-depth next issue, so stay tuned!

We Recommend:

Ruffwear Float Coat The Float Coat from Ruffwear is a lifesaver for dogs that have trouble swimming. It can also be useful for dogs that tire out easily. It features a soft handle for pulling your pup out of the water.

Ruffwear Grip Trex If you'll be traversing across hot sand, foot protection is a must! These boots will keep your pet's feet safe while you make your way from beach to water.

Portable Water Bowls Avoid the irony of being around so much water and not being able to get a drink! These bowls provide an easy solution to making sure your dog drinks safe water during your water adventures!

Stop by our store and we'll get your pet fitted for all your water adventures!

Pam from the Arcata Dog Park has sent out a new update regarding the eagerly-awaited dog park:

Hello!

"Woof, woof….so much fun this summer, playing at Hiller Park in McKinleyville, swimming at the beach, walking in the Community Forest, jumping into the river, and just laying around in the shade to cool off from the hot days!"  We hope everyone and their best friends are enjoying themselves.

We really wanted to touch base even though there’s not much to report on the progress of the Arcata Dog Park. We continue our monthly meetings with Karen Diemer, City Manager. Brett Watson, City Council member, has joined those meetings, as he wanted to advocate for the dog park, too. Council member Paul Pitino continues to be supportive. We are still waiting on the toxicity studies, clean up plans if needed (e.g. where in Little Lakes a clean up may be required, what the level of toxicity is,etc.). Our focus continues to be on Little Lake Property by the Arcata Marsh, and we stay active in caring for this area.

Humboldt Pet Supply staff and volunteers (which include folks from our working group) have been doing scheduled patrols to pick up dog waste that is left behind on the paths at the marsh. We monitor one of the doggie waste stations at the marsh too. So while there’s not much to do in terms of progress toward beginning construction, we remain active in as many ways as possible so that the Arcata Dog Park remains on the minds of city council members - and we hope on your mind too.

We know summer is an active time, but if you find yourself with a few extra minutes, it always helps a lot to contact any or all of the city council members (email addresses and phone numbers are on our website). Just one email to all council members won’t take more than a minute. Even saying, “I support the Arcata Dog Park to be located at Little Lake Property” will make a biog difference in the long run when it’s time for decisions to be made by our city. Heck, this could be a monthly email you might send. 

We continue to receive questions and offers to volunteer from folks who visit the website.  THANK YOU!! A big shout out to those folks and all of you who continue to be a part of our efforts to get a great dog park here in our city. We’ll be in touch again this fall. 

Pam

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Summer is in full-swing and we know you're aching to get your pet outdoors to explore Humboldt! Whether you're going on a hike, to the beach, or just strolling around town, here are three things to keep in mind while you and your pet have some fun in the sun.

Hot Paws

The temperature of the ground may not be something us footwear-clad humans think about when we step out for a day in the sun, but our pets certainly feel the heat of a summer’s asphalt. Be aware that pets can suffer burns on their paws, so make sure to test any ground they will be walking on by touching for several seconds. Cats and dogs also regulate heat through the bottom of their paws, so hot feet can result in overheating. If you know you will be traversing hot lands, try some protective footwear for your pet.

Sunburn

Unfortunately, that shiny coat of fur on your pet does not provide enough protection from overexposure to the sun’s rays. Dogs with shorter or light-colored coats are the most susceptible to burns on the body, while all dogs are vulnerable in more sensitive skin areas such as nose, underbelly, and genitals. Luckily, you can avoid getting sunburned by sticking to shady areas and using vet-approved sunscreen.

Dehydration

Fluid intake is paramount once the heat is on. Your dog’s water levels fluctuate throughout the day, but during the summer, it becomes extra important to make sure they have access to a drinking source. If your dog is panting, it is losing internal moisture to evaporation in exchange for keeping cool. Watch out for signs of dehydration such as excessive panting, loss of skin elasticity, lethargy, dry nose, and sunken eyes. If you’ll be traveling or just out and about, try taking a portable water bowl, so that your dog is never without something to drink.