OkcPets Magazine July 2023

July / August 2023 • OKC Pets 33 To find Canis Major, follow the belt of Orion down toward Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky. A collection of medium-bright stars down and to the left outlines the body of the great dog. Learn more at https://www.ontarioparks.com/parksblog/ featured-constellation-orion/. little training, it can be both a fountain for fresh drinking water and a self-acti- vated toy. As with any water play, watch your dog to make sure he’s not swallowing water into his airway. Paw protection. One of the most common risks in the dog days of summer is burned paws. Asphalt retains heat for several hours and can be 40 to 60 degrees hotter than the air surrounding it. So an evening walk when it’s still 80 degrees amounts to 120 degrees or more on your dog’s paws. To keep your pup protected, avoid outings during the heat of the day and aim for grass or dirt paths. “If you see that their foot pads are dry or cracked, the paw balm you use in the winter can bring moisture and relief in the hot summer,” said Channery White of All Fur Paws Pet Health Market. “I apply a thin layer of balm on my dogs’ paws before we go walking and, if needed, another thin layer when we get back.” No dog ever said, “Come see my great shoe collection.” However, booties can help protect your pup’s foot pads from hot pavement or chemically treated lawns. “Dogs will resist wearing shoes initial- ly because it’s not natural,” said Jacob Morgan, who works in a retail pet-sup- ply store. “But if you feel it’s in their best interest based on the terrain they’re traveling, try different styles and help them adjust in phases, such as gradually extending the number of minutes they wear the shoes. Check the fit to accom- modate long nails and make sure the shoe cuff doesn’t rub against the dewclaw, which will be uncomfortable and could hurt. Also recognize that some dogs might never adjust.” Chill time. After the outing, White added, dogs often like to chill on a cool- ing mat or cot. Some mats have sophis- ticated construction and might resemble your own memory-foam mattress. Other options include a pressure-activated gel that starts to cool as soon as your dog lies on it and continues for several hours. A mesh cot elevated a few inches off the ground allows air to circulate underneath and around. You can also wet the mat for additional cooling or easy cleanup. Tasty treat. Finally, check out farmers’ markets — with Fido, of course — and pick up fixings to make dog-friendly ice cream. For example, https://www.Rover. com has recipes for watermelon mint, cantaloupe, pumpkin, or peanut butter and banana. There are also low-fat yogurt and dairy-free options. Remember that human ice cream is not good for pets, especially because dogs might be lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy products. If you do spoon up a pet version, know that a little goes a long way to help ensure a healthy weight and guard against toxic agents such as choc- olate, grapes, and the artificial sweetener xylitol. Ruby’s K9 Corral Boarding & Daycare In The Clean, Country Air. Call today! 405-999-5822 info@rubysk9corral.com www.rubysk9corral.com Pickup and Dropoff in Our Corgi Cab, Daycare, Boarding, and Parties Now Offering Dog Reiki TWO DOGS DIVERGED FEMALE VETERAN OWNED REACTIVITY & PREVENTION Clarity, Consistency and Communication as a team. www.twodogsdiverged.com • 805-758-1878 twodogsdivergedbehavior@gmail.com Want to have OKC Pets Magazine delivered to your door? Subscriptions are $27/year and we take checks, credit cards, and payment via PayPal. Contact us at (918) 520-0611 to subscribe.