Three Important Safety Products for Your Dog this Summer

Keeping your dog safe is similar to keeping a child safe, you need to constantly be on alert. There are certain dangers a dog faces, especially in urban and suburban settings where the risk of running away and getting hit by a car poses a serious threat. Keeping your pooch protected on your property even when you're not there to supervise, or keeping your dog from running off and becoming injured when playing around off leash, is reason enough to look for practical solutions. Below are three products that can help you and your companion enjoy some freedom while being safe!

Water Alarm

This product is designed to alert you should your dog enter the pool. Now I'm sure you're thinking, my dog's a great swimmer. And I'm sure he is. But the reality is dogs drown in swimming pools, simply because they can't find the stairs. To keep your pooch safe this summer, look into the Safety Turtle Water Safety Alarm, or a similar product. This particular product works by attaching the Turtle to your pet's collar: an alarm will sound at a base station in the house the moment he jumps in.

Fencing

There are numerous wireless pet fence manufacturers to choose from: Innotek and Petsafe are 2 very good brands. This form of containment makes it possible for you to create invisible boundaries on your property, so that your dog doesn't run off. How does it work?

A transmitter (usually housed in the garage or basement) sends a radio signal through a concealed wire buried along the perimeter of the "fenced in" area. Your dog wears a special collar with a receiver that alerts him with a warning tone when he's approaching the edge of the safe area, followed by a minor shock if he gets too close. Additional training, usually 7 ? 14 days, is necessary to assist your dog in understanding and learning the boundaries of the fence.

It is important to note that while invisible fences work well with most dogs, they are not 100 % effective, especially if your dog is older, stubborn and not well trained. If you think this might be the case with your pet and you want to try this product, make sure you are on guard for a reasonable trial period to make sure your dog doesn't figure out he can 'jump' the fence and run off.

You also need to check up on the fence once it is installed to make sure the perimeter wire is in tact, the batteries in your dog's collar still work and if your dog has a heavy coat, the area where the collar makes contact is shaven. Also, check with the manufacturer about the radio frequency whether is it FM or AM. FM is preferable as AM tends to pick up stray signals that may give your dog a correction even when he is not near the perimeter of the fence.

Another disadvantage to this type of fence is that it does not keep other animals out. For this reason people often use this type of fence in conjunction with a standard fence to keep the dog out of a garden or pool.

Safety Light collars and vests

Safety collars and vests with flashers in general are constructed with reflective fabrics and have a flashing lights attached to them. Some, such asPolyBrite? collar and leash do more than just reflect light, they generate their own. Both the collar and leash and give off a bright red glow and can also be set to flash. They use a replaceable watch battery that last up to 250 hours, are light weight, and above all ? water resistant. You can also find a range of clip on flashing lights, from the more durable and water proof for larger dogs to something very small and light such as the Pet Blinker. The clip on flashing lights can also be attached to a child's coat or belt if needed.

Safety vests are a must for the working dog or if you take your dog jogging in poorly lit areas. Also essential for hunting dogs. Besides being constructed of reflective material higher end safety vests generate light and may have a flashing light for added visibility. Summer is a fun time and a great time to get out and run or swim with your pets. Even though you've taken safety precautions, should the unexpected happen to your pets it is always advisable to have pet insurance should you find yourself in the emergency room. Whatever you do, have a great time and enjoy yourself.

Nicole Martins is author and publisher of http://www.a1-dogs.com a comprehensive resource to the best dog supplies, pet insurance, and dog health care information available online.

---

Dog Clicker Training

Dog clicker training is so much fun for both dogs... Read More

A Cat Tale

My son and I have a cat. Her name is... Read More

Cushings Disease

As our horses enjoy a longer life and many live... Read More

Pet Vitamin Supplements - Whether You Need One and How to Choose One

Vitamins Can Increase Your Dog's Life Span!There is evidence to... Read More

Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD)

What is Canine Hip Dysplasia?Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) is a... Read More

Practical Advice for Adopting a Dog

If you are thinking of adding a dog to your... Read More

Choosing the Right Dog Breeder

When looking to purchase a purebred dog, you need to... Read More

Dogs & Kids: Happy Together

Dogs and kids, it's a combination that at it's best... Read More

Raw Feed? Are You Joking?

Let's think about this for a minute: God did not... Read More

Tips On Breeding Tropical Fish

If you are looking for tips on breeding tropical fish,... Read More

Seeing Past Cuteness When Selecting the Best Dog Breed For You: Part 2 of 3

Are there so many great dog breeds out there that... Read More

Ears Stand Corrected: Cosmetic Surgery and Pets

Are you irritated by your dog's drooping ears or your... Read More

7 Puppy Naming Tips

You've picked out the perfect puppy. You spent hours on... Read More

West Highland White Terriers ? Westies- A Wonderful Breed Apart

"Westies" or West Highland White Terriers are furry coated dogs,... Read More

Pets: The Wild Kind

Just because we moved out to the country a couple... Read More

How To Keep Your Dog Safe in the 21st Century

For thousands of years, dogs have been "man's best friend."... Read More

Dog Breath-It Doesnt HAVE to Be SO Bad!

While your friends and family are amazed that you're raising... Read More

Im Allergic To My Cat!

Having a cat allergy came as something of a surprise... Read More

Fat Dogs - How To Get Overweight Dogs to Diet and Slim Down Without Whining

Obesity in dogs is a growing problem, which can cause... Read More

Seeing Past Cuteness When Selecting the Best Dog Breed For You: Part 3 of 3

Are there so many great dog breeds out there that... Read More

Does Your Dog Dig?

Dear Fellow Dog Lover,I assume you love your dog, or... Read More

Vaccinations Cause Vaccinosis - Your Pet is Being Harmed

Annual Vaccinations for Your Dog?Are they really necessary? - In... Read More

Is Pet Insurance Right For Your Pet?

Trying to decide if you should get insurance on your... Read More

Parrot Keeping

Parrots are becoming more popular as pets with each passing... Read More

Training Collars: Teaching Your Dog Basic Obedience and Breaking Bad Habits

Training CollarsTraining collars are a tool many pet owners utilize... Read More

Does Your Bichon Frise Eat His Own Poop?

Hi,I'm Janet CombsMy mother bred and raised Bichon Frises for... Read More

How To Use Horse Training Thinking To Solve Dang Near Any Problem With A Horse

Horse training can be a relatively mysterious subject to people... Read More

Female Dog Care

As there are certain health issues that affect only the... Read More

Why The Horses Eyes Are So Important When Training Him!

They say the eyes are are the gateway to the... Read More

Is Dog Dental Care Necessary?

Caring for your dogs teeth is a vital part of... Read More

How To Stop Your Cat Scratching Your Furniture - Forever!

Your cat scratching at your furniture can not only leave... Read More

How to Raise a Healthy Kitten

Selecting a Kitten It is best to choose your... Read More

You Dont Get a Second Chance!

I'm sure you're aware of the bad reputation Pitbulls have.... Read More