Dogs at the Beach - Part II - Does your Doggie Paddle? Teaching Your Dog To Swim

The majority of dogs can swim and they love it!

But dogs entering the water for the first time should be tested. 

You don't want to have to call these guys!

Here are some important tips for teaching your dog how to swim:

• Never throw your dog into the water.
• Start in shallow water, and call your dog's name. You can also try to coax him in with a treat or toy – but always keep your dog within reach.
• Another way to introduce your dog to the water is with a dog that already swims and is friendly with your dog. Let your dog follow his friend.
• If your dog begins to doggy-paddle with his front legs only, lift his hind legs and help him float. He should quickly catch on and will then keep his back end up.
• Swimming is a great form of exercise, but don't let your dog overdo it. He will be using new muscles and may tire quickly.
• Be careful of strong tides that are hazardous for even the best swimmers.
• Never leave your dog unattended! You should always be in a position to help him get out of the water.

See you and Fido at the beach,

Susan

Pet Safety Tips (and Vet Numbers)

It may be cold where you live but when you get to Good Haven House it'll be alot warmer!

Here are some things to keep in mind if you've brought pets along on your vacation 

or when traveling with pets in general.

General Warm Weather Safety Concerns

Hot weather can make anyone feel uncomfortable, and your pet is no exception. Here are some safety concerns for responsible pet owners:

• Never leave your pet unattended in direct sunlight or in a closed vehicle. Heatstroke can occur and lead to brain damage or death. Signs of heatstroke are panting, drooling, rapid pulse and fever. Immediately immerse the dog or cat in cool water and seek emergency veterinary assistance.
• Never leave your pet unattended in a hot, parked car. When it's only 80 degrees outside, the inside of a car can heat up to more than 120 degrees in just minutes. Leaving the windows partially rolled down will not help. Your pet is susceptible to heat stroke and possible death in these conditions.
• Always make sure your pet has access to fresh water.
• Beware of insect bites. If your pet is bitten or stung, remove the stinger and watch the site for an allergic reaction. If a reaction occurs or there have been multiple wasp, bee, fire ant or mosquito bites, take the animal to the vet.
• Talk with your veterinarian about flea and tick prevention medications. These are concerns year round in Florida and all warm weather states.
• All pets should have proper identification at all times, but especially on vacation. The AKC suggests a collar with an ID tag (with CELL PHONE number) along with a tattoo or a microchip.
• Keep your dog on a leash when he is outdoors to prevent accidents and injuries.
• Try to avoid strenuous exercise with your dog on extremely hot days and refrain from physical activity when the sun's heat is most intense.

No matter how careful and responsible you may be, accidents can happen.

The nearest vet is (regular hours):

 Drs. McDougal and Calloway at the

Lost Key Animal Clinic

 4190 Bauer Road

 Pensacola, FL

850 492 6878

After hours:

 Veterinary Emergency Center

4800 N. Davis Highway

Pensacola, FL

850 477 3914

Please make sure these phone numbers close at hand and available to all family members.

(click on links above for vet websites and click on addresses for exact driving directions)

Thanks,

Susan

Dogs at the Beach

Most people are surprised to find out that Florida state laws do NOT permit pets on public beaches!
I know I was.

By threedrodi via flickr

Of course you and your dogs can go into the water at our beach.
And I didn't tell you this but I have seen dogs on Johnson's Beach near the public access (not in the National Seashore)  ;)

 Bayview Dog Beach

If you're looking for another place to romp with your dog, the Bayview Dog Park and Beach on Bayou Texar is great. This park allows the dogs water access to Bayou Texar and a sandy beach. It also has benches, tables, water fountains, and a dog and human shower/washing area. The dog park is fenced on land but open at the water. No fees, permits or residency requirements but a rabies vaccine tag is required on pet's collar. Follow the link for a map and more info.

 Always remember:

• Provide plenty of fresh water and shade for your dog.
• Cool ocean water is tempting to your dog. Do not allow him to drink too much seawater. The salt in the water will make him sick.
• Dogs can get sunburn, especially short-haired dogs and ones with pink skin and white hair. Limit your dog's exposure when the sun is unusually strong, and apply sunblock to his ears and nose 30 minutes before going outside.
• Check for daily water conditions – dogs are easy targets for jellyfish and sea lice.
• If your dog is out of shape, don't encourage him to run on the sand. Running on a beach is strenuous exercise, and a dog that is out of shape can easily pull a tendon or ligament.
• Swimming is a great form of exercise, but don't let your dog overdo it. He will be using new muscles and may tire quickly.
• Be careful of strong tides that are hazardous for even the best swimmers.
• Never leave your dog unattended! You should always be in a position to help him get out of the water.
• Salt and other minerals found in the ocean can damage your dog's coat. So, when you are ready to leave for the day, rinse him off with fresh water.

See you and your pooch at the beach!

Susan

Happy Friday

I hope you get a chance to hang out with your best friends this weekend.

See you at the beach,
Susan

pier at Good Haven House, photo by threedrodi via Flickr

Derby and Foster

via Flickr by threedrodi

Meet Derby and Foster.
They came for a vacation at Good Haven House in the Spring.



via Flickr by threedrodi

Here's what their owners had to say "We had a great time at Good Haven House but our dogs had an even better time! They are older dogs and acted years younger - wanting to play non-stop. The yard and access to water was ideal. "



via Flickr by threedrodi

"Thanks so much Susan for allowing our pets to come with us - made all the difference in the world."



via flickr by threedrodi

Thank you all for staying here and allowing us to share your wonderful photos.

See the whole photostream of Derby and Foster having fun at Good Haven House

See you at the beach!
-Susan

The Biggest Pet Yet

Not that it's a contest, (please don't call and ask if you can bring your baby elephant :), but I think we had our biggest pet yet a few weeks ago.



Meet Buddy, a 2 year old English Mastiff, who weighs in at 130 pounds. He will be much bigger the next time he comes as his owner told me English Mastiffs typically reach maturity at 3 years old and his predecessor weighed in at 230lbs! He came with his newly adopted family who rescued him just 2 months before they were to vacation at Good Haven House.



I think he liked his first vacation!

Thank you to Buddy's owners for sending along these great photos of the newest addition to their family.

See you at the beach! -Susan

We Love Pets

We love to have pets come on vacation with their owners. Dogs, cats, guinea pigs, turtles and frogs have all been guests at Good Haven House. They all give it the big thumbs (paws, flippers?) up!



Our German Sheperd loves it there. There's 2 acres for dogs to run around and play frisbee.

We take a $100.00 pet fee per pet (with fur and bigger than the palm of your hand) and a bit larger security/damage deposit that's refunded to you as soon as we verify that there's been no damage (soiling, chewing, etc).



All well behaved pets are welcome at Good Haven House.