The weather's warming up, and pretty soon it will be downright hot. In order to keep your dog safe, here are some basic safety measures to take:

• Never leave your dog in the car unattended! Even if it does not seem that hot outside, the temperature inside the car can rise to dangerous levels within minutes. If you absolutely must bring your dog with you on errands, make sure you bring another person who can stay in the running, air-conditioned car with your dog.
• Skip the long walks on hot, sunny days. Try to take several shorter walks during the cooler times of the day, and avoid prolonged sun exposure. Dogs can get sunburns, too.
• Leave your dog at home when going to large outdoor festivals or parties. A large crowd can be overwhelming and it increases the chances of injury, dehydration and exhaustion. Plus, there's bound to be a lot of unhealthy food and trash that your dog might try to eat.
• Stay close to your your dog while swimming in a lake, river or the ocean. Contrary to popular belief, not all dogs are naturally skilled swimmers. Also remember that even the most experienced swimmer can become a victim of an undertow, jellyfish or other hazard.

Above all, exercise common sense and caution to help keep your dog safe. Learn what warning signs mean it's time to call your vet. When in doubt, call your vet right away. Enjoy the weather!

It's no secret that most dogs love to eat. Many dogs will eat whatever is in front of them, whether or not it's actually edible. I'm sure we've all known a "canine vacuum cleaner" at one point. Some dogs are more discerning, preferring a special flavor or texture. Either way, dogs are not thinking about the nutritional value of the food they eat, they're interested in flavor and filling their bellies.

As dog "parents," we have a responsibility to our dogs to keep them safe and healthy. Part of this means choosing a quality diet. Our dogs might beg for table scraps, but we know that they deserve better. Tons of healthy dog treats are available as an alternative to table scraps or "junk food." You may not be able to explain to your dog why he can't finish off your dinner plate, but it's worth it to know you're giving him the best food for his health.

Photo © Joy Johnston