| It's a sunny, beautiful day and you're ready to | | | | helpHe may panic and take off. Use a jacket to |
| ramble into the countryside. There's no reason not | | | | make a sling and |
| to go and no reason not to take Fido with you.Do | | | | carry him with you.Watch out for livestockMost |
| be aware that while you know the sidewalks | | | | won't bother a dog and owner but a cow with |
| around your home, there are | | | | calves may |
| increased risks in rugged, unfamiliar areas.Louise | | | | think she's protecting her offspring by attacking |
| Louis of offers a few tips to help keep | | | | the dog. |
| Fido safe.Don't let him play with sticksSome dogs | | | | Especially avoid bulls or pastures where there's |
| love them but they can splinter and damage his | | | | just one bovine there. |
| mouth. | | | | Horses can be tricky - best to avoid them |
| Bring a hard rubber Kong toy or ball for him to | | | | altogether.To safely cross a field with |
| retrieve.Have a first aid kit in the car or your | | | | livestock,put Fido on a leash and walk |
| fanny packIt needed be elaborate - a wrap-type | | | | quietly and gently around the perimeter of the |
| bandage, tape, ointment, | | | | field.Respect other people's propertyFarmers may |
| Swiss Army knife, tweezers and a ruler in case | | | | not like finding dog doo so clean up after Fido just |
| you need a splint.Carry a cell phone or at least | | | | as you do in the city.Protect your dog from fleas |
| change for a pay phoneCarry some drinking | | | | and ticksTreat him with Frontline Plus before you |
| water for FidoDon't rely on a pond, stream or | | | | take him into the wilds.If you ignored the above |
| lake. Most are polluted and algae | | | | and he gets a tick, try to remove it as soon |
| can poison dogs.Let someone know where | | | | as possible. Easiest way is to cover the tick with |
| you're going and when you expect to | | | | petroleum jelly |
| be backAvoid walking along paths with gravel or | | | | (Vaseline) and leave it for a minute or so. Then, |
| small rocks | | | | twist the tick off. |
| These can cut paws and cause falls.Have | | | | Do not pull which could leave part of tick in Fido |
| something you can use to muzzle him if | | | | and cause an infection.Consider your dog's age |
| necessary | | | | and general health in deciding where |
| A scarf or leash can do in a pinch. Even Lassie | | | | and how long to go for a walkYou wouldn't |
| may | | | | expect your elderly grandmother to walk six |
| bite if hurt and frightened.Avoid taking him out in | | | | miles, and |
| the hottest part of the day | | | | you shouldn't expect your older dog to do it |
| Dogs can't sweat and heatstroke is a real | | | | either.Fido will only cope with what he's used to. |
| possibility in | | | | Use some common sense, |
| hot weather.Never leave an injured dog to seek | | | | and you'll both have a great time. |