Safe dacha: dog handlers listed five main rules for dogs

      During the summer season, veterinarians are noticing an increase in the number of inquiries — from poisoning to injuries. To ensure that a trip with a dog does not turn into a disaster, the president of the RKF, Vladimir Golubev, recommends following five basic safety rules.

      The first is auto safety. A dog in a car should not be allowed to move freely around the cabin. Even during sudden braking, the pet can be seriously injured. The animal should be transported in a secured carrier or a special car harness. An open window poses a risk of infection or foreign objects entering the eyes and ears, as well as the possibility of falling out of the car.

      The second is protection against escape. Dogs often get lost. The collar must have a tag or chip, as well as an address label with the owner's phone number. An advanced option is a GPS tracker, which helps quickly locate the pet, especially in the woods.

      The third is vaccination and parasite treatment. When going out of town, it is essential not to miss vaccination and treatment deadlines. At the dacha, the pet risks encountering wild animals and ticks — rabies and piroplasmosis are deadly.

      The fourth is protection against heatstroke. Overheating can occur in 15–20 minutes. The dog should have a shaded area and constant access to fresh water, which should be changed 3–4 times a day in hot weather. It is not advisable to shave the pet "down to the skin" — the fur protects against overheating. It is sufficient to brush out the undercoat.

      The fifth is dangers on the property. Dogs explore everything around and can be poisoned by toxic plants (rhododendrons, tulips, daffodils, lily of the valley, lilies, hydrangeas), fertilizers, and chemicals. The owner should protect the pet from these sources of danger and check in advance what is growing on the property.