Wednesday 10 August 2016

Hot Car? Don't Go Far!


What To Do and What To Look For When You See a Dog in a Car

       With one of the hottest summers we have had in a while - temperatures scorching above 40 degrees and no cool breeze to cool you off - we need to keep our dogs safe and cool. Unfortunately, every summer their seems to be issues with dogs being left in hot cars. The dangers of leaving your dog in a car that is not running and even with window cracked, is that it creates a sauna where temperatures rise at a exponential rate. Just try sitting in you car without the AC on for even 10 minutes...and imagine a dog in that. When the car is actually off, without windows significantly down and in the blazing summer heat, something needs to be done right away to be sure that the dog is safe.

       Here is a list of precautions that each person should be sure to take when they see a dog in a car during high temperatures:
  1. SEE IF THE VEHICLE IS RUNNING! Before you assume that a vehicle is off just because you see a dog in it check to see if the engine is still left running. With that being said, MAKE SURE YOU CHECK! If there is a dog in a car when it is hot out, you NEED to see that the vehicle is running. 
  2. Look to see if the keys are in the ignition. if for some reason you cannot tell if the car is running or not, check to see if the keys are in the ignition or not. 
  3. Are the doors unlocked? Check the handle and see if the door is open, this will also be a sign of a running vehicle. It will also allow you to slightly feel the temperature. (With this, be careful because you are opening a door with an animal in it that may not be friendly, be sure to only open it just a bit).
  4. How is the dog acting? Aside from the barking that may be happening due to a stranger approaching their vehicle. Is the dog trying to get out? Is the dog heavily panting? Can you see white lines on the dog's tongue suggesting the dog is dehydrated? OR is the dog relaxed? Are they sleeping? Overall, does the dog seem distressed?
  5. If there is a number on the vehicle, CALL IT! If there is a way to reach the owner directly and express your concern regarding their dog and to get them to get their dog out of the hot car.
  6. Once you have done the above steps, and you see that the car is not running and the dog HAS been left in a hot car - search for the owner. Ask around if people say someone leave this car, go into the nearest building to the car and look for the owner.
  7. If you cannot find the owner record the vehicle information and call the SPCA or the cops. Report the issue and wait by the car until help arrives and the dog is safely removed from the vehicle. (DO NOT resort to breaking a window until all prior steps have fully followed through)
During this whole en-devour keep track of the state of the dogs state and the length of time the dog is in the car. This is very important information!


       With this all being said, your dog should not be left in a car in this heat. If you absolutely must leave your dog in the car, keep it running with the AC and the windows cracked a bit. For extra security leave a sign on your window saying that the A/C is on. You should still not leave your dog for more than 10 minutes in car your even with the A/C on. To ensure that you do not have to worry about any of this, take your dog with you into the store where possible, or tie them up in a shady area outside of the car. This will eliminate any need for someone to be worried or unsure about the state of your dog.

Keep you dogs safe and cool this summer!

Tail wags from the Completek9 team!


Wednesday 3 August 2016

How to Find the Right Dog Walker


What to Look for When Choosing a Dog Walker or Sitter

      We've all heard of someone or have experienced ourselves, horror stories regarding dog walkers. That's because very few people know what they are looking for or what they are looking at for that matter. In this post I am going to unravel the wrapping paper that many people add onto their websites to make it appear like they know what they are doing. Here are some things to watch out for when choosing who you should hire to look after your four-legged family member.

  1. Read what people have posted about that person/company's service. With social media being as commonly used as it is, you are bound to find out the truth. Read the Reviews!
  2. Look what that person/company is posting and how they are portraying themselves professionally, online. 
  3. If the company is not insured, keep looking for someone that is. 
  4. Look to see if the company has a certified dog trainer, this will tell you if the person really knows what they are doing. 
  5. What kind and how much experience do they have? Have they worked with dog before and to what extent? You want to know that your dog is with someone who has the knowledge of dogs and how they work - how to work with a nervous or scared dog, how to manage a hyper active dog, etc. Ask the company many questions to get a clear understanding of all of this.
  6. Become a spy! Look to see if that person is posting pictures of the dogs on their social media pages, (instagram, twitter, facebook etc.). Although this may seem trivial, it shows how much they care/love their job. Which, is a good indicator of the care that your dog is receiving. 
  7. Do not get sucked in by the pretty wrapping paper that many people include on their sites. Know that anyone can proclaim themselves to be a dog walker/trainer. Look for the facts.
  8. The "bonded" title is one that anyone off the street can pay for, it says nothing of that person's certification or qualification to take care of and/or walk your dog. 
  9. If that person has a dog/dogs how are they with their dog/dogs? Do they have control? If that person cannot control their own dog/dogs, you should not trust them with your own. The last thing you want is for someone to start teaching your dog bad habits. 
  10. Ask about training, what type of training do they believe in? What type of training does their staff complete before they are trusted with your dog? These are not stupid questions and the answers can tell you a lot.
  11. Are they pet first aid trained? I know accidents happen, be it a branch to the side or glass in the paw. Each person looking after your dog should know what to do in these circumstances.


     It is amazing and awesome that so many people want to be a part of this thriving industry, however not everyone is suited for it. Know what to look for and who to look for when choosing someone to look after or walk your dog. Be aware that just because someone is a dog lover, it does not mean that they know dogs.  On the bright side, there are many qualified companies and professionals that are helping to make the lives of dogs better in every way possible, you just have to find them!



Tail wags from the Completek9 team!