Practice safety when taking pets along on summer road trips

Even though your dog may be one of the best-behaved canines on the block, it’s a good idea to make sure he’s restrained while riding in an auto. Fido can still enjoy a good breeze from his seat, in the back seat, and you and your passengers can rest assured that your four-legged friend will be safe and, in turn, keep all those inside the car safe as well.

Let’s face it, a dog is a dog, and it can get excited or agitated when objects whiz by the window or a pedestrian or cyclist approaches the car window.

In order to make sure your dog doesn’t cause a ruckus that could cause a car accident it’s best to keep him in his seat.

The Bamboo Quick Control Leash + Seat Belt Latch was designed for just such a purpose.

The leash is adjustable and comes with a built-in, universal seat-belt connector that prevents a dog from moving around and distracting the driver when riding in a car. According to the World Wide Pet Industry Association Inc. nearly 25 percent of accidents are attributed to driver distraction each year. And many of those distractions can be linked to animals riding in cars unrestrained.

"Summer is great in that it gives consumers more time outside with their pets," said Doug Poindexter, executive vice president of the World Wide Pet Industry Association Inc. "However, it also brings lots of risks, including high temperatures, exposure to outdoor elements and an increased threat of fleas and ticks."

As summer vacations approach, more and more pets will be joining their owners on the road. And so, it will be important to:

* Use proper restraint, as a dog can weigh up to 30 times its weight upon impact while traveling at 35 mph.

* Never leave your pet in the car. In Las Vegas, temperatures inside automobiles can soar to triple digits in no time. Leaving the window open an inch does not provide adequate ventilation.

* Bring water. Car travel can make your pets feel anxious and result in nervous panting. Be sure to take frequent breaks during your trip to allow your pet the opportunity to rehydrate.

When playing outside:

* Avoid pavement in hot weather. Your dog has very sensitive paw pads and the hot asphalt can burn them. Opt for walks on grass or plan your walks during the early morning/late evening when the pavement is not as hot.

* Know the symptoms of heat stroke. Dogs cannot cool down as easily as humans and are more likely to suffer heat stroke during the summer. Symptoms of overheating include excessive panting, drooling, sluggish and unresponsiveness. Dogs with thick coats, short muzzles and heart or breathing problems are at greater risk for heat stroke and should remain indoors with air conditioning during extremely hot days.

Around water

* Pets, like small children, face the risk of drowning from not knowing how to swim. Many dogs do not know how to swim. If you own a pet, make sure that your pool is securely fenced off from the rest of your backyard and that the gate is always closed when people enter and leave the pool area.

* Invest in a life preserver. If you plan to vacation on a boat or stay near a body of water with your pet, invest in a life preserver. Companies have created vests outfitted specifically for pets.

For more information on pet safety, www.petsource.org.

MEETING

Architectural, design group to meet July 11

The Architectural & Decorative Arts Society will meet July 11 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., for its monthly Taste of the Town mixer at the World Market Center, 495 S. Grand Central Parrkway.

The society is a professional organization committed to the development of the city’s design industry. Membership is open to any professional actively engaged in architecture, interior design, fine arts and crafts, graphic design, landscape, real estate, and communications.

Nonmembers are welcome. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cocktails will be served.

For information, call 873-6988 or visit www.adaslv.com.