June 2004

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Send to newsletter@padz.org. Deadline: 25th of the month for the next month’s issue. Editor will consider all submissions, but does not guarantee inclusion.

SUMMER SAFETY

Water!
Nothing is more important than providing adequate water for your dog. Always bring water with you to the dog park. Keep a bottle in your refrigerator just for this purpose so it’s always cool when you take it with you. Always bring water with you on walks and errands too. One of the best ways to cool your dog off is to wet them down. This is especially important for dogs that tend to drink lots of water when they’re hot, as overdrinking can cause it’s own problems. Consider a wading pool for your patio if your dog spends the day outside.

Early Morning....Evening
These are the times to exercise your dog or take them on errands. If you’re a runner, remember, your dog’s still wearing a coat! Dogs will overheat just to keep up with you, so don’t assume a dog will stop when it’s too hot. If you take your dog on errands keep this same timeframe in mind. If you have to go out in the middle of the day leave your dog at home - even with the windows open a car gets hot in an unshaded asphalt parking lot.

4th of July
Be sure your dog is safe and secure at home in 4th of July. Take extra precautions because your neighbor’s holiday firecracker fun can mean terror and panic for your dog. Keep them indoors and in interior rooms if you hear fireworks. If you know your dog is afraid of these noises stay home with them, and talk to your vet or other health consultant about natural remedies like melatonin and flower essences (plan to try them out before the big night).

Fighting Pests Safely
Fleas and ticks are at their most annoying during the summer. Be careful with toxic pesticides, especially if you’re applying them to the dog as well as to the yard. Be attentive to your dog’s health and behavior after using chemical pesticides so you can treat them if your dog has an adverse reaction (skin rash, lethargy, loss of appetite, immune system problems, etc). Ask your vet or other health consultant about non-toxic alternatives like flea combs and herbs.

ENCINITAS DOG PARK UPDATE

Off-Leash Hours Now At Sun Vista Park
Encinitas has added another park to the list of those offering off-leash hours. Sun Vista Park, (Rancho Santa Fe Rd at the corner of La Posta Ave.) will have the same off-leash hours as Orpheus and D Street parks: Mon, Wed, Fri, 6-7:30am & 4-6pm. The area of the park to be used is the lower area bordering Rancho Santa Fe Rd. While there is a post and rail fence along the street, care should be taken that dogs don’t go through the fence near the busy traffic.

SDG&E Easement - Available But Not Complete
Dogs are now allowed off-leash on the SDG&E Easement between Encinitas Blvd and Mountain Vista. This area is just East of El Camino Real, directly underneath the power lines that run North-South. There is a bag dispenser and trash can at the Southern end (at Encinitas Blvd). The fencing is not complete, however. Both ends of the area have some fencing in place, but there are gaps. There are also gaps in some fencing along private property so it’s important to ensure that your dogs remain in the designated area. There is no water at the site, so it’s essential that you bring water for your dog. PADZ is working to have the fencing completed. While the area will remain undeveloped (no grass will be put in, for instance) PADZ is working with the city to see about adding some amenities such as benches and shade, and doing some clean-up on the site. PADZ will be calling on all dog park users in Encinitas to help us with these projects when we get the go-ahead from the city.

Hall Property
Plans are moving forward, but construction can’t begin until the Environmental Review is completed for the entire site (not just the dog park). This park won’t be available for at least two years, but when it is it will be beautiful!

List of local parks

Get involved with PADZ!

Write to local newspapers and politicians.

Attend municipal meetings when dog parks are being discussed.

Help educate fellow park users on dog park etiquette.