Louisiana Dog Care Tips for All Seasons

Popular breeds in Louisiana include the Catahoula Leopard Dog (the official state dog for Louisiana), Labrador Retrievers, Beagles, German Shepherds, Boxers, Yorkshire Terriers, Bulldogs, Golden Retrievers, Poodles, Rottweilers, and French Bulldogs.

Here are some dog care tips for pet owners in Louisiana.

Holiday Season Dog Care Tips

• During the holiday season in November, December, and January, ensure that your dog is not chewing on electrical cords that could lead to an electric shock. Also, make sure your dog doesn’t eat things like candy wrappers, plastic wrap, foil, ribbons, or small parts of toys.
• Don’t give your dog human foods that can be unsafe for canines, such as chocolate or other holiday table food.
• It can get quite chilly in Louisiana in December and January. Bring your pet indoors at night as temperatures can be near freezing in some parts of the state.
• Ensure that your four-legged friend has enough fresh, clean water to drink during the Louisiana winter. Although the weather is cold, your pooch still needs to stay hydrated.

Dog Care Tips for Mardi Gras in Louisiana

• During Mardi Gras in Louisiana, make sure your dog doesn’t ingest potentially dangerous human foods like jambalaya, gumbo, or fried foods.
• Avoid taking your dog to parades unless it’s a parade especially for pets. The noise and crowds can make your pooch uncomfortable, nervous, or scared.
• If you’re dressing up your dog for Mardi Gras in Louisiana, evaluate the costume carefully for safety. Things like necklaces can be choking hazards.

Dog Care Tips for Homeowners in Louisiana

• Sago palm is a common plant in the Baton Rouge, Louisiana area. The roots, seeds, and leaves of this plant are highly toxic to dogs. Also, if you have a yard in your Louisiana home, make sure there is no foliage that can be toxic for your dog, especially during the summer when your dog will be outdoors a lot. Also, be aware that some lawn care products and pesticides can cause severe health problems in dogs.

Summer Dog Care Tips for Louisiana

• During the Louisiana summer, you’ll need to take special care to prevent heatstroke in your dog. Make sure your pooch has enough water to drink and a shady area to stay out of the sun.

Louisiana Hurricane Season Dog Care Tips

• If you’re forced to evacuate your home during hurricane season, take your dog with you. Make sure your Louisiana hotel welcomes dogs or the family you’re staying with will be comfortable having your pooch around. Take enough dog food for at least one week as well as food and water bowls, leash or harness, and all your dog’s medications.

If you want to bring home an adorable puppy into your Louisiana home, Puppy Hero lists several responsible breeders in the state.