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Summer days with your favorite pooch is a great way to spend a vacation. Hitting the beach can be a great time for everyone. But for your dog, the beach has some downsides you should keep in mind before you get out in the sun with him.

Check out these tips for keeping your dog safe at the beach, so you can both enjoy the day together!

1. Stick To The Shallows

It turns out, the doggy paddle is just an expression! Not all dogs can swim, or even like the water. Unless you know your dog is an experienced swimmer, stick to the shallow end. Some pet stores sell life vests for your dog. Look for one that fastens at three points, and has a handle in the back, so you can pull your dog away from danger when you need to. You should also avoid water if there are a lot of surfboards, jet skis, and other water sports, to avoid the dog getting over-excited.

2. Keep Him Hydrated

Salt water is very bad for dogs and can dry them out quickly. But unlike humans, dogs don't always know to keep from drinking the water. Keep a portable water dish in your beach bag, and stay loaded up on fresh bottled water. Keep an eye on your dog and make sure to pull him away if he starts drinking.

3. Use Sunscreen

Of course, you know to protect your own skin from the sun, but many people make the mistake of assuming that their dog's natural protection will be enough. Bring some sunscreen formulated for dogs to protect your dog's nose and ears from the sun. And don't forget to bring sunscreen for yourself too!

4. Spend Some Time In The Shade

Hot sand in the middle of the day can be dangerous for dogs. Not only is it tougher to walk in, but it could actually get hot enough to cause small burns on the bottom of your dog's feet. Dehydration can creep up on your dog slowly, so make sure to find a shady spot to take breaks in. Whether it's tug-of-war under a beach umbrella or taking a nap while you sunbath or read a book in the shade, your dog's going to need some extra rest time with all the excitement, especially in the heat.

5. Keep An Eye Out For Hidden Dangers

From hot sand to swimming in the ocean with beach glass, you'll want to make regular checks of your dog's pads, feet and legs are clear of debris. Being extra vigilant helps you avoid infection, and helps your dog avoid extended pain or problems later on. So watch where your dog is stepping and pay attention to his body language. Remember before you leave the beach to thoroughly rinse him top to tail to get out any salt, sand, and organisms, and give him a proper bath when you get home to ensure the salt water hasn't dried out his skin, and you haven't missed any cuts or scrapes.

Nothing beats a day at the beach, except a day at the beach with your best friend. The sun, sand and salt water can be good for both of you, but it does pose risks. Follow these tips to keep both of you safe on the beach, so you can make the most of the summer sun!

If you're a fan of small dogs, you probably already know a little about the Chihuahua. From Legally Blondes’ Bruiser Woods, to the adorable Taco Bell mascot, the little dogs with the big personality are everywhere. But are they right for your family? Like all small dogs, Chihuahuas have challenges. But with the right environment, they can make fantastic companions for you and your family.

Since International Chihuahua Appreciation Day was this month, let’s take a closer look at the these charming little devils!

Breed Basics

Chihuahuas are toy breeds, and that means small. They are 6-9 inches tall. At full-grown, they weigh between 2-6 pounds. This does mean, especially when they are young, they're a little needy when compared to other dogs. Children, especially younger children being introduced to a Chihuahua should be supervised. Don’t get it twisted though, they are great family pets! Whether you are an active family of four, with a huge yard, or a single person in an apartment, Chihuahuas are fiesty, energetic and loyal companions. They're very adaptable, and can make themselves at home wherever their people are.

Puppy Training

Because of their size, Chihuahua puppies can be very delicate. Though they are highly intelligent and eager to please, this can make house training difficult. Many Chihuahua owners decide to puppy pad or litter box train their Chihuahua. It is better for the dog to be taught go outside.

Chihuahuas have been bred to be companion dogs. They are loyal and smart and need to be kept busy. This makes trick training very easy. They should be taught with clicker training instead of treat training. Chihuahua stomachs are so small, they can be very easily overfed, and too many treats can really upset their diet and health quickly. For this reason, they are prone to obesity and diabetes.

Chihuahuas are very protective. They are too small to be a real threat to intruders, but they do make great alarm systems. They're great for a variety of people at different ages and stages of their lives, including families with children or single seniors looking for companions, since they don't take up much space and can get most of their exercise indoors when they need to. They don't necessarily get along well with other animals because they are so devoted to their humans. If your Chihuahua is your only dog, or you have other chihuahuas at home this may be the right dog for you. Otherwise you may find your Chihuahua develops some aggressive tendencies.

Health Problems

Every dog breed has its share of typical health problems. Like many small dog breeds, chihuahuas are susceptible to hypoglycemia urinary tract infections, and joint problems. Chihuahuas are also susceptible to heart murmurs and other heart conditions. As they age you might find your Chihuahua losing sight due to cataracts or chronic eye infections. Taking good care of your chihuahuas eyes are essential since they protrude from the head, leaving them more susceptible to injury and infection. However, like many toy breeds, Chihuahuas have an impressive lifespan. Typically, a Chihuahua can live 14 to 19 years.

Chihuahuas are very small dogs, with very big personalities! They are fiercely loyal, and often require the same devotion from their owners. But if you have the time and attention to spare, a feisty, fun-loving Chihuahua can add years of memories for you and your family.

Bringing home a dog is always full of challenges. As a new dog owner or one with more experience, you want to nip behavioral problems in the bud as early as possible. Hyperactivity is a common problem in puppies. If it is left unchecked, however, it can result in disastrous behavioral issues later.

Follow these tips to learn how to calm and train a hyperactive dog whether puppy or adult.

1. More Exercise

 One of the most common causes of a so-called hyperactive dog is boredom. This tends to result in a lot of pent-up energy. So, when a dog is given some freedom, he will bolt, jump, or become too difficult to control. Offer your dog who is exhibiting hyperactive traits more walks, exercise, and other physical activities. This will help with both discipline, and burning off the excess energy.

2. Keep Your Dog Stimulated

 Certain breeds of dogs need to be mentally stimulated along with getting their exercise. Puzzle toys can help stimulate the dog mentally. If that doesn’t seem to be doing it, try enrolling in a sport with your dog. Games like Frisbee and agility training exercise the dog’s body and mind and help keep them mentally stimulated, as well as physically wearing them out.

3. Build a Routine

 Oftentimes, dogs act out or get over excited when they don’t know what to expect from you. Hyperactive dogs are usually high energy dogs that have been left untrained. Remember, your dog wants to please you. Provide structure by giving the dog an expected routine, including food and walking schedule. Try as well to be consistent with where you go, and the activities you do together. If your dog is exposed to a routine early and often, they will understand the expectations in your home, and feel calmer and safer.

4. Learn How To Discipline

 It’s a common misconception that dogs need to be disciplined through displays of dominance. Most often, a hyperactive dog is the result of poor training techniques, not the dog's desire for dominance. Never respond to a display of hyperactivity with aggression. This will encourage nervousness in the dog, and may cause him to snap, or create aggression problems later on. Instead, distract the dog with a walk or run with a running dog leash. If the dog needs discipline- for example, if they have chewed something or become too anxious to distract- crate or lock the dog in a safe separate space first, to calm down.

Your dog takes his cues from you. Hyperactivity as a puppy can often be handled effectively as he ages. But too many pet owners believe this is a problem to do with age, or that the dog needs harsher discipline methods. In reality, hyperactivity is usually a sign of boredom in dogs. Once you understand what your dog is trying to tell you, the tips on this list can help you turn a hyperactive pup into an obedient, energetic best friend!