How to Keep Your Dog Cool and Safe in Summer: Essential Tips for Summer Dog Care

As the summer begins and temperatures start to rise, it’s important to consider the safety of our canine companions.  Dogs love summer as much as we do but they can be more vulnerable to the heat than we are.  To ensure your pet stays safe during summer, here are some tips to keep in mind.

Stay Hydrated: Just like humans, dogs need plenty of water to stay hydrated, and even more so in hot weather.  Make sure your four-legged friend has access to fresh, clean water whether you’re at home or out on a walk.  Bring along a collapsible bowl.  They can be purchased just about anywhere and are relatively inexpensive.

Limit Exercise:  While regular exercise is essential for your dog’s health, it’s crucial to be mindful of the temperature outside.  Avoid strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day which are typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.  Instead, opt for early morning or late evening walks when the weather is a little bit cooler.  Asphalt and concrete can get scorching hot and burn your dog’s paws, so stick to the grass or invest in protective paw wear if you can.

Provide Shade and Shelter:  If you like to sit outside with your dog, make sure your hand-held leash allows them to go under a tree for shade.  And never, ever leave your dog unattended while they are outside.  This is a violation of the condominium association by-laws and is subject to fine.

Protect Against Parasites:  Warmer weather also means increased activity for fleas, ticks and mosquitoes, which can transmit dangerous diseases to your dog.  Keep your pet protected by using flea and tick preventatives and considering mosquito repellents recommended by your veterinarian.  Try to stay away from high grass or wooded areas.  Regular grooming and thorough inspections after outdoor adventures can also help prevent infestations.  It's not a bad idea to check yourself at the same time. Ticks can cause Lyme Disease and you don't want that!

Remember Your Manners:  Pick up after your pet while walking them.  And wear or carry something reflective if walking after dark.  You want to make sure traffic from oncoming cars, e-bikes, scooters, etc. can see you.  This is especially true for people visiting our community who are unfamiliar with the street layout, like food delivery personnel.

By following these tips and staying vigilant, you can help keep your dog safe, healthy and happy throughout the summer months.  With a little extra effort, you and your pet buddy can make the most of the sunshine and warm weather while staying safe from potential hazards.

See you in the next post . . .

Cordially,

Ed Mroz

President, Moravian Meadows Homeowners Association

Happy New Year!

We sincerely hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday, and we wish you all a happy, healthy new year.

 2023 is now behind us and we are looking forward to a great 2024 for our community. Despite inflation and so much turmoil in the world, there have been some very positive things that affect us all here in Moravian Meadows.

The one thing that stands out the most is the value of our condos. In the last few years, the resale value of our condos has nearly doubled. Overall, the Moravian Meadows property has risen from a total value of $38,768,000 to a whopping $60,916,700. Yes, we live in a 60-million-dollar property!

What that means to you is this; our homeowners condo insurance (HO6) might not be enough to cover a loss in your residence. Our by-laws require every co-owner to have the proper HO6 condominium insurance coverage. So be sure to check with your insurance agent to make sure you have sufficient coverage. A simple call to your agent will set your mind at ease. Better to be safe than sorry.

Your board of directors will continue to make improvements to keep our property values high and make Moravian Meadows a wonderful, beautiful place to call home.

See you in the next post . . .

Cordially,

Ed Mroz

President, Moravian Meadows Homeowners Association

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

One thing I love about winter and living here at Moravian Meadows condos is not having to worry about going out in the cold to shovel snow.  When we get snow, it’s comforting to know that our streets, driveways and walkways will be cleared as soon as possible.

Here are some things to keep in mind when that white stuff begins to fall.

All snow at Moravian Meadows will be cleared after two inches or more has fallen.  The snow removal crews will be out as soon as the snow stops.

Roads will be salted and driveways and walkways will have ice melt applied.

The snow removal crews will also shovel and salt around our mail boxes.

If heavy snow is expected, the snow removal crews will be out even before the snow stops in order to get a jumpstart on getting it removed.

Our roads will be the first to get cleared so emergency vehicles can get in if needed.  Remember there are more than one-and-a-half miles of roads at Moravian Meadows, so please be patient.  It’ll all get done.

If you have a car or truck parked in your driveway chances are your driveway will not be cleared.  It will be the decision of the snow plow operator as to whether he or she feels it is safe to partially clear your driveway.  Although utmost care will be taken, the snow removal company will not be held responsible for any damage to your vehicle.

Calcium chloride ice melt will be applied to the driveways and walkways.  While this product is less harsh than salt, it is still possible it could cause minor pitting on concrete.  If you are concerned about this, you may opt out of having it applied to your driveway, walkway or porch.  Please inform the board in writing and we will pass the information along to the snow removal company.

Finally, we strongly recommend that every homeowner keep a container of ice melt to touch up any slippery spots that might occur on your walkway or driveway.  And please be careful.  Slip and fall accidents are no fun.  So, stay warm and be safe!

See you in the next post . . .

Cordially,

Ed Mroz

President, Moravian Meadows Homeowners Association

Photo credit: Michelle Parnell.