Winters in the Great Lakes region can be long and brutal.

Winter in Greater Cleveland

So on the first warm day of spring, my dogs and I head for the deck.

puppy on deck

Wood decks are high maintenance. I knew that going in. So before I put out the patio furniture and refill the bird feeders, I like to do a deck inspection to make sure the surface is safe for bare feet and paws.

There’s more to deck maintenance than an occasional power wash and stain. Deck wood needs inspection.

To remain rot free, wooden decks must drain properly. A quick hose down can detect areas of concern. Check for pooling water. Water that does not drain properly can cause wood rot and ruin your deck.

A properly sloped deck that drains easily can still be in jeopardy when wooden boards warp or when the space between the butted boards is blocked with debris. Debris can be leaves, dirt, tree litter or in my case: dog hair!

A small putty knife (not a butter knife) is the proper tool to gently dislodge debris between boards to get water draining again.

Nail pops are another danger. Extreme changes in temperature cause wood to expand and contract resulting in nails pops that can tear the flesh of hands, feet and paws. Grab a hammer and get to work.

Inspect your deck for loose or splintered boards that could injure feet and paws. Re-sand or replace deck boards as needed.

Got a teething puppy? Never leave a puppy on the deck unattended. Curious puppies may squeeze between deck rails that could result in a nasty fall.

Teething puppies love to gnaw wood. Decks are not a puppy’s chew toy. Ingested wood splinters could cause intestinal distress for puppies and older dogs.

How old is your deck? Did you know that before January 1, 2004, much pressure treated deck wood contained CCA (chromated copper arsenate), a human carcinogen? According to the Environmental Protection Agency, CCA “is a chemical wood preservative containing chromium, copper and arsenic. CCA is used in pressure treated wood to protect wood from rotting due to insects and microbial agents.” Pressure treated wood can leach arsenic that is hazardous to pets. If you suspect that your pet has ingested pressure treated wood that might contain CCA, do not induce vomiting. Call your veterinarian immediately or call the Pet Poison Helpline at 800-213-6680.

Sanding decks containing CCA release arsenic into the soil and air. If you must sand or saw your deck boards and you suspect that they contain CCA, cover your mouth with a disposable dust mask, wear gloves and keep children and pets out of the area. For more information, visit www.EPA.gov.

If deck stain is required, ask your deck professional to use deck stains that are certified by the Master Painters Institute and are stamped with the green “MPI Green Certified” seal. Check out the MPI approved products list.

Once dry, put out the patio furniture, throw some burgers on the grill and enjoy your summer. If you live in the Great Lakes region, you’ve earned it!

Bonnie Sweebe is a dog lover, dog owner, dog advocate, and rescue and service dog volunteer. She is also the owner of WelcomePup.com, an online dog gift delivery company.

Ridiculous and Unusual Dog Names

It is so tempting to name your dog something–unusual. Perhaps the dog’s appearance or behavior is somewhat unusual. Or you are in a somewhat unusual mood or phase in your life, like I was when I named these dogs:

and…

I must have been into detectives. (And unusual flooring selections.) Whatever…

Before you do what I did, imagine yourself calling the name out loud and giving commands like this:

“Spy. Here!”

or

“S-T-R-E-T-C-H! Come!”

I see you shaking your head.

So take my advice. Think it through. You’ll gain friends and influence people. Okay, maybe not. But you won’t feel so dumb.

Time for true confessions. Have you ever named your dog something you now regret? What was the most ridiculous dog name you gave your furry friend? Look forward to the comments below!

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Bonnie Sweebe is a dog lover, dog owner, dog advocate, and rescue and service dog volunteer. She is also the owner of WelcomePup.com, an online dog gift delivery company.

Monthly Archives: May 2011

Decks and Dogs: Deck Inspection is a Must!

Ridiculous Dog Names