Team Teri Success and Hot Weather Tips for Your Pets

While the was a few weeks ago and another blogger already posted a recap, I just wanted to briefly relay to you Team Teri's success.  If you remember, Team Teri (consisting of myself, my husband and our dog Teri) set out to raise $2,000 for the shelter.  We are very happy to announce that we surpassed our goal and completed our fundraising efforts with a total of $2,032!

We were blown away by the incredible generosity and support displayed by all of our amazing donors.  While the Doggy Dash efforts are over, the SSPCA accepts and appreciates donations year round.  Thanks to the many generous donors, the SSPCA can continue to provide valuable community programs and services including the foster care program, which my husband and I have been active participants of for years (why is the foster care program so important?  ).

From the wet and soggy weather earlier this month at the Doggy Dash to the blistering heat this week, we seem to have jumped full force into summer without so much as a hello to spring.  We must remember though, that are not the only ones having to adjust to the fickle climate this year.  Our pets are confused and adjusting right along with us.  This is particularly important now that the weather is heating up.  While animals have their own ways to regulate body temperature, we must remember that without the usual changing of seasons, many of our pets have not yet fully shed their winter coats.

I'm sure you have all heard warnings about and suggestions for keeping your pets safe and healthy during the warmer months and I hate to be redundant, but they are important points that I feel warrent reiteration.  Here are some things to remember regarding your pets and the heat of summer:

• If kept outside, your pet should ALWAYS have access to shade and fresh, clean water. If possible, provide a shallow baby pool or misting system as well.

• If kept inside, think about leaving your thermostat set to the mid to upper 70s while you are not home.  You could probably even leave it set to the low 80s if you are concerned with conserving energy, but the idea is to make it as comfortable for your pet as possible.  On a hot day, a closed up house can get very stuffy and warm quickly.  If you are not comfortable leaving your AC on when you are not home, provide a few fans to help keep the air circulating.  As recommended above, always allow your pet access to plenty of fresh, clean water.

• Avoid exercising your pet during the mid day/early evening hours.  These can often be the hottest times of the day.

• Most importantly, NEVER leave your pet in the car on a warm day.  I say warm instead of hot, because even at relatively low temps (70s), the inside of a car can heat up within minutes, despite having the windows cracked.  While I love having my dog come with me on quick errands (and she loves it too), during a warm day, it is not worth risking her health and safety to bring her with me. Better safe than sorry!

• If your pet is of the short-nosed variety (pug, boxer, bull dog etc.) be aware that these breeds will overheat more easily than others and take extra precaution to keep them safe.

• Your regular veterinarian is a plethora of valuable information including additional tips to keep your pet safe during the summer months.  You may also want to ask about the identifying symptoms of heat distress as well.

For more pet related information, connect with me on Facebook via my "Like" page at Mel's Menagerie–click here.

**Contact me via email at melsmenagerie@gmail.com with addition questions or comments.  More pet related blogs on the way, so check back soon!