Keeping Your Pets Cool in the Summer Swelter

This week’s  can quickly become a life-threatening situation for many pets. Some can succumb to heat stroke, dehydration and even get sunburned.

But with proper precautions, all of these potential hazards can be prevented.

The  is urging all pet owners to take note of these life-saving tips!

• Never leave your pet unattended in the car.

• Limit exercise to cooler times of the day such as mornings or evenings. Take extra care with older pets, overweight pets and short nosed dogs.

• Keep in mind that asphalt gets very hot and can burn your pet’s paws.

• On really hot days, leave your pet inside with the air conditioning on and plenty of water. If your dog must be left outside, leave him in the shade with plenty of fresh, cool water in a tip proof bowl.

• Keep your pet well groomed. A matted coat traps in heat. Resist the temptation to shave off your pet’s hair in an effort to keep him cool.  Your pet’s coat will protect him from getting sunburned.

• Have your dog tested for heartworm and get your pet started on a heartworm preventative.

• If your dog must travel in the back of an open vehicle, make sure it is in a kennel that is tethered to the floor of the truck bed.

• Keep an eye out for spots or puddles of auto coolant. The sweet taste of this poisonous liquid is attractive to pets but can be fatal.

• Keep your pet away from lawns and grassy areas that have just been treated with chemicals.

• Never leave your pet unattended by a swimming pool. Not all dogs naturally swim and the dog may drown.