Keep Your Pets Safe and Happy this Summer

We humans love the summer – picnics in the park, lying on the beach, and hanging out on warm summer nights.  But the sizzling summer heat can be harmful to your furry pets.  Follow these simple rules to keep your pets safe while still enjoying the best summer has to offer.

• Keep the Bugs at Bay – Make sure to get your pets tested for heartworm if they aren’t on preventative medication.  Ticks are at high numbers this year...Talk to your vet about getting your pet on a safe and effective flea and tick control program.

• Hot and Thirsty – Pets can become dehydrated quickly, so make sure to have plenty of cool, fresh water on hand when taking them outdoors. Make sure to have a shady place for them to hang out, avoid over exertion, and keep them indoors when very hot.

• No Standing, No Parking! – NEVER leave your animals alone in a parked car.  On a hot day a car can become a furnace even with the windows open, leading to possible heat stroke.

• Summer Chic  - Give your long-haired dog a shorter summer cut.  But NEVER shave them – their coat protects them from overheating and sunburn.  Don't forget the kittykats...brushing your cats often can prevent problems caused by excessive heat.

• Street Savvy – Don’t let your dog linger on asphalt when temps are high.  Hot roads can increase your pet’s body temp and burn their paw pads.  Stay on the grass or keep walks to a minimum.

• Window Watchers – Check your window and door screens and keep unscreened windows and doors closed to prevent unintended escapes and dangerous falls.

• Splish Splash – Don’t leave your pet unsupervised around your pool or boat.  Not all dogs are good swimmers.  Introduce them gradually to the water and make sure they wear flotation devices when boating.  Rinse them off after swimming to remove salt or chlorine, and keep them from drinking pool water.

• Frightful Fireworks – Please keep your pets safe by leaving them home when viewing fireworks.

• Know the Warning Signs – Symptoms of overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, drooling, weakness, stupor, diarrhea and vomiting, and even collapse. Older, ill and overweight animals and those with flat faces, (pugs and Persians), are especially susceptible.  Keep them comfortable in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.
  

Enjoy your summer!