Tips For Keeping Your Pets Safe in the Summer Heat

Temperatures will reaching the high 80’s this week, posing some dangers for your dogs and cats.

Some health concerns in the hot weather can include overheating, dehydration and even sunburn.

However, the Suffolk County SPCA provided some simple precautions you can follow to keep your animal companions healthy and happy in higher temperatures:

• Your pet may slow down when the weather heats up, so the best time for exercise is in the early morning or evening, but never when it’s especially hot or humid.
• Take care not to let your dog stand on hot asphalt, his body can heat up quickly and his sensitive paw pads can easily burn.
• Never trim your pet’s coat to the skin, which can rob your dog of his protection from the sun.
• Always provide plenty of shade and cool, clean water for animals kept outdoors.
• A properly constructed doghouse is a must if you dog lives outdoors.
• Bring your cat or dog inside during the hottest part of the day.
• Let him rest in a cool part of the house, but first make sure there are no unscreened windows or open doors in your home through which dogs and cats can fall or escape.
• When traveling with your pet during hot weather, make it a habit to carry a gallon - size thermos of water.
• Summers the time when gardens, lawn and trees are sprayed with insecticides so avoid walking your dog in suspect areas.
• If you think that your animal has been exposed to dangerous chemicals or coolant leaking from an automobile, call your veterinarian.
• Some animals will need extra special care in hot weather, especially those who are old and overweight or have heart of lung disease.
• Certain breeds of dogs, including pugs, bulldogs, Boston terriers, Lhasa apsos and shih tzus, also need extra attention on hot days.
• If your pet is showing signs of heat stroke or exhaustion, take him to the veterinarian immediately.
• Make sure your pet always wears a collar and identification tag.