Summer Safety Concerns
Well folks, it looks like summer is finally here. Along with no
school, camping trips and the ice cream man comes hot weather. Today
I’d like to talk to you about how to care for your pet in
the heat. Heat can be a dangerous weather condition for your pet.
As you run errands to grab your suntan lotion or the bag of fruit,
you may want bring your pet with you. Please, never ever leave your
pet in the car on a hot day!!! Did you know that a car would heat
up 15 degrees in just 10 minutes?? On an 85 degree day, that means
your car will be a very toasty 100 degrees by the time you get back
from that “quick stop”. This can be very dangerous for
your pet and lead to heat stroke. Please do not do it. Leave your
pet at home when you go to the store.
When you do have your pet in the car, try to run the air conditioner
to help keep the temperature down. If you prefer to drive with the
windows open, it is recommended that you restrain your pet. Dogs,
especially, like to ride with their head’s hanging out of
the window. A restraint will help prevent accidents.
During the “dog days” of summer, try these tips to
help keep your pet cool: if you need to exercise your pet, try to
do it in the early morning or late afternoon/early evening. The
outside temperatures will be lower, making it more comfortable for
both you and your pet. Invest in a small child’s wading pool
if you have space. Your pet can jump in and cool off at will! Always
be sure to keep plenty of cool fresh water available! (Remember
too that if your pet sleeps with you and you keep your bedroom door
closed, you may need to keep water in your room on these hot hot
nights.) If your pet has a light coat and spends a lot of time outdoors,
put some sunscreen on him to help avoid sunburn. (Avoid those containing
PBA or Zinc, as these ingredients can be toxic to pets if swallowed.)
You can also spray bug repellent on your pet to help keep the mosquitoes
at bay.
During the summer months, try to keep your pet well groomed. If
your dog or cat has any mats in his coat, the skin will not be able
to breathe and your pet will actually be hotter. Also, if your pet
swims in ocean or pond water, rinse him off when you get home to
help clean his skin and coat. Always keep an eye on your pet’s
pads, and do not walk him on the pavement if it is very hot (ouch!).
There are many products in pet stores and catalogs to help with
warm weather safety for your pet. Make sure to get your dog a life
preserver if bringing him on the boat! Reflective vests are great
if you take your best friend running or walking at night or even
in the day in the woods. Somewhat new to the market are cooling
pads and bandannas. These are usually filled with gel or crystals
that help keep your pet cool for extended periods of time. And of
course, you cannot forget the portable water bowls for the fresh
water while you are traveling around!
Your pet does not dissipate heat the way we do. So remember, if
you are hot, chances are your pet is feeling worse. Offer shade,
water and a breeze if possible. And enjoy the summer!!
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