Now that hot weather is here, follow these tips to keep your pets healthy and comfortable.
NEVER EVER leave a pet in your car unattended. Some people think cracking or rolling down a window helps. It doesn’t! When it is 95 degrees outside, temperatures in your car can go upwards of 125 degrees in a very short time. Try this……get in your car in the middle of the day…….roll a window
down 1/2 way and just sit there. How long could you last?
Does your dog spend the day in your yard while you are at work? Make sure
there is adequate fresh water and a shelter to get out of the heat. Consider
purchasing a small plastic play pool for your dog to cool himself off in. Most
dogs love splashing and playing the refreshing water.
Just because you like to run in the middle of a hot day doesn’t mean your dog
does. Exercise your dog in the early morning or later evening when
temps are a bit cooler. If your dog is running with you, keep in mind
dogs will run until they drop. For dogs that are just starting an exercise
regimen start slow and build up to a regular steady pace.
Asphalt can get extremely hot in the summer. We watched numerous dogs at the Petsmart adoption event being walked from the car to the store. They were all “high stepping” on that hot pavement. Carry your dog, or better yet… leave it home. Come back when temps are cooler.
“Frosty Paws” are available in the ice cream section of Walmart and Safeway. They are tasty sundaes made specifically for your pet. They are a nice summertime treat.
If your small dog or cat stays locked up in the house during the day, make sure they have a cooler section of the house to hang in with plenty of fresh water available at all times.
May you and your pets be safe and enjoy this great time of the year.
