During the summer months dogs and cats can suffer from the same problems that humans do - overheating, dehydration and even sunburn. By taking these simple precautions, you can protect your pets and keep them safe.
• It is generally accepted that you should only walk your dog early in the morning or later in the evening, about an hour after the sun has gone down. Not only because of the temperature, but the sidewalks are too hot for a dog’s paws, and they will burn. As a general rule; if the sidewalk is too hot for you to walk barefoot, it is too hot for your dog.
• When you walk your dog in the summer take water, make frequent water stops and do not take long walks or over-exert.
• Never leave your pet alone in a vehicle. Even with the air conditioning going, a parked vehicle quickly becomes a furnace and overheating can kill. Parking in the shade offers no protection.
• Always carry cold water for your pet and keep a spare bowl in the car if you do need to take a trip.
• Do not force your animal to exercise after a meal.
• Never leave your dog standing on hot asphalt. His body can heat up quickly and his paws can burn.
• Do not take an animal to the beach without a shaded spot and plenty of fresh water.
• Rinse him off after he has been in salt water.
• Be extra sensitive to old and overweight animals. Snub-nosed dogs such as Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Lhasa Apsos and Shih Tzus, as well as those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool in air conditioned rooms and their walks kept to the bare minimum.
• Avoid walking your dog in areas that have been sprayed with insecticides or other chemicals. Be alert for car coolant or automotive fluids leaking from your vehicle. Animals are attracted to the sweet taste, and ingesting just a small amount can be fatal. Call your veterinary clinic immediately if you suspect your pet has been poisoned.
• Keep your animal well-groomed. Shaving a heavy-coated dog’s hair to a one-inch length helps prevent overheating. Do not shave the hair down to the skin or you will rob him of sun protection. Cats should be brushed often.
• Ensure you prevent your pet drinking from a swimming pool and supervise any ‘dips’ that your dog may take.
Animals do not sweat like humans do. Dogs and cats cool themselves by panting and by sweating through their paws. If they have only overheated air to breathe, animals can collapse, suffer brain damage, and possibly die of heatstroke. Just 15 minutes can be enough for body temperature to climb from normal to deadly levels, often leaving the animal comatosed, dehydrated, and at risk of permanent impairment or even death.
Visit www.homelypetz.com for more information.