How to Protect Pets From Summer Heat Distress

The enjoyment of the warm summer months is not only for people.  Pet owners often enjoy more time with their pet outdoors in the summer heat. Just like humans, pets need to have special care so they don’t suffer health problems in the warmer summer weather.

Some easy ways to keep your pet safer and healthier in the summer so that both of you can enjoy it more.

Step 1:  As much as the leisure activity time might cause you to keep your dog off on their leash, don’t do it.  A dog darting between cars or quickly straying away from you can end up with a very sad accident occurring and an untimely pet death.

Step 2:  All dogs, but especially dogs with short fur, can suffer from sunburn and eventually even skin cancer, just like their human owners.  Choose a sunscreen that is pet-friendly.  Close the drapes in your home when you are gone and the dog is ‘home alone’.  The rays from the sun penetrate the windows and can affect the dog, as they may leisurely be napping in the afternoon sunlight, coming into your home.  This will also keep your home cooler for all the occupants.

Step 3:  Just like people, pets need to drink more water to avoid becoming dehydrated.  Keep their water bowls full.  If they drink it all while you are gone, they can’t go to the refrigerator or sink to refill their bowl.

Step 4:  To prevent heat stroke don’t leave your pet outside where there is little or no shade or in a car for even a few minutes. Cracking the windows open isn’t enough to keep the car cool enough on warm summer days.  If you suspect your pet is showing signs of heat stroke (dazed look in their eyes, a discolored tongue that is curling at the edges) apply a cool wet washcloth to their paws and call your vet.

Step 5; You can only control so much of the outside environment.  Be careful not to expose your pet to harmful poisons (toxins used to keep bugs away) or chemicals (such as antifreeze, car oil, or transmission fluids) that may be found outside in the summer more.  Be more careful where you walk your pet.  This is another reason to keep them on a leash.

Comments (1)

carmen357 said:

	... Thanks for sharing! Very important article!
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June 06, 2011
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