Keep Pets Safe and Hydrated During High Temperatures

      Summer has arrived and with that a reminder for special attention in caring for pets in warm weather.
Make sure that pets have access to water to keep them hydrated. Don’t forget to take along a bottle of water on your walks in case a drinking source is not on your path.
      A clever little device is the foldable water bowl. Usually made of a tightly woven nylon and about 4-inches in diameter, it can easily slip into a bag or pocket or clip to your belt when closed. When opened fully it provides a great receptacle for your pet to drink water. When done, shake it dry, fold it up and you’re on your way to use next time.
      The hottest temperatures of the day are between 10am and 4pm, so try to schedule your daily walks early in the morning or late in the day. It will be much more comfortable for you and your dog. Note that asphalt and other outdoor surfaces retain heat, and can be painful and possibly dangerous for dog paws. If a surface is too hot for your bare feet, it is too hot for your dog’s paws.
      The American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has a helpful tip in recognizing an overheated pet. Know the Warning Signs : (continued next column)

      Symptoms of overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse. They can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomiting along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees. Animals with flat faces, like Pugs and Persian cats, are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively. These pets, along with the elderly, the overweight, and those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.
      Take special precaution when traveling with your pet. A parked car with the windows slightly rolled down can still reach dangerously high temperature levels in a short time. Don’t take the chance of leaving the car running with the air conditioning on. There have been instances of cars that could not endure the long idle time and shut down along with the air conditioning
      If there is a possibility of leaving your pet alone in the car during your errands this summer, perhaps it would be better to leave them at home instead.  At home keep fresh drinking water available at all times in a non-tippable bowl.
      Pets enjoy the coolness of a lawn, but fertilizers and other chemicals used on the grass may cause a reaction when they come into contact with it. Read the labels of products carefully and apply only as directed making note of the acceptable time before it is safe for people and animals to enjoy.

Protect Pets from
Holiday Fireworks

      Keep your pets safe and secure during the Independence Day celebrations. Loud noises and sparks are distressing to animals. If fireworks are near your home, keep them in a room away from noises with care that windows are secured.
     Pets will bolt to escape the loud noises, keeping adequate and updated owner information on their tags will help you quickly recover a lost pet.
      For especially anxious pets, ask your veterinarian if a course of medication to relax your pet could be of help.
      Have a safe and fun 4th of July!