Dog Day Afternoon
Cool
Tips for Hot Times
Keep your pets safe through summer
By
Barbara Cooke
Imagine it’s a scorching 90 degrees with humidity
pushing 100, and you’re slogging around wearing a (banish the thought) fur
coat. It’s just insane, right? Now, consider your pets. They might shed more in
summer months or be given a buzz cut for comfort, but they can’t remove their
fur coats as the temperature rises. It’s up to you to keep them safe and
healthy, so we’ve gathered some common sense tips to help.
Liquid Assets. Prevent dangerous
dehydration by keeping fresh water accessible for your pets at home and when
you go out. Add some ice cubes if it’s super-steamy.
Car Sick. Never leave
animals alone in your car, even for a quick errand. In hot weather the temperature
inside a closed vehicle can rise to 120 degrees within minutes. Opening a
window might seem smart, but it can prove risky as well. Remember, dogs can be
amazing escape artists. We also advise against tying your pooch to a pole
outside while you run into Starbucks for a Frappacinno. He can easily and
quickly be swiped. If pets aren’t allowed where you’re going, it’s better to
leave them at home.
Time Out. If you let your
dog roam unsupervised in a fenced yard, keep track of time. Make sure she’s out
alone for only a short time, preferably in the early morning or evening. If you
don’t have shady trees, prop up a beach umbrella so there’s a cooling-off spot
for Fido. Also, place a bowl of water outside.
See Spot Run. Many dogs were
born to run, but they don’t always know when to stop, and a summer jog can be
deceptively dangerous for your four-legged companion. Dogs don’t sweat like
people. Their sweat glands are in their feet, so heavy panting and drooling is
a sure sign of overexertion. Be sure to take water breaks and take it easy when
it’s particularly hot, especially when you’re riding a bicycle and your dog is
running alongside and cannot easily stop when he tires. The best times to exercise
for both you and your furry partner are early morning or late afternoon when
the sun is less intense. Before your first pavementpounding of the season,
visit the vet. Remember, animals age quicker than humans, so Spot’s former
abilities may have changed since last year.
Street Scene. Monitor your dog’s
feet and avoid searing hot pavement or sand. Be cautious of broken glass that
doesn’t affect your shoed feet, but can hurt soft paws.
Head In. While it’s cute
to see your dog’s ears flapping in the wind as he breathes in the rushing air
from your car window, it’s not a safe practice. Keep all ears, noses, paws, and
any other body parts in the car when you’re driving. Stray objects, as well as
dirt, could injure your pet.
Stop the Itch. You’ve seen the
ads: Cats and dogs scratching up a storm. Now, take the advice. No matter which
product you prefer, make sure your pet is protected from fleas, ticks, and Lyme
disease.
Worm Warning. Heartworm is
another no-no. Spread by mosquitoes, heartworm can be deadly. It’s most
prevalent in the
Southeast,
but occurs throughout the
Off Limits. Try to keep
curious canines and cats from chewing on plants and newly fertilized grass.
Fertilizer kills weeds, so it’s no surprise that it’s dangerous to pets (not to
mention humans).
