As most of the United States is dealing with an extreme heat wave this summer KIDS 'N' PETS thought it would be a good time to point out some tips to keep in mind when caring for your pet in the heat. While most of us have the options to visit the mall, the pool or have a nice popsicle to cool down that option is not always available for our beloved pets!
Here are few tips from ASPCA to help your pet manage the hot weather too!
Hang in the Shade:
Make sure your pets have a shady place to get out of the sun, be careful to not over-exercise them. Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water when it's hot outdoors.
No Parking!
Never leave your animals alone in a parked vehicle. "On a hot day, a parked car can become a furnace in no time-even with the windows open-which could lead to fatal heat stroke," says Dr. Louise Murray, Director of Medicine at ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital.
Make a Safe Splash
Do not leave pets unsupervised around a pool-not all dogs are good swimmers. Rinse your dog off after swimming to remove chlorine or salt from his fur, and try to keep your dog from drinking pool water, which contains chlorine and other chemicals that could cause stomach upset.
Street Smarts
When the temperature is very high don't let your dog linger on hot asphalt. Being so close to the ground, your pooch's body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. Keep walks during these very warm times to a minimum.
Summer Style
Giving your dog a lightweight summer haircut helps to prevent overheating. Shave down to a one-inch length, never to the skin, so your dog still has some protection from the sun. Brushing cats more often than usual can prevent problems caused by excessive heat.
Party Animals
Taking Fido to a backyard barbeque or party? Remember that the food and drink offered to guests may be poisonous to pets. Also remember that the snacks enjoyed by your human friends should not be a treat for your pet; any change of diet, even for one meal, may give your dog or cat severe digestive ailments. Avoid raisins, grapes, onions, chocolate and products with the sweetener xylitol.
What other suggestions do you have to help your pets in the hot weather this summer?
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