MALTEPOOCOM

Keeping Your Pet Cool In The Summertime Heat

Summertime, is a great time for fun in the sun with your pets. But along with fun there are situations that can put your pet at risk for disaster. Here is a list of tips to help insure you and your pet have a great summertime.

Never leave your pet in a parked car for any period of time.

On a warm day the temperature in your car can reach 120 degrees in just a few minutes. This can cause heatstroke, and brain damage. Dogs can only dispel heat by panting and through the pads on their feet. If you see an animal in a parked car on a warm day, alert the either the shopping mall or store management. Or if necessary contact the local animal control or police.

Never drive with your dog in the back of a pick-up truck.

Not only is this dangerous for your pet, but in some states this is illegal. Flying debris can unintentionally hit your dog and cause him serious injury. He may get thrown from the truck and into traffic. If the driver has to make any sudden stops, swerves or is hit by another car, this will cause injury to your pet. If it is absolutely necessary for your pet to ride in the back, he should be in a secured crate. Inside of the cab is best either in a secured crate or wearing a seat belt harness designed for dogs.

Beware of lawn and plant fertilizers.

Summertime is often a time when people fertilize and work in their gardens. One should be aware of plant foods, fertilizers, and insecticides. These products can be fatal if your pet ingests them. There are also certain plants themselves that can be toxic to pets. Learn more about these dangerous plants. (Learn more now >>>)

Dog bites occur more frequently during summer as people and pets are spending more time outside.

Spaying or neutering your pet can reduce the likelihood that your dog will bite. Spaying or neutering also offers many other health benefits. (Read more about dog bite prevention now >>>)

Be sure your pet always wears a collar and identification tag.

Just in case you and your pet become separated while you are enjoy your summer outdoors, always have your dog's identification tag on his collar. Be sure that his tag includes all of your current contact information and telephone number.

Heartworm prevention medicine should be discussed with your veterinarian especially during the summer months.

Since heartworm disease it transmitted by mosquitos and is fatal in both dogs and cats, you should discuss preventative medicine with your veterinarian. Since the medicine is relatively inexpensive, and usually enjoyed by your pet, it is well worth looking into.

Pets need pool supervision.

Much like a child does, your pet also needs to be supervised while in the pool. Never allow free access to pool areas.

Planning a trip with your pet.

Prepare your travel plans well in advance of your travel date. To insure your pet's secure arrival to your destination, discuss with the airlines, train, or ship how your pet will be accommodated. Since many do not allow your pet on board with you and only in a cargo type area, you may want to reconsider taking your pet on this type of vacation.

Use extra care when exercising your pet.

Extra care should be taken with your pet on hot days. Especially with older dogs, short nosed dogs and those with thick coats. On very hot days, limit exercise times to early morning or early evening hours. Avoid asphalt as this gets very hot and can burn your pet's paws.

Summer time fleas and ticks.

Some over the counter flea and tick products can be toxic, even though you follow the instructions on the label. Always discuss your pet's flea problem and prevention with your veterinarian prior to beginning any treatment.
(Read more about flea treatments and prevention >>>)

Sunscreen for your pet.

Your pet may require sunscreen on his or nose and ear tips. Especially pets with light-colored noses or light colored fur on their ears. They are particularly vulnerable to sunburn and even skin cancer.

Avoid crowded summer events.

Better to leave your pet at home safe and secure. For your pet's own well being, sometimes it's best not to include your pet on activities such as concerts, fairs or any activity where there is a lot of people and noise. In combination with the heat, this can be too stressful and dangerous for your pet. This would include holidays such as the Fourth of July.
(Read more about your pet and the Fourth of July >>>)