Hot Weather Tips

Pets can suffer from some of the same summer time ailments as we do, such as overheating, dehydration and even sunburn. By taking some simple precautions, you can celebrate the season and keep your pets happy and healthy.

- Never leave your pet alone in a vehicle, overheating can be deadly. Even with the windows open, a parked automobile can quickly reach fatally high temperatures. Parking in the shade offers little protection, as the sun shifts during the day.

- Always carry a cold, fresh water when traveling with your pet.

- Don't allow your pets to play outside in the middle of the day, while its humid, or right after a meal.  Morning or evening times are best.

- When the temperature is very high, standing on hot asphalt can heat up your pet's body very quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. Keep walks during these times to a minimum.

- Avoid the temptation of bringing your pet to the beach with you unless you can provide adequate shade, and plenty of fresh cold water. 

- Be sure your outdoor pet never runs out of fresh water.  Be sure that they have proper shelter outside as well.  If the temperature gets so hot that YOU would be uncomfortable staying outside, consider bringing your pet inside to cool off for a while.

- Be especially sensitive to older and overweight animals in hot weather. Snub-nosed dogs such as bulldogs, pugs, Boston terriers, Lhasa apsos and shih tzus, as well as those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.

- Good grooming can stave off summer skin problems, especially for dogs with heavy coats. Shaving the hair to a one-inch length, (never down to the skin, please, which robs Rover of protection from the sun) helps prevent overheating. Cats should be brushed often.

- Do not apply any sunscreen or insect repellent product to your pet that is not labeled specifically for use on animals. Ingestion of sunscreen products can result in drooling, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy. The misuse of insect repellent that contains DEET can lead to neurological problems.

- Stay alert for signs of overheating in pets, which include excessive panting, excessive drooling, and mild weakness, along with an elevated body temperature.

Water Safety
For a lot of families, summertime means swimming time. If your pet will be joining you please read these tips:

- Do not leave pets unsupervised around a pool.

- Not all dogs are good swimmers, so if water sports are a big part of your family, please introduce your pets to water gradually.  If he/she doesn't like it, don't force him!

- Make sure all pets wear flotation devices on boats.  Don't allow them to walk on the sides.

- Try not to let your dog drink pool water, which contains chlorine and other chemicals that could cause GI upset.

Source