‘Dog Days’ of Summer Are Coming!

Summer time is just around the corner and that means hot weather tips.

 

We all love spending time outdoors with our furry companions during the long days of summer but hot weather can spell danger. Heat stroke, dehydration and even sunburn are all potential dangers for us and our furry friends.

 

Taking a few simple precautions can help prevent your pets from overheating. If you suspect your pet is suffering from heat stroke, get veterinarian help immediately.

 

Visit the Vet

• Visit your veterinarian for a spring or early summer check-up. Ask your doctor to recommend a safe flea and tick control program. A great alternative is an all-natural Flea and Tick product.

 

Hydration & Shade

• Your pet can get dehydrated quickly so make sure you have plenty of fresh, clean water. A great way to ensure your pet has safe, fresh clean water at all times is to have a Doggie Fountain. Your pet will never be without water again.

• Make sure you have a nice shady spot for your pet to rest in. Dog houses are not good shelter during the summer as they can trap the heat.  An ‘off the ground’ pet cot is perfect during extreme weather conditions. Keep them indoors when it’s extremely hot outside.

 

Parking!

• NEVER leave your pet alone in a parked car. A parked car can become a furnace in no time even with the windows opened. Heatstroke and death can occur within minutes in warm temperatures. Leaving pets in unattended cars is illegal in several states.

 

Traveling

• Many airlines will not ship animals during summer months due to the dangers caused by the hot weather. Some will only allow dogs to fly early morning or evening. Check with your airline for specific regulations.

• If traveling by car, make sure the crate or carrier is well ventilated. Put sunshades on your car windows. Bring plenty of fresh water, travel bowls, and travel mats that you can set up when you make a pit-stop.

• Many Hotels are ‘pet friendly’ these days. There are even websites such as www.officialpethotels.com where you can search and book pet friendly hotels. They also have a list if terrific tips when traveling with your pet.

 

Splish Splash

• Water sports can be a terrific way to spend quality time with your pet. Always supervise your pets around water, not all dogs are good swimmers. Make sure they wear a flotation device when out on a boat.

 

Party Time

• Backyard barbeques and parties are all part of summer fun but remember that the food and drink offered to human guests can be poisonous to pets. Do not feed your furry friends human food such as raisins, grapes, onions, chocolate and anything with the sweetener xylitol…to name just a few. Rule of thumb; don’t feed your pets’ human food at all. Have pet treats on hand.

• For indoor/outdoor parties, make sure your indoor plants are pet friendly. Some toxic plants include: Lilies, Amaryllis, Poinsettia, Mums, and Aloe Vera. You can find a list of toxic and non-toxic plants at: http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/plants.

 

Furry Fun Fact:  The term “Dog Days” has more to do with astrology and the constellation Sirius than with our canine companions here on Earth. “Dog Days” are the hottest days of summer, commonly experienced in the months of July and August.  The name comes from the ancient belief that ‘Sirius’, also called the “Dog Star”, is close proximity to the sun was responsible for the hot weather.

 

Animals are such agreeable friends – they ask no questions; they pass no criticisms.
~ George Eliot