Hot Weather Tips for Animals

We all look forward to the long, sunny days of summer outdoors with our pets, those long hot days of summer in the park throwing the frisbee, but being overly enthusiastic in hot weather can spell danger Summer is upon us and you know what that means – blissful summer nights, warm sunny

The higher temperatures and long sunny days are one of the best things about the “dog days” of summer, but can pose some dangers to animals unless precautions and safety measures are taken.r, ASPCA experts warn. What is fun in the sun for you can be dangerous for your pet. Take simple precautions and use common sense. I never expose my dog or cat to anything I would not expose my child to. So follow some simple rules and all will be fun.

Visit the Vet 1. Early Spring is the time for a vet visit. Check your animal's health as well as ask the vet to check for heartworm, recommend a good flea and tick regime.

Shade, Shade and More Shade 2. Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water when it's hot outdoors. Make sure your pets have a shady place to get out of the sun, be careful to not over-exercise them, and keep them indoors when it's extremely hot. Know What the Symptoms are for dehydration

3. Symptoms of overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse. They can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomit along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees. Animals with flat faces, like Pugs and Persian cats, are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively. These pets, along with the elderly, the overweight, and those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible. Better safe than sorry.

Do not leave your pet alone in a parked car on hot days. Despite the warnings, every year, pets die after their owners leave them in a parked car that overheats. Within just a few minutes, a car can get extremely hot, stifling, and deadly, even with the window cracked. Within 30 minutes it was 117 degrees inside the car. “Never, ever leave your dog in a parked car on a hot day.

Provide your Pet With A Cool Way to Cool Off A Kiddy pool is a great thing to provide your pet with but be sure to supervise not all dogs are good swimmers. Avoid Potential Accidents "During warmer months, the ASPCA sees an increase in injured animals as a result of High-Rise Syndrome, which occurs when pets-mostly when they fall out of windows or off of balconies. I put fish net on my balcony to prevent children or pets from falling. I put it from the top of the balcony to the bottom and securely fasten it down. I then planted climbing plants on it. I still had a view because I left the middle fish netting free. I also raised two vintage tomato plants in pots on each side of the railing. I also secured all screen by screw by ing them down tight. Summer Trim Feel free to trim longer hair on your dog or Cat, but never shave your animals: The layers of dogs'& cats coats protect them from overheating and sunburn. Brushing cats more often than usual can prevent problems caused by excessive heat. And be sure that any sunscreen or insect repellent product you use on your pets is labeled specifically for use on animals. When the temperatures get high never Leave your pet lingering on hot asphalt as it can heat up their bodies and burn their paws. Buy doggie and cat shoes to prevent their paws from burning, this also works for not having their paw freeze. Keep the walks to a minimum as exercising is not good in the heat, Avoid Chemicals Commonly used flea and tick products, rodenticides (mouse and rat baits), and lawn and garden insecticides can be harmful to cats and dogs if ingested, so keep them out of reach. When walking your dog, steer clear of areas that you suspect have been sprayed with insecticides or other chemicals. Keep citronella candles, oil products and insect coils out of pets' reach as well. Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 if you suspect your animal has ingested a poisonous substance. My friend just lost her dog to brain cancer that the vet said was the cancer was due to lawn chemicals. Taking your Dog to A Party Taking your dog to a backyard barbeque or party? Remember that the food and drink offered to guests may be poisonous to pets. Keep alcoholic beverages away from pets, as they can cause intoxication, depression and comas. Similarly, remember that the snacks enjoyed by your human friends are not necessarily good for your dog. Allowing your pet; any change of diet, even for one meal, may give your dog or cat diarrhea and severe stomach upset. Avoid raisins, grapes, onions, chocolate and products with the sweetener xylitol, Marijuana. A friend just fed her dog edible marijuana by accident but she did not secure the edibles or she would not of got into them. She left cookies containing marijuana on the table and the dog ate them had seizures.

Don't take your pet to see the fireworks or have them around while you do them at home. Please leave pets at home when you head out to Fourth of July celebrations, and never use fireworks around pets. Exposure to lit fireworks can potentially result in severe burns or trauma to curious pets, and even unused fireworks can be hazardous. Many types of fireworks contain potentially toxic substances such as potassium nitrate, copper, chlorates, arsenic and other heavy metals. Last year several people I know took their pets out while doing fireworks and they got burned. Remember pets are like children they need your protection.