| The hot summer months can pose a real threat | | | | dog and stop frequently to let your dog drink. |
| to pets. Cats and dogs simply cannot tolerate | | | | Your dog will thank you for this. |
| extreme temperatures. As a responsible pet | | | | Practice Proper Pet Grooming: It is always a good |
| owner, you need to make sure that your pet is | | | | idea to keep your pet properly groomed, but it is |
| safe during these warm weather months. Here | | | | especially important during the summer months. If |
| are some tips to help you and your pet. | | | | your dog has very long fur, it is like wearing a fur |
| Never leave an animal in a car: All pet owners | | | | coat in 95-degree weather. It is not comfortable |
| should know the dangers of leaving any pet in a | | | | to your pet. Also, keep an eye out for pets that |
| hot car, even if it is just for a few minutes. This | | | | have much of their fur trimmed off, such as |
| especially applies to dog owners. Dogs love riding | | | | poodles. Longhaired dogs can quickly overheat in |
| in the car and it is very tempting to let your dog | | | | the high temperatures. Poodles and other breeds |
| ride to the grocery store with you. However, pet | | | | with short cuts can get sunburned. Sunscreen |
| owners should never leave cats or dogs inside a | | | | does not protect dogs. With long haired dogs, |
| car during hot weather. Even with the windows | | | | regular brushing also helps remove the winter |
| open, a car parked in the hot sun can reach | | | | undercoat and can help your dog better regulate |
| sweltering temperatures. Pets left in hot cars can | | | | body temperatures during hot weather. Regular |
| die within minutes or can suffer from severe | | | | clipping of long hair can also help keep your dog |
| dehydration. The best rule of thumb is the leave | | | | cool. Even longhaired cats can benefit from a |
| your pet at home in the cool air conditioner during | | | | summer clipping. Longhaired cats are easily |
| the hot weather. You should also know that if | | | | overheated, even if they do stay indoors. |
| you are a dog owner that allowing your dog a | | | | Watch for Insects: Insects can be bothersome to |
| ride the bed of a truck could be very dangerous | | | | your pet during the warm, summer months. |
| for a dog at any time of the year. One jolt can | | | | Spring and summer are when fleas and ticks are |
| send your dog flying out of the bed of the truck, | | | | the highest. Mosquitoes are also out during this |
| resulting in injury or worse. Even putting your dog | | | | time of year. It is always a good idea to make |
| unsupervised in the bed of a truck in a public place | | | | sure your dog and cat are getting their monthly |
| can be a recipe for disaster. Be extra careful with | | | | flea and tick preventative. Your dog also needs to |
| your pet during traveling. If you must travel with | | | | stay current on heartworm preventative, as |
| your dog or cat, secure your pet in the car and | | | | mosquito bites can cause heartworms. Also, keep |
| leave the air conditioning on at all times. Let your | | | | a first aid kit on hand for bee or wasp stings. |
| pets take frequent breaks on long trips and give | | | | Outdoor safety: Summer is often when people |
| them a chance to get a drink of water. | | | | spend a lot of times outdoors. Whether it is |
| Be Careful Walking the Dog: There are many | | | | working in the yard, visiting the lake or swimming |
| areas where the temperatures soar in the warm | | | | in the pool, you need to take extra caution when |
| months. In places where the temperatures reach | | | | your pets are with you outside. If you mow your |
| an all-time high, it is a good idea to walk your dog | | | | yard or put chemicals on the grass, be sure your |
| either in the morning or in the evening when | | | | pets are indoors and away from the dangers. |
| temperatures are lower. During the summer, | | | | Also, if your dog enjoys the water, keep a close |
| temperatures will be at the highest during midday. | | | | eye on your pet. Most pets can swim instinctively, |
| You should refrain from walking your dog during | | | | but it is always a good idea to watch. If you |
| this time. Not only will you and your dog become | | | | enjoy taking your dog out boating, you can buy |
| hot and dehydrated, the hot concrete can burn | | | | life preserver vests for your dog to wear. You |
| your dog's sensitive paws. When you do walk | | | | can never be too safe when it comes to your |
| during hot weather, take along water for your | | | | beloved furry friend. |