It may be sometime before the Texas Summer Scald but as the warm weather approaches there are some things pet owners need to remember! Listed are some things to remember before you and your FURkid head out for Fun in the Sun!
- Don’t Bake your Pet! On a 78-degree day, the temperature inside a parked car can reach 160 degrees. Even with the windows cracked! Each year, thousands of beloved companions succumb to heatstroke and suffocation when left in parked cars. It happens most often when people make quick stops—the dry cleaners, the bank or the local deli. Folks, we need to be clear on this: It takes only minutes for your pet to face death—and it doesn’t have to be that hot out. If you see a pet locked in a hot car call 911!
- The ground is lava! Hot concrete and asphalt can easily burn a dog’s paws. Limit the time spent on both surfaces and spend more time on grass and cool sand. Be sure to look at your dog’s paws to check for discoloration, cuts, and bruises.
- Just Keep Swimming.. safely! Dogs shouldn’t be allowed free access to swimming pools. While most dogs can swim, some cannot. Chlorine and other pool chemicals can cause digestive upset. However, a plastic kiddy pool, with water and a block of ice in it, can be a terrific place for dogs in hot weather. Also, monitored swimming can be a great way to exercise dogs (and their owners)
- Don’t Forget the SunScreen.. for your pet! White dogs, puppies and thin coated are most at risk. Whenever you take your dog outdoors, he’ll be exposed to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. While most dogs have hair that acts as a natural sunscreen, frequent or prolonged sun exposure will eventually take its toll. Dogs have sensitive skin, and even 30 minutes of sun can result in a burn in some breeds. Sunburn in a dog can appear as red skin or even hair loss.
- Screen Test! Will your dog go thru your window screens of an open window! If you are in a high rise it is double important to assure pets cannot go out open windows!
- Party Animal…or not? Some pets love a party but some foods will make your pet sick… chicken bones, alcohol and chocolate come to mind!… and FIREWORKS! freak alot of pets out.. please be sure to secure your pet so they cannot escape if frightened by Fireworks!
- Good Fences make Good Owners! As you spend more time outside you need to be extra vigilant about gates, blown over fences and openings pets may get out.
I bet there are tons more I have not listed… what are some of your summer fun tips for your pet?
It may be sometime before the Texas Summer Scald but as the warm weather approaches there are some things pet owners need to remember! Listed are some things to remember before you and your FURkid head out for Fun in the Sun!
- Don’t Bake your Pet! On a 78-degree day, the temperature inside a parked car can reach 160 degrees. Even with the windows cracked! Each year, thousands of beloved companions succumb to heatstroke and suffocation when left in parked cars. It happens most often when people make quick stops—the dry cleaners, the bank or the local deli. Folks, we need to be clear on this: It takes only minutes for your pet to face death—and it doesn’t have to be that hot out. If you see a pet locked in a hot car call 911!
- The ground is lava! Hot concrete and asphalt can easily burn a dog’s paws. Limit the time spent on both surfaces and spend more time on grass and cool sand. Be sure to look at your dog’s paws to check for discoloration, cuts, and bruises.
- Just Keep Swimming.. safely! Dogs shouldn’t be allowed free access to swimming pools. While most dogs can swim, some cannot. Chlorine and other pool chemicals can cause digestive upset. However, a plastic kiddy pool, with water and a block of ice in it, can be a terrific place for dogs in hot weather. Also, monitored swimming can be a great way to exercise dogs (and their owners)
- Don’t Forget the SunScreen.. for your pet! White dogs, puppies and thin coated are most at risk. Whenever you take your dog outdoors, he’ll be exposed to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. While most dogs have hair that acts as a natural sunscreen, frequent or prolonged sun exposure will eventually take its toll. Dogs have sensitive skin, and even 30 minutes of sun can result in a burn in some breeds. Sunburn in a dog can appear as red skin or even hair loss.
- Screen Test! Will your dog go thru your window screens of an open window! If you are in a high rise it is double important to assure pets cannot go out open windows!
- Party Animal…or not? Some pets love a party but some foods will make your pet sick… chicken bones, alcohol and chocolate come to mind!… and FIREWORKS! freak alot of pets out.. please be sure to secure your pet so they cannot escape if frightened by Fireworks!
- Good Fences make Good Owners! As you spend more time outside you need to be extra vigilant about gates, blown over fences and openings pets may get out.
I bet there are tons more I have not listed… what are some of your summer fun tips for your pet?