10 Hot Weather Tips for your Dog
Most people love to spend the warmer days enjoying the outdoors with friends and family, but it is important to remember that some activities can be dangerous for our pets. It is important to follow a few simple rules, to keep your pet safe while the family is having fun in the sun.
1. Visit your Veterinarian
Make sure your pets are tested for heartworm if they aren't on year-round preventive medication. Be sure to ask your vet to recommend a safe flea and tick control program.
2. Made in the Shade
Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water when it's hot and change the water frequently to keep it fresh. Make sure they have a shady place to
get out of the sun and keep them indoors when it is extremely hot outdoors
3. Know the warning signs of heat stroke
Flat nosed pets, overweight pets, elderly and those with lung and heart issues should be kept in cool rooms as much as possible.
4. No Parking
NEVER leave your pet in a parked car. Better yet, leave the pets at home especially during the summer months
5. Swimming pools
Do not leave your dog unsupervised around pools or even ponds. Not all dogs are good swimmers. Some owners even put life vests on their dogs.
6. Screen Test
Keep all unscreened windows or doors in your home closed and make sure adjustable screens are tightly secured.
7. Summer Hair Style
Feel free to trim longer hair on your dog, but NEVER shave your dog. The layers of dogs' coats protect them from overheating and sunburn.
8. Street Issues
When the temperature is very high, don't let your dog linger on hot asphalt. Being so close the ground, your pooch's body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn.
9. Party Time
Remember that the food and drink offered to guests at a summer party may be poisonous to pets. Keep alcoholic beverages away from pets, as they can cause intoxication, depression and comas.
10. Celebration Time
Please leave pets at home when you celebrate with fireworks 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.