ASPCA-THE HEAT IS ON: SUMMER SAFETY TIPS FOR PET OWNERS

[Guest guest]

THE HEAT IS ON: SUMMER SAFETY TIPS FOR PET OWNERS

It's summertime, and the living isn't always easy for our animal

companions. Dogs and cats can suffer from the same problems that

humans do—overheating, dehydration and even sunburn—when the mercury

rises. By taking these simple precautions, you can keep your animal

companions happy and healthy in the hot weather:

* Exercise your dog in the cool of the early morning or evening—never

when it's extremely hot or humid. Take care not to let your dog stand

on hot asphalt, as his sensitive paw pads can easily burn.

* Provide plenty of shade and cool, clean water for animals kept

outdoors. And during the hottest part of the day, please bring your

cat or dog inside to rest in a cool part of the house.

* Never leave your animal alone in a vehicle. Overheating can be

fatal. Even with the doors open, a parked automobile can become a

furnace in no time. Parking in the shade offers little protection, as

the sun shifts during the day.

* Some animals will need extra special care in hot weather,

especially those who are elderly and overweight or have heart or lung

disease. Certain breeds of dogs, including pugs, bulldogs, Lhasa

apsos and shih tzus, also need extra attention on hot days. If your

pet is showing signs of heat stroke or exhaustion, take him to your

veterinarian immediately.

 

For more helpful tips, please visit ASPCA online. And P.S., if you're

going to be flying with your pets this summer, please read our

guidelines for safe air travel.