Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Keep Your Pets Safe in the Summer Heat
It's that time of year again: summer. Much of the United States has been experiencing a heatwave, and Michigan is no exception. If you're suffering from the heat and humidity, think about how miserable your pets must feel. Here are a few tips to help your pets this summer:
1. Please make sure your pets have adequate cool, clean water available at all times. It's best to allow them to stay indoors, but if that's not possible, make sure they have shade and a shallow kiddie pool with just enough water for them to cool off.
2. Never, under any circumstances, leave your pet in the car while you run errands. No human being would appreciate being trapped in a locked vehicle with little or no air, and neither do animals. It's dangerous, and no good can come of it.
3. Limit outdoor playtime in the heat. Dogs need to be able to cool off by panting, and they can't do that efficiently if they're playing fetch and carrying toys in their mouth.
4. Pets can get sunburned. For example, dogs with pink noses, light skin, or no hair should wear sunscreen, as should those with recent short haircuts. It's best to use a sunscreen specifically for pets.
5. Dogs with short noses, such as pugs and bulldogs, are highly vulnerable to the heat and can suffer a heatstroke.
If you're not convinced, here are a few links you should read for additional information:
PAWS Hospital: Did Ya' Know?
Summer heat and exertion
Hot weather safety
Dogs in hot cars, are you kidding me?
Summer safety tips for dogs
1. Please make sure your pets have adequate cool, clean water available at all times. It's best to allow them to stay indoors, but if that's not possible, make sure they have shade and a shallow kiddie pool with just enough water for them to cool off.
2. Never, under any circumstances, leave your pet in the car while you run errands. No human being would appreciate being trapped in a locked vehicle with little or no air, and neither do animals. It's dangerous, and no good can come of it.
3. Limit outdoor playtime in the heat. Dogs need to be able to cool off by panting, and they can't do that efficiently if they're playing fetch and carrying toys in their mouth.
4. Pets can get sunburned. For example, dogs with pink noses, light skin, or no hair should wear sunscreen, as should those with recent short haircuts. It's best to use a sunscreen specifically for pets.
5. Dogs with short noses, such as pugs and bulldogs, are highly vulnerable to the heat and can suffer a heatstroke.
If you're not convinced, here are a few links you should read for additional information:
PAWS Hospital: Did Ya' Know?
Summer heat and exertion
Hot weather safety
Dogs in hot cars, are you kidding me?
Summer safety tips for dogs
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
About Me
- Eliza Wynn
- My earliest memory of a career aspiration was to be a writer. My hobbies and interests include dogs, music, and spending time with my husband. I watch far too much television and seem to specialize in shows that don't get the ratings needed to stay on the air. An avid reader, I've been known to read several books a week.