Well, Summer officially kick's off this weekend and along with it comes several months of hot weather.
Pets, especially outdoor pets, require extra protection from the summer's scorching temperatures. For us here in Florida, the summer's heat can be deadly to our best friends if we don't take the proper precautions. Below are several common sense ways on how you can "Beat the heat" for your pet:
NEVER LEAVE YOUR DOG INSIDE A PARKED CAR. When it's 85 degrees outside, your car will reach 102 degrees in ten minutes and 120 degrees in 30 minutes. And that's with the windows open and the car parked in the shade!
Do not take your dog for walks or hikes unless it's before 10:00 am or after 5:00 pm. You may know when you are over exerted, but your loyal dog will try and keep up with you despite his condition - so don't put him through possible heat stoke.
Never walk your pet on sidewalks or streets during the heat of the day. You have on shoes to protect your feet but your pet is "barefoot" and can suffer blisters and burns. If in doubt, feel the pavement with your hand before making your pet walk on it.
Never leave your pet inside your house without air conditioning. When you leave for work, set the thermostat for 80 degrees or below.
Never keep a pet in a garage in the summer unless that garage has an air conditioner turned on.
Fill a child's plastic pool with water. Since a pet's body heat is controlled through the pads of their feet and tongue, they can cool off by lapping and wading.
Dump several trays of ice cubes in a bowl or bucket . As the ice melts your pet will have cool drinking water all day.
Beware of "lickit" spouts. The spout may get so hot your pet won't be able to lick it to get any water.
Never put a metal choke chain on a dog in the summer, it turns into a branding iron.
Do NOT have your pet's fur shaved off for the summer. His fur is insulation not only from the cold but the heat as well.
|
Home |