Tips for keeping pets safe and cool for the summer

By staff reports
Published: Tuesday, May 20, 2008 3:16 PM CDT |http://www.mywesttexas.com/
Tips for keeping pets safe and cool for the summer:

-If animals are outside, make sure they have access to shade and water. If you don’t have a dog house, placing a tarp or board over the corner of the fence will create the same effect. Also, make sure water bowls are close enough to the animal they can still reach it if their chain becomes tangled.

-Never leave an animal unattended inside a closed car. Pets don’t perspire like humans do and can overheat more quickly.

-If dogs have dark coats, are obese or have heart disease, be particularly wary of heat stroke and seek veterinary assistance if detected. Signs include panting, excessive salivation, hyper excitement and increased rectal temperature.

-Pets still need exercise in the heat, but limit rigorous activity to early mornings and evenings for older dogs, short-nosed dogs and those with dark coats.
-Watch your pet’s ears and nose — animals can get sunburned too and may need sunscreen.

-As people fertilize their lawns for the summer be sure to keep your pets away as ingesting the insecticides can be fatal.

-Make sure your dog has been treated for heart worm, which is commonly caused by mosquito bites.

-Unless your dog’s coat is particularly dark, don’t shave the coat for summer. The same fur that keeps them warm in the winter helps insulate them from heat in the summer.

-Dogs can have allergies to long-term heat exposure just like humans. If you see red, round “hot spots” take the animal to a vet. (Tea bags can be applied to the area for immediate relief)

-With more people and animals spending time outside during the summer, it’s wise to spay or neuter dogs to reduce the likelihood they will bite.

*information from Midland Animal Services, ASPCA, the Humane Society of the United States and the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine