| Keep Your Pets Safe This Summer! |
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Summer is the time to have fun outdoors with your family – and your family pets. But hot weather and other hazards can spell trouble for your dogs or cats. So here are a few common-sense tips to keep your pets safe and happy. Never Leave Your Pet in a Parked Car Don’t think it is safe to leave your pet in a parked car, even if you will be gone “just a minute.” On a hot day, a car heats up fast, despite open windows. And an air-conditioned car with the motor off is not the solution. So during the summer months -- leave your pet at home. Exercising With Your Pet In warm weather, humans wear lighter weight clothing, drink more water – and sweat more – to adjust body temperature. But dogs are still wearing their winter coats, and they can cool off only through panting and a small amount of sweating through their foot pads. Pets can suffer from heat exhaustion and heat stroke – serious conditions which can cause death. So limit your jogging and exercise to early morning or evening when it’s cooler. Keep in mind, too, that hot asphalt can burn your pet’s paws -- and pets can get sunburned, especially on their noses and ears. Be Careful Around Water Swimming does not come naturally to all dogs; some are not good swimmers. Prevent access to swimming pools (dogs can fall in and be unable to get out on their own). Always supervise dogs around pools, lakes or rivers. Introduce your dog to water gradually and consider a flotation device if your pet will be on a boat. Keeping Cool Pets get dehydrated, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water. Make sure pets have a shady place to avoid the sun. Consider a summer “haircut” for your dogs and cats. Keep them indoors during the hottest part of the day. Other Safety Tips
Here’s wishing you and your pets a safe and happy summer!
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