Summertime Weather Pet Tips
Warm weather tips...for the love of pets!
With the arrival of the warm weather, your pet may want to frolic outdoors more frequently. The following are some warm weather pet care tips from Bideawee to help ensure that you and your pet have a healthy, happy spring and summer!
BEACH BUDDY: If you bring your dog to the beach, make sure he has access to shade and has plenty of fresh water (ingesting salt water could make your dog very ill). Your dog will explore the ocean on his own if he wants to—don’t try and force him into the water. If your dog does go for a dip, keep a close eye on him. When you bring your dog home from the beach, give him a good bath to rinse off the sand and salt and to cool him from the sun’s rays. You can clean the water out of his ears with a cotton ball or paper towel.
BIKE RIDING: Keeping up with a bike rider can be difficult for a dog and could cause exhaustion and overheating. Additionally, a leashed dog could accidentally pull the rider down and an unleashed dog risks running off.
CAR AND TRUCK RIDES:
Although dogs love to stick their heads out of car windows, dust particles could irritate his eyes and small rocks, pebbles, and such may get thrown around by tires and wind and injure your pet. Pets also risk a fall out of an open vehicle window. Similarly, riding in the flatbed of a truck, either leashed or unleashed, can pose a danger to your pet, since he could fall or jump. You can install a pet guard (a sturdy wire guard that fits in the car window) that will protect your pet and allow for safe ventilation at the same time.
FRESH WATER:
Always make sure your pet has enough fresh water. If the two of you will be playing together outside most of the day, make sure to take some along.
HAVE YOU SEEN FIDO? If your pet gets lost, call the nearest animal shelters and give them a full description. Putting up posters and pictures around town, in local shelters, online, and in local papers can all help your furry friend return home to you. Remember to make sure your pet wears an ID tag or license at all times. Want to avoid the possibility of the heartbreak of losing a pet? Consider having a microchip implanted. This painless procedure takes just a few seconds and helps identify your pet.
HEARTWORM TESTS:
Spring is the best time to have your dog tested for heartworm. Early detection can prevent this illness from becoming fatal. Practicing preventative medicine will help keep your pet healthy all year!
LEASH THE ONE YOU LOVE:
Unless you have a securely fenced–in area, it is not a good idea to let your pet run unleashed or unharnessed.
LOVE IS IN THE AIR:
Spring is the time for dogs and cats to go into heat and, thus, become pregnant or impregnate others. More litters result in more homeless animals. You can help solve the overpopulation problem by neutering or spaying your pet. This is a simple procedure which is greatly advantageous to your pet. After being neutered or spayed, your pet is usually more affectionate and calm, and will not exhibit the noisy signs of going into heat. Plus, by helping to keep down the pet population, you will be doing an important community service.
ONLY TWO MORE MILES:
If you jog with your dog, consider the outside temperature, as well as your dog’s health and age. Dogs that exert themselves in the heat of the day are very prone to heat exhaustion, because they can not sweat to cool themselves down. The hot tar from the pavement can even burn paws.
LONG CAR RIDES:
If you are going to travel with your pet for a long period of time, try not to feed him for at least 8 hours before the trip. Water can be given up until couple of hours before leaving. These precautions can help prevent your pet from getting carsick. Make sure to take bathroom breaks for your pet along the way! Provide your pet with enough water while on the road to quench his thirst. Feed him when you reach the final destination.
HOT CARS ARE DANGEROUS:
Leaving your pet in a car can have dangerous—even deadly—consequences. Even in the shade and with the windows cracked, the temperature inside the car can rise to a life-threatening level within minutes. If you experience this type of emergency, immediately immerse your pet in cool water and bring him to the vet right away.
CAT COLLARS:
Make sure that your cat wears an elastic collar or a collar with a breakaway feature. This ensures that she will be safe should she ever get caught on something inside or out.
DO SIT UNDER THE APPLE TREE: If you leave your dog in the yard, make sure that he is provided with plenty of water and shade. Exposing your pet to the hot sun all day is not healthy for him.
FIREWORKS:
The Fourth of July may be entertaining for people, but the loud, exploding fireworks can be frightening to animals, as their hearing is much more sensitive than ours. You may want to keep your pet inside during the festivities and do your best to keep him calm.
FLEAS AND TICKS: While outdoors, your pet may pick up a few unwanted creatures—like fleas and ticks—so talk to your veterinarian about preventative methods.
FOSTER CARE PETS:
Although it may seem like fun, adopting a pet for one season only is not healthy for that animal; adopting a pet is a long-term commitment. However, if having a pet around for the summer appeals to you,
check with your local shelter to see if there are any pets available in need of temporary foster care.
POISONS: Be observant when exercising your dog in the woods or parks. Many plants and shrubs are poisonous and can cause illness. If ingested, Lilies, Foxglove, and most bulbs, like tulips and daffodils, can be toxic to both cats and dogs. If you suspect your pet may have ingested any of these or other potential poisons please seek veterinary attention.
SCREEN YOUR WINDOWS:
Make sure open windows have screens, especially if you live in a tall building. A cat’s curiosity can never be underestimated!
VACCINATIONS:
Be aware that the warmer weather brings out more wildlife, which carries the risk of rabies, distemper, and other diseases. Your pet will likely come into more frequent contact with other domestic animals, too. To avoid any unforeseen health problems, make sure that your pet is always up-to-date with all vaccinations.
Most of all: give your pet lots of love, affection and attention… and enjoy the beautiful, warm days of spring and summer together!
Sew Velcro strips into the sock opening so it can be closed up and easily reopened. Next, fill the sock with batting, scrap fabric, or dried catnip, and seal shut. In no time, your kitty will have a new favorite plaything!
