Beat the Heat this Summer!

No one enjoys a hot, sticky summer. It's often our four-legged friends who suffer the worst fate during these summer months. To help your pets stay healthy and happy this summer, try some of these suggestions:

HYDRATION

Make sure your dog is getting enough to drink! Offer your dog water throughout the day, especially before and after any exercise. Dogs that don't want to drink can be encouraged by dropping ice cubes or toys in the water dish. Many animals (and especially cats) can be encouraged to drink by using running water, such as leaving a sink on just a slight bit, or using a water fountain for pets.

RIDING IN CARS

Use specially-designed window shades for dogs that need to travel long distances on hot days in the car. (They sell them for babies and in most car parts stores.) Avoid driving during the hottest parts of the day. Do not leave your dog in the car, even on a cloudy day. Your dog can overheat inside the car and go into heatstroke in the amount of time it takes you to "run inside the store for just a second". If your dog is in distress, you could lose your dog's life and parts of your car when police try to break in to save the dog.

PROTECT THE WEAKEST

Animals that are most susceptible include the youngest (puppies and kittens), the oldest (senior dogs and cats), and the ill. Most brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds such as bulldogs and pugs are not able to handle heat well. Take extra care if you have any high-risk animals on hot days.

TONE DOWN THE EXERCISE

Try ocean swimming instead of running on pavement. Exercise your dog during the cooler hours (early morning and evening) instead of the middle of the day.

TRY SOME TASTY TREATS

"Frosty Paws" are always a favorite. You can buy them in many pet stores, or make your own homemade treats. Some other hot-weather treats include:

• Chewsicles: Fill some paper dixie cups with watered-down broth, watered-down bouillon, or just water. Cover with plastic wrap. Poke a rawhide stick, bully stick, jerky stick, or other chew through the plastic and in to the liquid. Freeze overnight. Remove plastic and peel off cup before serving.
• Kongsicles: Cover the small hole in the end of the Kong with a dab of something sticky like peanut butter, or tape. Insert the Kong small-hole down into a cup to keep it upright. Fill the Kong with watered-down broth, watered-down bouillon, or just water. Freeze overnight. Remove tape (if used) before serving.

MAKE YOUR OWN WATERPARK

Many animals enjoy fun perks of summer like playing in kiddie pools, running through the sprinkler, or standing under a mister. These items can be purchased inexpensively from many home and garden stores, and are a great way to keep your pet cool.

WATCH OUT FOR BUGS

Mosquitos, fleas and biting flies make summer miserable for many animals. Check with your veterinarian about products that are safe to use for your pets, including Advantage, K9 Advantix, and Off! Spray for kids.

BE PREPARED

Bring along a first-aid kit for your dog when you go camping and hiking. You may want to consider taking a first-aid course for animals as well. Be sure to bring along any just-in-case items for your dog when traveling, such as nail clippers, brushes, ear and eye cleaners, extra food, water, etc.

GET HELP FOR HEAT ILLNESSES

Please get help IMMEDIATELY if your dog shows one or more of these signs: distress, excessive panting, slobbering or drooling more than normal, vomiting, diarrhea, raised temperature, unresponsiveness, collapse, coma. Get the dog into the shade and try to cool it slowly. (Cooling the dog too fast may cause shock.) Water should only be given to conscious animals. In an emergency, wrap the dog in towels soaked in cool water and rush to the veterinarian.

We hope you and your loved ones have a safe and happy summer!