While some of us are still experiencing the last winter freeze, others of us have gotten past the cold hump. Whether now or months from now, however, summer is coming for all of us. And when we think of summer, we often think of fun times, vacation, picnics, barbecues, trips to the beach and parks.? But, whether at home or taking your best friend along, please be aware of the potential hazards that the warmer temperatures can bring.?

Here are some?things to consider in order to protect your pet:

1.? Vehicles?

Never leave a pet alone in a vehicle.? Inside temperatures can rise quickly in a vehicle on a hot summer day.? Even leaving the windows cracked, leaves your pet vulnerable to heat stroke or even death.? Parking your vehicle in the shade does not protect an animal from harm. Just don’t do it….not even for a few minutes.?
If you see an animal alone in a locked vehicle, take down the make, model, and license plate and try to locate the owner in any nearby stores.? Failing that, immediately call local animal authorities and the police.

2.?Water

Make sure your pets have ample fresh, cool water available at all times.?

3.? Indoors

Do not leave pets outside in hot weather.? Especially, please do not tie up your dog outside in the hot weather.? Pets should be indoors as much as possible as mercury soars.

4.? Asphalt

Asphalt or black top gets hot quickly in the blazing sun, and can burn your dog's pads.? Walk your dog either in the early hours of the morning or in the evening when temperatures are cooler.

5.? Fertilizer

Beware of allowing your dog to walk on lawns that may have been treated with fertilizers, plant food, or insecticides that can be harmful or fatal to your pet if ingested.? Also, be aware that many plants are harmful to animals. According to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) “more than 700 plants can produce physiologically active or toxic substances in sufficient amounts to cause harmful effects in animals.” To see their list of “Common Poisonous Plants,” visit their website by clicking here

6.? Coolant

Watch for coolant leaking from vehicles.? Animals are attracted to the sweet taste, but even in small amounts, this can be deadly.

7.? Beach

Take an animal to the beach only if you can provide a shaded spot and plenty of fresh water.? Keep in mind that pets can get sunburned as well as skin cancer.? Pets with light-colored noses or light-colored fur on their ears are particularly susceptible.? Consider sunscreen, or taking your pal to the beach only when the sun isn’t so hot.?

8.? Grooming

A well-groomed animal fares better in warmer temps.  Bathing and brushing your pets helps them feel better.? If you shave your dog’s fur, never do it too close to the skin.? Keep in mind that fur also acts as a protective shield against the sun. ?

9.? More vulnerable

Dogs particularly vulnerable to heat are overweight, older, very young, snub-nosed, thick-coated, or those with heart or lung diseases.? These dogs should be kept inside in air-conditioning as much as possible.

10.? Pools

Accidents happen with pets and pools.? Don’t allow your pets free access to pools.

11.? Crowds/Noise

Don’t take your pet with you to crowded, outdoor events.? It may be fun for you, but the loud noise, throngs of people, and heat may be stressful as well as dangerous to your pet.? Your pet will be much happier in the peace and quiet of their own home.? On July 4^th, with certain loud noise and potential hazards from revelers with fireworks, keep your pets safely inside.

Remember that dogs and cats con’t perspire like humans.  They can only dispel some heat through the pads of their paws or by panting.  Panting is their way of cooling themselves down by evaporating water out of the respiratory system.

Signs of heat stress

Heat stress and heat exhaustion are serious conditions and can lead to death.?
Watch for these warning signs that your pet is suffering from heat stress:
Heavy panting
Glazed eyes
Rapid pulse
Unsteadiness
Staggering
Vomiting
Deep red or purple tongue

What to do

If your pet is overheated, you need to lower their body temperature immediately, by doing the following:
Move your pet into the shade and pour cool (not cold) water over her entire body to lower her body temperature gradually.
Apply cold towels or ice packs to your pet’s head, neck, and chest only.
Allow your pet to drink small amounts of water or lick ice cubes.
Get your pet to a vet immediately.

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