February 25, 2004

By: Jaime Hadie
Website: http://www.1st-in-pets.com

Hot weather tips for the dog days of summer

As the mercury rises, so do health problems among dogs and cats. To avoid risking your pet’s safety, the Chester County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is urging pet owners to take extra precautions to keep their fourlegged friends healthy and comfortable during the dog days of summer.

“Just as people need protection from the heat and sun, so do animals,” says Officer Rebecca Robers, coordinator of the CCSPCA Department of Animal Protective Services in West Chester.

“It might seem like a good idea to bring your dog along for the ride when you run an errand, but you may be risking his or her life. On an average summer day, the temperature inside your car with the windows slightly opened can reach 140 degrees,” Robers says. “Never leave an animal alone in a vehicle, since even with the windows open, a parked car, truck or van can quickly become a furnace. Your pet could suffer brain damage or die of heat stroke.

Parking in a shaded area offers little protection since the sun shifts during the day.” A clean coat can help prevent summer skin problems. Therefore, it is important to keep dogs and cats well groomed.

If a dog has a heavy coat, shaving his or her hair to a one-inch length will help prevent overheating. “Don’t shave a dog’s hair down to the skin, however. This robs him of protection from the sun,” Robers says. “Also, cats should be brushed frequently to keep their coats tangle-free. Remember to take your companion animal to the veterinarian for a summer checkup, including a test for heartworm, if your dog isn’t on a year-round preventative medication.

In addition, have the doctor recommend a safe, effective flea and tick control program.” Don’t force an animal to exercise after a meal in hot and humid weather, Robers adds. Early morning or evening is the best time for exercise during hot weather. “In extremely hot weather, don’t leave your dog standing on the street and keep walks to a minimum,” she says. “Dogs are much closer to the hot asphalt; their bodies can heat up quickly and their paws can burn.”

Avoid walking your dog in areas that you suspect have been sprayed with insecticides or other chemicals. Poisonings increase during the spring and summer when gardens, lawns and trees are sprayed.

“Chemicals can sicken or kill an animal. Be alert for coolants leaking from vehicles. Animals are attracted to the sweet taste of coolant and ingesting just a small amount can cause an animal’s death,” Robers says. “Consider using animal-friendly coolants that use propylene glycol rather than those containing ethylene glycol. And call a veterinarian if you suspect your animal has been poisoned.”

Never take animals to the beach unless there is plenty of shade and fresh water to drink. Remember to rinse dogs off after they have been in salt water. Animals that lick salt from their fur can become dehydrated. “People should be sensitive to old and overweight animals during hot weather spells,” Robers says.

“Also, snub-nosed dogs, such as bull dogs, Pekingese, Boston terriers, Lhasa apsos and shih tzus, as well as dogs with heart or lung diseases, sometimes have trouble breathing and should be kept indoors in air-conditioning as much as possible.

“Remember to provide plenty of cool, clean water for your pet,” she adds. “And don’t let your pets run loose. This is how animals can contract a fatal disease, such as rabies, or they can be injured, killed or stolen.” Keep a current license and identification tag on your dog or cat and consider tattooing or microchipping as a means of permanent identification. Also, be sure there are no open, unscreened doors or windows through which your animal can fall or jump. “Be responsible,” Robers says. “Provide your pet with plenty of tender loving care.” For more information, see pet health care information.

About The Author:

Jaime Hadie is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-pets.com.  Pamper your pet and get up to date information on pet health, food, accessories, behavior, gifts and toys.