Summer Pet Care Tips

Summer is an especially difficult season for some of our pets and we must do as much as we can to ensure their safety and well being during this time.  Everything from heatstroke to burned paws can be detrimental to a pet's health when the weather temperatures soar.  As a pet owner, I take extra care of my four-legged little ones here at home because I don't want any mishaps or accidents to occur.  Let's take a moment to review some safety tips and reminders so that our furry companions stay protected.

If you're like me and think of your pets as members of the family, then you'll agree that adhering to a few basics is critical in keeping doggie or kitty comfortable and in optimal health.  Just about everyone I know has a pet or two or three at home, so I thought I'd share with you a few wonderful images of their babies.

Gigi, Zorro & Tinks

They are pets of The Gregs.

Outdoor Activity

• It may be tempting to leave dogs & cats outside unsupervised this time of year, but it is advisable to limit a pet's outdoor activities during summertime, especially when weather services announce heat warnings.  Supervised outdoor time is fine as long as doggie or kitty has access to clean, fresh water and they aren't left outside for more than several minutes.  Don't think that you can just let your dog and cat outside in the backyard all day. 
• If you plan on taking your dog out and about, do be mindful of hot pavement, sidewalks and sand which can burn paws very quickly.  If walking on a sidewalk, driveway, parking lot or on sand while barefoot is painful for you, then it will be the same for your pooch.  You may want to get paw booties for your pets if you do take them out a lot.
• Also, never leave your pet inside a car, even if you roll the windows down a crack and are only going to be away for a few minutes.  Conditions inside a sealed car on a hot day can turn deadly in a matter of minutes! 
• Taking walks is part of a healthy lifestyle for our dogs, so during summer it's advisable to do so during the early mornings or during the evenings when the temperatures are lower and the sun is not overbearing.  

Heatstroke

• One needs to be mindful of heatstroke as well.  Symptoms include vomiting, collapsing, lethargy, drooling, panting and fever.  It's important to seek medical attention as quickly as possible if you suspect your pet is suffering from this.  Organ failure and even death can occur if left untreated.

Staying Hydrated

• Keeping your pets hydrated and cool is essential.  Having access to water at all times is critical for cats and for dogs, but so is having a cool spot with some shade.  If there are areas in your home which have tile, make sure your pets are allowed to rest there.  You can also have a running fan somewhere in your house where your pets can sit and relax during the day.      
  
  Tinks is staying nice and cool in the shade here.

Car Coolant

• With most of us turning on our air conditioners whenever we're behind the wheel, keep in mind that coolant may leak as soon as we park our cars.  Whether it's a garage, driveway or a part of the street where we keep our cars, make sure that your dog doesn't get into trouble by consuming coolant.  It's very tempting for them because of its sweet quality, but it is deadly if ingested.  Seek medical attention immediately if your pet has consumed coolant.

Isn't Tobee adorable?  He's my friend's Pomeranian who gets shorn during the summer.  Patrick makes sure this little guy is a pampered pooch!

Grooming Your Pet

• Grooming our pets is essential this season.  Cats and dogs require a bit different care when it comes to this,.
• For our dogs, we can have a groomer shear their fur down to about 1" from the skin and no further.  This can keep them a lot cooler when the weather gets hot, but one should never trim their fur down to bare skin.  Dogs need to have their delicate skin protected from the sun with some fur.  Tobee (pictured above) is a good example of how a dog can be groomed during the summer.
• Cats should also be brushed regularly whether they are domestic shorthaired or longhaired.  Untangle any mats and keep them from getting too furry during the season.  It isn't necessary to trim their fur and in fact, cats do not like it.  Brushing them regularly will keep them happy, just like my kitties are.

This is Leo.  A very adorable kitty who loves to be the center of attention.  He's Janet's baby!

My Pets: Mistress & Lion

As long as we're aware of what may potentially harm our pets and what will keep them safe and happy this summer, I think there's no reason why our dogs and cats should have a boring season.

Here is to a safe summer for all of your family members!