Pets and Summer Time

Our pets love summer time just as much as we do! Its a great time to enjoying all that the season has to offer from walking the neighborhood to playing out in the back yard! Here are important safety reminders during this time of the year. A safe pet is a happy pet!

1. Never Never and we mean NEVER leave your pet in a hot vehicle! Most people don’t realize how hot it gets in parked vehicles. On a 80 degree day temperatures in a car can reach 90 degrees in the shade and hit 160 degrees if parked directly in the sun! Do yourself and your pet a favor, leave them home on hot days. If you must bring your pet, have water and a water dish and if possible take your pet with you when you leave the vehicle.

2. Made in the Shade.
Thirsty yet?? Pets get much thirstier than we do when they get hot, and other than panting and drinking, they really have no way to cool themselves down. Keep your pet in the shade as often as possible as extended direct sunlight can overheat them (especially dogs) and cause heat stroke.

3. Hey! Keep your dog’s paws cool..
When the sun is cooking, surfaces like asphalt or metal can get really hot! Not only can hot surfaces burn paws, but it can also increase body temperature and lead to overheating. One cool thing is paw sock or boots! Happy feet can’t be beat!

4. Cool in The Pool ! Give your pup their very own “kiddy pool”
For dogs that love the water the will naturally love it even more during the hot months, and getting wet keeps them cool. Providing a small, kid-sized pool will go over big for your furry friend!

5. Parasites! You don’t want them and neither does your furry friend! 
Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes are way more active during the summer. If not protected, your pet is at risk for heartworm, Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Keep your pet protected and they (and you) will enjoy life during the summer time!