[lizardlady]

My vet's office sends out a monthly newsletter. This month's included tips for pets in the summer. Give the extreme so much of the US is experiencing I thought I'd share.

Some Summertime Dos and Don’ts:

• DO NOT leave your pet in the car -- even with the windows cracked! The greenhouse conditions of a car can create interior temperatures reaching up to 120 degrees even on a mild day in the 70s. Pets can suffer heatstroke and/or suffocation leading to brain damage and death within minutes.
• DO always carry fresh water and a bowl in your vehicle.
• DO exercise your pets in the relative cool of morning or evening, and do not take them for long walks right after mealtime.
• If your pet must be outdoors during the day DO provide access to lots of consistent shade (not just a tree) and plenty of clean water. Pets that are older, overweight, or have heart or lung conditions should be kept indoors during the day.
• DO keep screens on doors and windows and make sure they are in good repair. It just takes one bird, squirrel, or animal walking by for a cat or dog to leap out the window and fall.
• You need a lifejacket when boating and so does your pet. DO NOT count on “instinct” to keep your pet safe if he leaps or falls overboard.
• DO use caution when letting your pet swim in lakes or romp in large puddles, as these bodies of water can be breeding grounds for zoonotic diseases such as giardia. A safe rule of thumb is, if you wouldn’t let your family members swim there, neither should your pet.
• DO remember that the pads of your friend’s feet are extremely sensitive and can easily burn on hot pavement and asphalt.
• DO NOT shave your pets all the way down to the skin! Instead of keeping your pet cool, a close shave removes protection from the sun. Without this protection, your pet is more likely to burn or to develop heatstroke.
• DO NOT forget the calendar. Keep your pet on monthly heartworm, parasite, and flea and tick preventive.
• If your summer plans involve spending time outside with your pet, DO make sure your plants and gardening materials are safe for your pets. The ASPCA has a helpful list of toxic and non-toxic plants. Click here to access that list.
• DO be aware of the signs of heatstroke: excessive panting, unsteadiness, weakness, rapid pulse, glazed eyes, red and/or purple tongue, non-responsive. Heatstroke is a life-threatening situation and requires immediate treatment.

A little forethought and common sense can keep your pets safe and happy through the summer months, so be sure to use both this summer!

[Piraeus]

Thanks Lizardlady. That was very informative.
Alot of people leave their dogs in the car. I see
it all the time. It's too bad the police can't get involved
and issue a citation.

Piraeus

[lizardlady]

Piraeus, I think police can issue tickets here. I know they can call animal control and have the animal taken to a shelter.

I personally believe that people who leave kids or animals in cars in Florida in the summer time should be locked in a car themselves.