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How to keep your pets cool in summer heat
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The days are getting warmer and soon it will be summer and those hot days will be here. Keep your pets cool this summer by making certain they have plenty of fresh, clean, cool water available for them. Pets get thirstier in warm weather like humans so you might want to leave a larger water bowl out or perhaps two bowls of water in different locations. You can leave a bowl indoors and outdoors or any locations you think your pet will come to drink. Water evaporates faster in warm weather and you don’t want that water bowl empty too long. Remember to clean out the water container each time; usually a quick rinse and a quick scrub will do the job. Bacteria grow in warm water and the water can turn green in a few days.Make sure your pet has a shaded place if you keep them outdoors in the yard. Please do not tie up your dog without shelter from the sun and plenty of water. If you don’t have to tie your dog up that would be the best choice, but some owners chain their dogs up for different reasons. Ideally a dog should be able to move around freely but we all know someone who ties or chains their dog up for too long of a time. If you don’t have a yard consider not having a dog that has to be chained up. When an animal is tied or chained up it increases aggressive behavior in the animal.
If you have a plastic kiddie pool filled with water in your yard you can keep it bacteria free by adding a few drops of bleach when you add the fresh water to the pool. A few drops are just that, too much bleach can harm your pet. Pets keep cooler if they are able to wet their paws.
Do not hose your dog’s fur if they will be in direct sun because their fur acts like insulation and makes them hotter. The wetness makes the dog bake. If you want to cool your dog gently wet the underbelly and paws. Shaving a dog takes away their natural sun protection. You can trim hair but leave some fur. Check with your VET or a groomer for advice on your breed of dog.
Sidewalks and streets are hot to pet’s paws so please use caution. Feel the sidewalk or blacktop with your hand on a hot day and you will see how hot the ground gets.
Never leave your pet in the car in the summer heat. You can cause death or brain damage to your pet in a matter of minutes.
Leave your pet home when you go to summer outdoor festivals. It is distressing to most pet’s to be dragged through crowds of people and it is usually warm on the pavement of some festivals during the day. Dogs get anxiety in crowds just like people do. Pets can get stepped on and eat things off the ground at outdoor events. Some pets love being out and about, so use your best judgment and consider what is best for your pet’s safety and comfort. It is fun for us humans to parade our pets but sometimes we do it for us and not them.
If you see a distressed pet please help them by contacting the owner or call 911 for assistance. Be the voice for a pet if they are in need. Have a safe and cool summer.
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