Summer Care Tips for Pets

Thursday, June 21, 2007, is the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, marking the official start of summer.

Those of us who live in Florida are prepared for warm (hot) weather. We wear cooler clothing, drink lots of water, wear hats, apply sunscreen, etc. With the arrival of summer the rest of the country has to enter "living in hot weather" mode.

We don't want to forget some important summertime tips for pets and The Humane Society of the United States offers tips for pet owners on how to keep their pets safe during the summer. Over the next few days, I'll provide you with their suggestions. Here's the first:

"In nice weather you may be tempted to take your pet with you in the car while you travel or do errands. But during warm weather, the inside of your car can reach 120° in a matter of minutes, even if you're parked in the shade. This can mean real trouble for your companion animals left in the car. Dogs and cats can't perspire and can only dispel heat by panting and through the pads of their feet. Pets who are left in hot cars even briefly can suffer from heat exhaustion, heat stroke, brain damage, and can even die. Don't think that just because you'll be gone "just a minute" that your pet will be safe while you're gone; even an air conditioned car with the motor off isn't healthy for your pet. To avoid any chance that your pet will succumb to the heat of a car this summer, be sure to play it safe by leaving your pet cool and refreshed at home while you're on the road. And if you do happen to see a pet in a car alone during the hot summer months, alert the management of the store where the car is parked. If the owner does not return promptly, call local animal control or the police department immediately. For more information, check out our page on pets and hot cars. "

"It is very dangerous, and in some states illegal, to drive with a dog in the back of a pick-up truck. Not only can flying debris cause serious injury, but a dog may be unintentionally thrown into traffic if the driver suddenly hits the brakes, swerves, or is hit by another car. Dogs should ride either in the cab (in a crate or wearing a seat belt harness designed for dogs) or in a secured crate in the bed of the truck."