It’s hot. Here in Minneapolis we broke a long standing heat record yesterday – 94 on May 24. Needless to say the air conditioner was turned on.
We need to remember our pets as we go into summer. Here are some tips to keep in mind to keep your pet healthy and safe during the summer.
Don’t leave your pet in the car. Even if you’re parked in the shade and the windows are open the inside temperature of the care can reach 120 degrees in minutes. Dogs and cats don’t sweat, so they only way they can eliminate heat is through panting and the pads of their feet. Being left in a hot car can cause heat exhaustion, heat stroke, brain damage or even death. Click here to see symptoms of overheating. Leave your pets in the comfort of their home as you do your errands.
Don’t let your pet travel in the back of a truck. This is very dangerous and even unlawful in some states.
Garden safety. Fertilizers, insecticides, some mulch (cocoa bean mulch) and plant food can be lethal if ingested by your pets. Many of our common plants are also poisonous to pets. Click here for a listing provided by the Humane Society of the United States.
Outside activity: Don’t leave your pet outside as they can suffer anything from heat exhaustion to death. When walking your dog, make sure the pavement is not too hot for their feet, you don’t want their feet to be burned. Never leave your pet unsupervised around water, not all dogs are good swimmers. Speaking of water, make sure your pet has plenty of fresh, cool water to drink during the summer months so they don’t become dehydrated.
Holiday safety: Fireworks are not pet friendly. Leave your pets at home if you go to a fireworks celebration.
Keeping these tips in mind will ensure your pet has a wonderfully safe summer!
Harmony,
Janet Roper
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