Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Summer Safety Tips for Your Pet

As summer quickly approaches, there are a few tips to keep in mind to keep your pet healthy and happy.

Never leave your pet in the car. Though you may only be running a quick errand, it only takes a few minutes for your pet to overheat. Even if it feels cool outside and your windows are down, the sun can raise the temperature inside your car to over 120 F in a matter of minutes. I know it is difficult for those of you who, like me, like to take your baby everywhere with you. However, your pet will be much happier and safer at home in a temperature controlled environment.

Maxy says, "Are you leaving me in here?!?" No way, Maxy!

Provide ample water. Water should always be accessible to your pet. Even if you only put out food once or twice a day, be sure to always have water available. We always have at least two water bowls available for Max just in case. And if you plan to go on a car trip or other outdoor activity, don't depend on alternative water sources. Be sure to take your own water and bowl. Pets are often more comfortable drinking out of their own dish and will be more likely to stay hydrated.

Be careful when cutting. Before you get your dog that "high and tight" summer haircut, talk to your vet or groomer to determine if your pet is likely to get a sunburn. Some pets, particularly those with light skin and hair, are prone to sunburns. Sunburns effect pets in the same way they do humans: pain, peeling, itching and even the increased likelihood of skin cancer. If you decide to go with the short cut, as we do with Max, you may want to layer him in a light-weight shirt when going out in the sun.

To avoid sunburn, Maxy opted for a tee while sightseeing

Don't let your pet overdo it. Though exercise is important to all pets, make sure your pet doesn't overexert himself. This could lead to your pet being overheated, and thus a heatstroke. So long as your pet is a healthy weight, this shouldn't be much of a problem. But if your pet begins to pant uncontrollably, then it is time to rest. If your pet does have a heatstroke, place cool, wet towels on hairless parts of the body, such as the belly, and call your vet immediately.

Max is taking a break... he doesn't want to overdo it!

Does anyone else have a summer safety tip? If so, please add it to our list!

Happy summer, everyone!

10 comments:

Lacy said...

w00f's Maxy, we got to git u ahead of dat votin, so far me thinks they iz 2 ahead of u...me will post it on me bloggie too and c what happens...

b safe,
~rocky~

Putz said...

hi ya maxie, maxamilian, max, you still are so damn cute...i want to marry you..loves speeding{i'm a cute terrier and a hearing dog for becky barlow who is deaf and the putz's daughter] AND I HEAR YA ON THE SUMMER TRIPS, I AM ALLOWED IN RESTAURANTS, MALLS, GROCERY STORES, Because i am a service dog

Amber-Mae said...

Good safety tips Maxy! When my hoomans leave us in the car with the windows down, it is only at night or in the afternoon after a downpour. But of the time, the air-conditioner is on.

Butt shakes,
Solid Gold Dancer

i said...

Good tips there, Max! Congrats on the Nobel Prize Blog! Will be voting for you!

Asta said...

Hi Max
Those tips awe vewy helpful..all hoomans should pay attention!!!!
Thank you fow witing them...
I will go vote now!!
Thanks fow saying Mommi's awt is nice..I wish she sold mowe, so we could have mowe tweats, hehe
smoochie kisses
ASTA

Frasier said...

I' ve set the cops on few people.I cant stand it when they leave pets alone in cars in the heat!

Clover said...

Hi Max,
What a great list! Your blog is very helpful! Thanks for helping us all to have a safe summer.
Love Clover xo

Putz said...

summer safety tip number 45..........do not go without your leashe when outside for the police will pick you up and you then certainly won't be safe

Cemanaca said...

Hola.
es mi primer visita a esta tu casa.
te felicito por quedar entre los 10 del NPB de la semana.
Ahora traducire algunos de tus post, pues me encantan los perros.
saludos conversos.

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