Summer Time Tips

HEAT STROKE
     Heat stroke occurs when your furkid’s body temperature rises dangerously high. It is most common when furkids are left in a car for too long, or when they exercise in the heat. Never leave your furkid in the car in hot weather, and always remember that a cracked window is not enough to cool a car. Your furkid always needs access to shade outside. Muzzling interferes with a furkid's ability to cool itself by panting and should be avoided.

DEHYDRATION
     Prevent dehydration by providing your furkid with access to fresh and cool water both indoors and outside at all times. Ice cubes are a great way to encourage your furkid to take in more fluids and help keep it cool. You can also feed your furkid wet furkid food during the summer to increase its fluid intake.

BURNED FOOT PADS
     Sidewalk, patio, street, sand. and other surfaces can burn your furkid’s footpads. Press your hand onto surfaces for 30 seconds to test them before allowing your furkid to walk on them. If it is painful for you, it will be painful for your furkid. 

PARASITES
     Ticks, fleas, mosquitoes, flies, and other insects are at their peak during the summer months. Talk to your veterinarian about appropriate protection such as collars, sprays, shampoos, dips, and other products. Some heartworm now covers fleas and various types of worms.

CAMPFIRES & BARBECUES
     Your furkid may try to take burning sticks from the fire, which maybe hard to get back from him/her  since they think that you are playing when you chase them. Food that is stuck to barbecues after cooking can tempt your furkid to lick the barbecue and burn its tongue or mouth. Keep your furkid away from barbecues and campfires unless it is on a very short leash.

SEASONAL ALLERGIES
     Fleas, mold, flowers, and other potential allergens are common during summer. Allergies cause itching, coughing, sneezing, discomfort, and other problems for your furkid. Keep your furkid away from allergy triggers when possible, especially if you know it has a particular allergy. Ask your veterinarian about whether your furkid would benefit from a canine antihistamine or other medication.