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Summer days
means fun in the sun and "hot" weather! This time of
year can be dangerous to our four-legged friends. Dogs
and cats can easily become victims of overheating,
dehydration, sunburn as well as parasites. Here are a
few tips to keep your pets healthy and happy during
the summer months.
Water! Water! Water!
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Always have a supply of cool, fresh water available
for pet
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Add
a few ice cubes to a dish of water for a cool
refreshing treat
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When
on the go, keep a water bottle filled with cold,
fresh water for your pet
Summer Exercise
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Always wait 30-60 minutes after meals before taking
a pet for its walk
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Walk
your dog in the grass and keep pavement walks
brief! Paws can quickly burn on
hot asphalt. Consider paw protectors such as shoes
or booties.
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No doggy days at the beach!
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During extremely hot days, your pet would prefer
shade to sunshine. Excessive panting, raspy breath
and discolored gums are signs of heatstroke. In the
event of heatstroke, get the animal in a shady
place, cool it with wet towels and call a
veterinarian immediately!
Please be
considerate and leave your pet at home with a pet
sitter while you enjoy a hot day at the beach!
Auto Concerns
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NEVER leave your animal in a
vehicle! Even with the windows open, the
temperature in a parked vehicle can reach more
than 100 degrees in a matter of minutes
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Coolant/antifreeze leaks are very sweet tasting
and attractive to animals. Drinking these items
can be fatal. Use animal friendly propylene
glycol coolant rather than ethylene glycol in
your vehicles.
Never let your pet drink
out of strange puddles!
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When
traveling or vacationing with your pet please plan
your route ahead of time and locate animal-friendly
hotels or campgrounds
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Allow plenty of travel time to include potty stops
and exercise for your pet
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Double check collars and leashes to avoid losing
your pet due to a worn collar or leas
Fleas, Ticks 'n Heartworms
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Visit your veterinarian in the spring, before the
onset of summer bugs
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Implement an effective flea and tick control
program. This is a must!
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Early heartworm detection along with preventative
medication will help you avoid "heartache".
© 2009 ThePawfessionals.com
Dog Walkers & Pet Sitters
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