SUMMER SURVIVAL CHECKLIST FOR PET OWNERS

As a pet owner you should be aware of how to protect your pets from the potential hazards that exist during the summer months.  The following is a checklist to ensure your pets’ health and safety during this season.  Also, check out our Hurricane Tips.

• Provide plenty of fresh water and shade.  It can get very hot when you’re a dog or cat in a fur coat.  Water is a necessity for good health and summer weather dictates you provide a bountiful supply.  If  it’s going to be excessively hot – even in the shade – pets should be able to retire to an air conditioned or well ventilated home.  Remember, they can get heat stroke too.
  
  
• Do not confine your dog or cat in a car while shopping or even for “quick errands”.  A car with the windows rolled up and parked in the sun can quickly reach a temperature of 180 F within minutes.  Opened windows do not provide adequate ventilation.
  
  
• Protect your pets from exposure to garden pesticides, weed killers, fertilizers and rodenticides.  Be sure to read the labels carefully.  Some weed killers and rodenticides are appealing to curious dogs and cats.  Poisoned rodents may also be found by your pet and eaten, causing life - threatening situations.
  
  
• Be sure your window fans have protective shields to prevent a paw or tail from getting caught in the blades.  And outside, be mindful of lawn mowers and weed eaters;  some pets are too playful to be afraid of such machines.
  
  
• Control fleas, ticks, mites and other external parasites.  Fleas can not only cause itching but large numbers can cause life-threatening anemia and when ingested transmit tapeworms.  Ticks can also cause anemia and spread Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever to dogs and people.  Ear mites are a problem for both dogs and cats and lead to itchy, waxy ears.
  
  
• Make sure your cat and dog are current on rabies vaccinations (required by law).  Cats and dogs should also be kept current on vaccinations specific for each pet’s needs.
  
  
• Immediately treat insect bites and stings by applying a simple first aid cool compress and calling your veterinarian.  The mosquito, a year round resident, poses a dangerous threat primarily to your dog.  Mosquitoes transmit heartworm disease.  Testing and preventative medication are a must for all dogs.
  
  
• Protect your cats and dogs from loss and injury by providing a safe enclosed yard for exercise and play.  When your pets are out of the yard, they should wear a collar or harness and always be leashed.  Traceable tags are encouraged, like rabies, city license, and ID tags; but the best form of permanent identification is the microchip.  Ask us for more information on microchips.