Baby, it’s hot out there! Here are 8 quick tips from the AVMA to help you and your furry friends beat the heat. (These tips can also help cats)
- Never, ever leave your dog in the car
- Make sure your dog has unlimited access to fresh water
- Make sure your dog has access to shade when outside
- Take walks during the cooler hours of the day
- When walking, try to stay off of hot surfaces (like asphalt) because it can burn your dog’s paws
- If you think it’s hot outside, it’s even hotter for your pet – make sure your pet has a means of cooling off
- Keep your dog free of external parasites (fleas, ticks) and heartworms – consult your veterinarian about the best product for your pet
- Consider clipping or shaving dogs with long coats (talk to your veterinarian first to see if it’s appropriate for your pet), and apply sunscreen to your dog’s skin if she or he has a thin coat
Bonus tip: Your dog may like some pup-sicles. Check out this DIY recipe from the Humane Society (Don’t worry feline fans, they also have a variation for cats!)
http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/eating/recipes/animal_treats/dog_popsicles.html
Discover other tips and tricks at:
Humane Society: Keep Pets Safe in Heat
http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/pets_safe_heat_wave.html
PetFinder: Keep your dog safe in a heat wave
https://www.petfinder.com/dogs/dog-care/heat-wave-safety-dog/