Summer is here and warmer weather means spending more time in the great outdoors. Here are some tips to help you keep your pet safe, healthy, and happy.
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- Don’t leave your pet alone in the car, even if it’s “only for a few minutes.” If anything happens to you while you’re gone, it could be hours before your pet is found and rescued.
- Don’t force your pet to exercise while it’s hot and humid outside. Exercise early in the morning or in the cool of the evening.
- Provide lots of clean, fresh water and plenty of shade for pets that live outdoors. If you want, bring them indoors during the hottest hours of the day.
- Don’t let your pet run loose. Left alone on an adventure, your pet could contract rabies or be bitten by a snake. There’s also the possibility that your pet could become lost, stolen, or run over by a car.
- Sidewalks and pavement can burn your pet’s paws. Keep walks in paved areas to a minimum.
- At the beach, be sure to rinse the saltwater from your dog after every romp in the ocean. Make sure she has shade and plenty of freshwater to drink.
- Keep your pet’s hair brushed. If you have a dog, keep it clipped to about 1.” This is long enough to protect him from sunburn but short enough to help him stay cool.
- Watch for leaks coming from the radiator of your car or other automobiles parked near your home. Antifreeze is attractive but is extremely poisonous to your pet.
- Keep your pet treated for fleas, ticks, and heartworm.
- Browse the ASPCA database for poisonous flowers and veggies that may be growing in your yard or in the local landscape.