Humane Society Issues Summer Warning

The temperatures are rising steadily and, along with that, so should our concerns for our pets. They depend on us to feed them and groom them; they also depend on us to keep them out of harm's way. The Humane Society has re-issued its summer guidelines for keeping pets safe and comfortable during these long, hot summer days and nights.

First, there are the obvious suggestions. Be sure your pet has enough water to stay hydrated even when you're not home. Dehydration is one of the major reasons that pets are brought to veterinarians during the summer, and yet it's one of the simplest things pet owners can do for their buddies. If your dog spends lots of time outside, leave a bowl of water out there for him,too. One effective tactic I've used to keep my two hounds cooled off is to soak bandannas in cold water and tie them around their necks, rinsing the fabric periodically in cold water as the cooling effect wears off and it warms to their body temperature. I also put crushed ice or even little bits of kibble in their water bowls. It seems to interest them enough to drink some extra water while they dunk for the goodies.

Don't start new outdoor exercise routines when it's hot. I had a friend who started taking her dog for long walks in the summer only to find that the dog would come to a complete halt when he got overheated. One time, she ended up carrying him about 1/4 mile to get back to her car. Your pet will try to tell you what its capable of on hot days, but are you listening? While every dog needs some exercise, it's best to get it during the coolest parts of the day if that is possible. And don't forget that your pet is one year older than last year and his exercise routine may need to be adjusted accordingly.

The Humane Society also reminds us not to keep an animal locked up in our cars while we shop. Opening a window slightly is not enough to keep an animal cooled off. Being in a car is fine for a pet when the air conditioner is on, but once you turn off the car it doesn't take long for heat stroke to occur.Leave them home where they'll be comfortable. Temperatures inside a car can rise into the hundreds in a matter of minutes. If you wouldn't leave a child in the car, why leave a pet there?

Cars aren't the only place where animals overheat. Taking your pet to an August street fair can really be stressful for an animal. In addition to the excessive heat, there are the crowds and noise. All these factors create a anxiety-producing situation for your pet. Be a responsible pet owner and consider what is best for the animal's well being.

The Humane Society guidelines also point out that lawns can be a real source of trouble for pets. Spread with pesticides, fertilizers and insecticides, and filled with potentially poisonous flowers, grassy areas and lawns are a place where every pet owner needs to be vigilant. There are more than 700 plants that have been identified as potentially toxic, some of which are quite abundant, such as holly shrubs. Be sure to keep an eye on your pet when they're roaming outdoors.

Lastly, the guidelines remind us of the threat posed by heart worms. Some pet owners reduce the preventative medicine they give their animals during the colder winter months and may forget to protect the animal once the weather heats up again. Be sure your pet is protected against this painful blood disease which affects the tissue surrounding the animal's heart and lungs. Although the disease can be treated, the treatment itself can also prove painful. Heart worm is transmitted by summer's nemesis, the mosquito, and can easily be combated by administering heart worm medicine to your pet monthly, throughout the year.

Keep these important guidelines on hand so that summer won't be a stressful time for you or your beloved pet.