Warm Weather Tips
Since dogs and cats can only release heat through their footpads, cooling properly can pose a real problem, particularly for dogs. Heavy-coated dogs should be clipped before the summer months can prove fatal. Even a day that seems mild--with temperatures in the 70's--can cause heat stroke for an animal trapped in a car or closed garage. A dog's normal body temperature is about 101.5 degrees, but left in a closed car or garage can raise their body temperature within a few minutes to 107 degrees. They can suffer dehydration, irreversible brain damage and even death in a very short amount of time. So the key word is DON'T leave your pet in the car, even with the windows cracked, for even a few minutes. If you travel with your pets in the summer and must leave them in the car, leave the air conditioning on in the car.
Pets face a variety of health problems in the warmer weather. Mosquitoes increase dramatically in summer months and carry one of the most deadly ailments household pets suffer -- heartworm. Mosquitoes carry a parasite that causes pulmonary vascular disease that can lead to heart failure. The best way to avoid this deadly illness is to use preventative medication. Heartworm is most common in dogs but cats can also suffer with the disease.
Wasps, bees and hornets are also a problem during the summer. Dogs think of the flying insects as potential snack food and end up regretting their culinary exploration. Kittens experience stings because of their playfulness. There is no real way to train either dogs or cats to avoid such stings, however they can be treated with antihistamines to reduce the swelling that occurs following an attack.
DO give your pet plenty of water. This not only keeps the animal cool, but also helps prevent dehydration.
DON'T leave your pet outdoors for extended periods of time in high temperatures. If it isn't possible to bring the animal inside, make sure that they have plenty of shade so they are able to get out of the sun.
When taking animals for a walk, be careful when walking them on asphalt. Asphalt gets very hot and can burn the pads of your dog's feet causing severe damage. It may be best to wait until evening when the asphalt has had a chance to cool a little. Remember if you like to take long walks or jog with your pet bring water with you for the animal too.