It’s summer and the days are longer and hotter. We’re outside more often with our pets—walking them, hiking and letting them swim and sometimes hosing them down on a hot day.
This is the time of year that bugs are out so check with your vet with regard to fleas and ticks. And don’t forget that mosquitos carry diseases as well—make sure you protect your pet against heart worm. True, we don’t have was many mosquitos here in the Rockies as in other parts of the country but we have enough that heart worm can be a real danger. So talk to your vet about protecting your pet during this summer season.
Also make sure you pay attention to your dog’s needs during this season. Plenty of water is a must—check on those pets left outdoors during the day that they have plenty of water and shade available. And please don’t leave your pet in a hot car. In the middle of a hot day even with the windows down a bit the temperature inside a car can overwhelm your pet.
Here are a few tips to keep your furry friend safe this summer. Try walking them during the cooler parts of the day. Make sure they have plenty of water inside and out, this is especially critical if your dog is an outside dog most of the day. If this is the case make sure they also have a shady area or some sort of protection from the harsh sun. Do not leave your pet in a parked car on a hot day. This should be obvious but it happens every year that pets die from being left in a hot car. Pay attention to your pet. Some panting in heat is okay, excessive panting and lethargy is not. They may have heat stroke and you need to get them to the vet as soon as possible.