Pet Smart

They may call them The Dog Days of Summer, but it certainly isn’t because the hot weather is a breeze for our furry friends. As the summer heat really takes hold, it’s time to do the best you can to keep your pets happy and healthy. After all, they can’t ask you to turn down the thermostat.

Here are some things to consider when making summertime as safe as possible for your pets.

• Never leave your pet in the car. Sure, the AC was on, and the car is cool now, but a vehicle heats up very quickly when in the sun. Even with the windows down, a car’s interior can reach 120 degrees in minutes. If you’re going to be running errands, please leave your pet at home. Thank you (that was from Rover)!

   
• Water is life … for all living things. Be sure to keep your pet’s water bowl full. If you take your pet outdoors, have plenty of water available for both of you. Add an ice cube to your pet’s drinking water in the morning to help keep it cool.

   
• Yes, fur protects pets from the sun, but there are still areas that need extra protection. Put sunblock on the skin around the lips, the tip of the nose and the tip of the ears when going out. That goes for you too, in addition to all exposed skin.

   
• It may taste sweet, but it’ll sour your pet’s health quickly. It’s anti-freeze, which tends to heat up and spill over from vehicle radiators, creating inviting puddles of green liquid for pets. It’s extremely toxic, so keep pets at a safe distance.

   
• Tick. Tick. Tick. Summer is parasite time, one of which is the tick. If you find one (or more) on your pet, leave the Old Wives’ Tales alone (smearing the tick with petroleum jelly, painting it with fingernail polish, etc.). Instead, grab the little sucker as close to your pet’s skin as you can with tweezers and gently pull until the tick is dislodged. Swab the area with alcohol.
   
• If you leave your pet outdoors (or let them out for extended times), shelter/shade needs to be available. This is especially true during the hottest times of the day, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

   
• Humidity makes us uncomfortable, but it can cause serious problems for pets. We perspire when we’re hot, and the evaporation of that sweat from our skin is a natural cooling device. Animals perspire too, but only around their paws. This isn’t nearly enough to help cool them. Instead, they pant. On humid days, that cooling device is compromised.

   
• Stormy weather can really make a mess of your dog’s psyche. Some dogs take the lightning and thunder of a summer storm better than others. If your dog just cannot be consoled, talk to your veterinarian. He/she may recommend medication, behavior modification or training tips.

Did You Know?
The phrase “Dog Days” comes from the ancient belief that Sirius (the Dog Star) was responsible for the hot weather. Why would they think that? In the summer, Sirius rises and sets with the sun. The ancients believed that its heat added to the heat of the sun, creating a stretch of hot, sultry weather.

O.K., so you’re ready to tackle the rest of the hot summer with your beloved pet(s). Did you know you can provide your pet with another level of protection with Vantage? We now offer pet insurance through respected pet expert, Purina. It’s PurinaCare, and it brings real peace of mind when it comes to protecting your pet. And Vantage members receive a discount!