Warm Weather Hints
Pets are affected by the heat the same way we are, and maybe more so. Remember they have a fur coat that is keeping them even warmer and the only way they have to cool off is by panting.
Make sure your pet has plenty of cool water. If you are going to be away for more than a few hours, consider putting some ice cubes in the water bowl so that the water will stay cool longer. Replace the water often during the day so it stays cool and fresh.
Shade is also important on a hot day. Keep in mind that as the sun shifts in the sky, the shade provided by a tree or building may move or disappear totally.
A small plastic pool could be as enjoyable for your pet as it is for your children. We all like a refreshing dip in the pool occasionally, and your pet does too.
Make sure your pet has plenty of cool water. If you are going to be away for more than a few hours, consider putting some ice cubes in the water bowl so that the water will stay cool longer. Replace the water often during the day so it stays cool and fresh.
Shade is also important on a hot day. Keep in mind that as the sun shifts in the sky, the shade provided by a tree or building may move or disappear totally.
A small plastic pool could be as enjoyable for your pet as it is for your children. We all like a refreshing dip in the pool occasionally, and your pet does too.
Cool Weather Hints
Common sense tells us to come in out of the cold, but sometimes our pets aren't able to come in on their own. Then it is up to us to help them out. When the temperature is getting colder, and especially when it dips below freezing, bring your pets inside so they don't freeze. Even if you bring them into a garage, it is better than out in the weather.
When the temperature is below freezing, make sure your pet has unfrozen water available for drinking. Even though there may be plenty of snow available for them to eat and get hydrated, it lowers their body temperature just like it does to humans and causes them to freeze to death faster.
If your pet has been walking where salt has been applied to keep the sidewalks clear, please check their paws for any salt that might be stuck in their fur or pads. Not only is it uncomfortable for them, the chemicals can harm them as it sits on their skin or if they eat it while trying to get it out of their pads and fur.
While antifreeze is vital to the operation of our vehicles during the cold months, it is poisonous to our pets. It has a sweet smell and taste and they don't realize that they are drinking something that is going to hurt them. This is a painful death for the pets, so please keep the antifreeze away from your pets - and if your vehicle is leaking antifreeze, get it fixed!
When the temperature is below freezing, make sure your pet has unfrozen water available for drinking. Even though there may be plenty of snow available for them to eat and get hydrated, it lowers their body temperature just like it does to humans and causes them to freeze to death faster.
If your pet has been walking where salt has been applied to keep the sidewalks clear, please check their paws for any salt that might be stuck in their fur or pads. Not only is it uncomfortable for them, the chemicals can harm them as it sits on their skin or if they eat it while trying to get it out of their pads and fur.
While antifreeze is vital to the operation of our vehicles during the cold months, it is poisonous to our pets. It has a sweet smell and taste and they don't realize that they are drinking something that is going to hurt them. This is a painful death for the pets, so please keep the antifreeze away from your pets - and if your vehicle is leaking antifreeze, get it fixed!