Keeping Your Pets Cool during Blazing Summer Months

During the summer months, when temperatures sky rocket, it is important that pet owners keep their animals cool.  If pets like dogs and cats overheat, they can become dehydrated and even get sick.  As the temperatures climb during the months of July, August and September, make sure you:

§  Limit the amount of time your pets spend outside.  You may think that if pets are in the shade, they will stay cool, but that is not true.  Even when pets are in the shade, they can overheat if it is very hot outside.  Therefore, keep your pets outside for 20 minutes at a time and do not exceed that amount of time.

§  Make sure your pets drink plenty of water.  Water will not only keep your pets hydrated, but also keep them cool.

§  If you take your dogs for a walk when it is hot outside, take them home when they start to pant excessively or drag on their leashes as these are signs that they are hot and need to rest.

§  If you think your pet has become overheated, gently pour cool (not ice cold) water on their bodies and let them rest.