The long, hot days of summer don’t have to be hazardous to your pets’ health. A little precaution can go a long way in protecting your pets from seasonal health threats.

For instance, parked cars are potential death traps during the hot summer months because temperatures inside the car can easily climb to 120 degrees F on a sunny day. If you absolutely must leave your pet in a car, please do the following.

• Open windows and vents as wide as possible without providing an escape route; or, put your pet in a well-ventilated cage inside the car and open the windows fully.
• Provide water.
• Check the car every ten minutes.
  

If your pet is panting, has a staring or anxious expression, does not obey commands, has warm, dry skin and high fever, rapid heartbeat, or is vomiting, lower his temperature quickly with cool water either by immersion or by spraying thoroughly with a garden hose. Call your veterinarian immediately.

The following are other tips to protect your pet’s health in the summertime:

• Keep your pet’s kennel well-ventilated and positioned near a well-shaded area where your pet can avoid midday sun and heat.
• Avoid excessive exercise during hot weather since over-exhaustion commonly cause heat stress.
• Keep plenty of fresh drinking water available at all times.
• Be sure your dog is vaccinated against infectious diseases such as canine Parvovirus. Parvovirus affects the intestines and is most serious in pups and elderly dogs. Symptoms of the disease which can become life-threatening within 24 hours include frequent vomiting and bloody diarrhea (which can cause dangerous dehydration) and unusual tiredness.
• While rodents, snails and slugs aren’t out to get your pet, the poisons that kill these pests are lethal to dogs and cats who enjoy snacking on the bait. Be careful and don’t let your pet become the victim of these poisons.
• Lawn herbicides can also poison pets. Keep your animals out of the yard while spraying herbicides and for three days afterward.
• Keep your pet well groomed. Long hair and hair mats may need to be clipped to help cool your pet and prevent skin disease.
• Declare war on fleas. Ask us for the most effective, cost-effective flea control programs. Don’t waste money on over the counter products that don’t work! We are the experts!