Hot, Hot, Hot !
Here in Arizona we like to say it isn't hot until we reach 100'! We are fast approaching those temperatures. Living in the desert has its advantages, including wonderful mornings, even in the summer, and seldom do we have a frost. But it also presents some challenges to humans and their pets. With the temperature rising, it is important to be aware that our four legged friends need our help to survive in the desert. Many of our clients work during the day, and take their dogs for a walk in the evening. A little tip to keep your dog from burning his paws on the hot pavement -if the pavement is too hot for you to stand on in bare feet then it is too hot for you canine friend too. Many pet stores carry boots to keep them from burning their paws. Do the dogs like them? Probably not the first week they wear them but they quickly become accustom to them! Another suggestion if they get along with other dogs, is to drop them off for Doggie Day Camp on your way to work. They play with other dogs, get to jump in the wading pools to cool off, and are protected by a high UV rated sunscreen. They take a nap at noon and can have lunch and/or a Frosty Treat. They then go back out to play and are "dog tired" when you pick them up on your way home. For more information on Doggie Day Camp call or go to our web site, listed to the left of this article.
Please never leave your pet in the car while you run into the grocery store. The temperature on a mild day in the 90's, even with the windows cracked, quickly rises to over 120' inside your car. That can easily cause brain damage or death in a very short time.
It is important that our pets do not get dehydrated. Keep a large bowl of fresh water available at all times.
If your dog must be outside during the heat of the day, make sure they have a place to rest that is not in the sun. A large bowl of clean, fresh water is a must. If your dog likes to tip over the bucket, figure out a way to secure it. The ideal situation of course, is to not leave your pet outside during the summer.
Do you have a pool? Great! Many dogs love to swim. However, you must make sure your pet knows how to get out of the pool. Showing them where the steps are is important. Practice this for at least two weeks or until you are sure that they can get out on their own. If you have an elderly pet, do not let them around the pool unattended. Just like small children, they drown easily because they fall in at one end and don't have the strength to swim to the steps. Our hospital receives so many pets for cremation that have drown in the owner's pool. So just like children, WATCH YOUR PET AROUND WATER!
Here to a safe and happy summer!
Return to May, 2010 Newsletter
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