Community News
(and Other Pets) By Teri Hebert
I
t’s summer and it has gotten HOT sooner than I think anyone was expecting. This heat is brutal for us humans! And it is “ruff” (pun intended) for dogs, cats, and other pets that venture outside.
tend to be cooler in the mornings before 8am and in the evenings after 8pm. If it’s possible, save your neighborhood stroll for those times of day to help keep your pup’s paws safe.
Since you and I (probably) don’t walk around outside with a fur coat on in 90-degree heat, it’s hard to relate to what an extra layer of fur could do to affect the comfort of our furry friends while they are outside. Here are a few things to be mindful of when caring for your pets in the summer.
3. Provide plentiful amounts of water. It’s important to have plenty of water available outside in your dog’s or cat’s water bowl. Add an extra bowl if you notice your dog running out of water while she’s outside. And when you take that morning or evening stroll with your pup, take some water with you for a water break. Both of you will appreciate having a cold drink of water midwalk!
1. Keep them indoors as much as you can. I’m sure some of us have “outside” dogs and cats. These pets are used to spending more time outside than inside. They might even truly live outside full time and never come in your house. But if it’s possible, create additional shade for them outdoors or perhaps allow them in to the garage or the house during the hottest parts of the day. Even a little relief can go a long way! 2. Walk your dog earlier in the morning or later in the evening. You know what it’s like to walk barefoot on the pavement when it’s almost 100 degrees outside. Unless your dog wears flip-flops, their paws can be injured on hot pavement. But, temps on the pavement
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4. Watch them carefully. If your dog is anything like my dog, she doesn’t have an “off” switch or “slow” function when she’s outside. She constantly runs the yard following a variety of sights and sounds, (some of which I don’t think are really there!). So, it’s up to me to help her regulate her energy and temperature in the heat. She doesn’t know when to stop herself before she over-does it. When she seems to be breathing hard and slobbering everywhere, I know I need to bring her inside and help her cool down. We hope you and your pets have a fun, safe, and cool (as much as possible) summer!
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