Taking Care of Your Pets During Summer

May 25, 2020


Summer is coming, and everyone is ready to get outside. Spending time outdoors with your dog is a great way to get exercise, Vitamin D, and relieve stress. Whether it’s a day at the park or a visit to the farm, make sure you’re taking good care of your pets the entire time. Here are some things that are easy to forget during summer but are important to taking care of your pet.
 
  1. Bug prevention.
We are aware of mosquito bites and ticks on us, but are we that attentive to our pets? When pets are outside without proper protection, pests can eat them up. Flea and tick collars are a great place to start. Shampooing helps keep a healthy coat and prevents pests. Avoid high bug times of day including dusk and dawn. Also, keeping the grass cut short reduces the presence of ticks and insects in the yard.
 
  1. Stay Hydrated
If we’re out for a long day, we are likely to bring water or get a drink on the way home. Do we do the same for our pet? Pets should have constant access to clean water. If you’re going on a hike or long walk, bring a small bowl so they can stay hydrated, too. Dogs pant to keep cool, which can cause them to lose excess moisture, so help them stay cool, comfortable and hydrated with plenty of water.
 
  1. Mind the heat and consider your breed
Like humans, pets have different heat tolerances. Many dogs and even cats pant to release heat, but some breeds cannot pant effectively. This causes them to be more heat intolerant and sensitive to heat stroke. Check with your veterinarian about how heat tolerant your pet is likely to be. In any breed, watch your animal and make sure they are staying healthy and acting normally.
 
  1. Be antifreeze aware
During the summer, cars can overheat and leak antifreeze. These sweet flavored and enticing little puddles of poison can be a death sentence to a pup. You can determine an antifreeze leak by a sweet smell or liquids that are the color of lime-green, orange, pink, or blue-green. Keep an eye out for puddles under your car and your neighbors’ cars and keep your animals clear of it. 
 

Read More News

Nov 30, 2023
As the familiar chill of winter sets in, there’s nothing quite like the warmth and ambiance of a crackling fire. For those who rely on wood-burning fireplaces to keep the cold at bay, the way you stack your wood is a crucial element in ensuring a steady and efficient heat source.
 
Nov 20, 2023
As Thanksgiving approaches, it may be time to elevate your cooking game and add a twist to your traditional turkey preparation. Smoking a turkey imparts a rich, flavorful taste that will have your guests coming back for seconds and thirds.
 
Nov 13, 2023
During the winter, it is more likely for farm dogs to sneak their way into our homes at night. After all, who can resist a pitiful pair of puppy dog eyes? If they are lucky, you will let them inside just after the sun sets, presenting them a golden opportunity for sniffing, scrounging, and begging under the kitchen table during your family’s dinnertime.