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June 12, 2007 09:31 AM 
 
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Arlington Animal Services
5920 W. Pioneer Parkway

Mail Stop 52-0100
P. O. Box 90231
Arlington, Texas 76004-3231

Phone: 817-451-3436
Fax: 817-451-9573

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Arlington Shelter ID is TX144
 

 
Animal Services - Encouraging Responsible Pet Ownership

Printable Version

THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES OFFERS TIPS FOR A FUN AND SAFE SUMMER FOR YOUR PETS

Summer is a great time for people and their pets. Whether it's walking your dog on a sunny afternoon or leaving your screened windows open for your cat to enjoy a breeze, there are many ways for pets and people to enjoy the season. But summer also means that people need to take some extra precautions with their companion animals.

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the nation's largest animal protection organization, has some tips for ensuring that summer is fun and safe for your dog or cat.

Nancy Peterson, HSUS issues specialist for companion animals, notes, "Protection from the heat, parasites, car safety, and sterilizing your pet are some of the issues that, while important year-round, need extra attention during the summer months."

Safe Fun in the Sun

  • It is important to make sure that your pet has protection from heat and sun and plenty of fresh water. Heat stroke can be fatal for pets as well as people.
  • Leaving your pet outside unattended even for a few minutes places he or she at risk of theft or harm.
  • Take care when exercising your pet. Adjust intensity and duration of exercise in accordance with the temperature. On hot days, save longer walks and games of catch for the cooler mornings and evenings. Be especially careful with short-nosed dogs like pugs and bulldogs. Their facial conformation makes it difficult for them to cool their bodies by panting.
  • Don't chain or tether your dog. It allows no opportunity for exercise and socialization, and when done for long periods of time can lead to behavior problems. Instead, set aside time every day to walk or play ball with your dog.
  • Keep your cat indoors. Though your feline friend may wish to explore the outdoors, cats who are permitted to go outside are at an increased risk of disease and injury from vehicles or other animals. For more information on The HSUS Safe Cats Campaign, visit www.hsus.org/safecats.

Parasite Patrol

  • Take care in choosing flea and tick control products, as some can be harmful to pets and children. For a list of chemicals and products to avoid and alternatives to pesticides, visit www.hsus.org.
  • Dogs and cats are at an increased risk of contracting heartworm during the summer. Transmitted by a bite from an infected mosquito, heartworm disease can be fatal if not treated. Check with your veterinarian for the best schedule for heartworm testing and preventive medication for your pet.

Companion Animals and Cars

  • Though numerous car commercials depict it as the ultimate joy in a dog's life, allowing your canine companion to stick his head out the window is asking for trouble. Doing so can subject your pet to injury by flying debris.
  • Never leave your pet unattended in a parked car. On warm days, the temperature in your car can rise to 120 degrees in minutes, even with the windows slightly open. Also, an animal left alone in a car is an open invitation to pet thieves.
  • Dogs should never ride in the back of pick-up trucks, and some states have laws that restrict such transport. If you are forced to make a sudden or evasive driving maneuver, your dog could be thrown from the truck and seriously, or even fatally, injured.

How To Move Your Pet Safely

Summer Care Tips for Your Pet

Traveling By Car With Your Pet

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