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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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