SUMMERTIME SAFETY

Well folks, it's going to be a scorcher!

When temperatures start to rise, the heat poses a risk not only to humans but to our pets as well. It's important to keep your beloved companions cool and safe during the hot summer months to avoid things like heat stroke, dehydration, or even water related injuries.

Below are some tips to help keep your furry friends happy and healthy this summer!

DON'T LEAVE YOUR DOG OR OTHER PETS IN THE CAR. 
While this may seem like a no-brainer, many pets are left unattended in hot vehicles all the time. At 80 degrees outside, even with the windows cracked or rolled down, temperatures inside a vehicle can quickly reach over 100 degrees within minutes.  This can quickly lead to heat stroke, which is often fatal. If you absolutely MUST bring your pets with you bring someone to stay in the vehicle with them with the air conditioning on, or call ahead to your destination to ask about their policies on bringing pets with you. However, the safest thing is for them to stay at home.

OUTDOOR PETS.
If it's hot to you, it's hot to them! In and ideal world, every pet would have a comfy, air conditioned, indoor area to relax in during the hottest hours of the day but we know that's just not possible. But there are some things we can do to help keep them comfortable outdoors. Fresh, cool water, plenty of shade and an area that isn't so enclosed as to stop any breeze. You can also give your pets treats such as frozen low sodium chicken broth, green beans, or just plain ice cubes. Many dogs also appreciate a shallow kiddie pool to splash in as well! 

RABBITS.
Rabbits are much more sensitive to the heat than most domestic animals. Their dense fur traps their body heat next to their skin and with their somewhat fragile systems this can VERY quickly lead to over-heating an death. Rabbits should be kept in a temperature regulated enclosure or indoors if possible once it's over 80 degrees outside. Wild rabbits can burrow underground to stay cool but most pet rabbits don't have that option. If there is no way to keep your bunny indoors there are still some ways to help keep them safe. Fresh, cool water, shade, ceramic tiles, frozen 2 liter water bottles, damp towels over the top of their enclosure, and frozen treats are all ways to help keep your rabbits temperature down. For more information on caring for rabbits in hot weather click here.

WATER SAFETY.
Many dogs love the water. But did you know that some breeds can't swim well enough to keep their heads above water? Brachycephalic, or short snout, breeds such as French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Pugs, Pekingese, Shih Tzus and Lhasa Apso have an especially difficult time with swimming. Having a life jacket on your pet while they are in the water is one of the best ways to avoid a terrible accident. And if your pet is going to be swimming in moving water such as a river or the ocean its best to have a life jacket and leash securely attached and in hand at all times. 

PET CPR.
It's something we all hope we'll never have to use but know it's good to have the training. Just like you can get certified in human Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) you can also get trained in animal CPR. The Red Cross offers Pet CPR and First Aid information on their website here. 

If you have any questions or thoughts we'd love to hear from you in the comments!