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EXERCISING PETS:
Walk or exercise your pets in the early morning or late evening.
Monitor them frequently as you are walking and cut back the level and length of time you are exercising them.
Be mindful of the humidity, as it also makes it harder for pets to breathe.
When walking dogs, do not let your dog stand on hot asphalt, pavement or sand. Paw pads are sensitive and will burn easily.
VEHICLES AND PETS:
Never leave a pet in a vehicle, even if you are just running into the store for a minute.
Parking in the shade does not help.
PETS WHO LIVE OUTSIDE:
In extreme temperatures, bring pets inside.
Provide plenty of fresh, cold water.
Provide shade and shelter, such as a dog house or dog igloo.
Place a kid pool in a shaded area and fill with fresh water every day. This will allow the dog to cool itself.
HEARTWORM & FLEA & TICK PREVENTATIVE:
It’s mosquito, flea and tick season. It’s imperative that dogs are on heartworm and flea/tick preventative.
Heartworms are very prevalent in this region and are deadly if not treated.
A once-a-month heartworm pill will save your dog’s life.
IF YOUR PET IS EXPOSED TO HIGH TEMPERATURES:
Be alert for signs of heat stress. Heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse, unsteadiness, a staggering gait, vomiting, or a deep red or purple tongue.
If your pet becomes overheated, you must lower its body temperature immediately
Move your pet into the shade and apply cool (not cold) water all over the body to gradually lower temperature
Apply ice packs or cool towels to your pet’s head, neck and chest
Let your pet drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes
Take your pet directly to a veterinarian
Hot weather can be deadly for pets—don’t forget to protect them from the summer heat!
