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Summer Tips
Fleas and other parasites
Fleas and other parasites are part of living with pets, but they don't have to be a threat to you or to your pet if you take the proper precautions. Even a strictly indoor pet can have a flea problem. Fleas can make your pet very ill: they irritate the skin, carry tapeworms, and can cause anemia, lowering the pet's resistance to disease.
Part your pet's hair with your fingers and look for signs of fleas: tiny, comma-shaped black droppings. You may even see moving fleas. If you find any of these signals, you need to take action to protect your pet.
To get rid of fleas, treat your home with sprays, powders, or foggers. Ask your veterinarian before using any product on or around your pet. Vacuum floors and upholstery thoroughly and often. Use a flea comb as part of your grooming sessions, and protect your pet with safe, high-quality products. Read labels -- some flea-fighting products are dangerous for cats. Labels also tell you which products can be used together and how to use the products safely.
Hot Car - Even ten minutes could be too long for a pet left in a car on a warm day. In just a few minutes, the temperature inside the car could reach 160F. That's hot enough to cause a dog to suffer brain damage or even death. The quick stop you plan to make at the store can easily stretch to 15 minutes or more before you know it, and your mistake could result in the death of your pet. Leaving the window cracked won't cool the car enough to protect your pet and could invite thieves. The safest place for your pet is at home.
In many areas, riding a dog in an open truck is against the law. A dog cannot brace itself against sudden stops. Flying debris can injure your dog's eyes, nose and ears, or your dog could suffer from sunburn, heatstroke or burn itself on the truck's hot surfaces. Even tied, a dog can be hurt jumping or falling out of a truck. If your dog must ride in the bed of a pickup, he should be in a crate that is securely fastened to the truck. Do not leave him in direct sunlight or unsupervised for long periods, because crates can get hot, too.
Heat Stroke
Dogs are susceptible to heatstroke in very hot weather, so take precautions to protect your pet. Keep your pet indoors with air conditioning or fans during the hottest parts of the day, and make sure he has access to fresh, cool (not cold) water. If he must be left outdoors, he needs a covered house in a shady spot with access to unspillable water. Avoid too much exertion with your pet during the hottest parts of the day. Signs of heatstroke include: exhaustion, heavy panting, glazed eyes, confusion, and a lurching gait. Until you can get him to the vet, dousing him in cool (not cold) water will help to reduce his temperature.