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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.
As temperatures rise, you need to take extra precautions to keep your furry friends safe! Here are a few tips to get you and your pet through the spring and summer:
Never leave your pet alone in a parked car.
Every year, dogs overheat after being locked inside cars while their owners shop or run errands. It only takes a few minutes for the temperature inside a car to soar over 100 degrees, even with the windows down. Pets left in hot cars, even briefly, can suffer from heat exhaustion, heat stroke, brain damage, or death. If you see an animal that’s been left in a vehicle, report it to the store’s manager immediately. If the owner of the vehicle cannot be reached, dial your county animal control or the local police department. Unfortunately, the Atlanta Humane Society is not able to respond to such situations, although we can provide you with the appropriate animal control phone number.
Don’t put your pet in the back of your truck.
In many areas, it's illegal to have your dog loose in the bed of a truck. It's also extremely unsafe. Dogs can jump out or be unintnentionally thrown from the bed when you slam on brakes, swerve, or collide with another vehicle. Dogs should ride either in the cab (in a crate or wearing a seatbelt harness designed for dogs) or in a secured crate in the bed of the truck. But remember… crates get hot too!
Hydration is key.
Make sure your pet always has fresh, cool water to drink. If your pet must be outdoors for any period of time, make sure he has a shady place to escape the sun. Be careful not to over-exercise him, and keep him indoors when at all possible.
Beware the asphalt.
Asphalt gets extremely hot on warm days and releases heat slowly, so it stays hot even after sunset. Avoid walking dogs on the blacktop if possible. Not only can it burn sensitive paw pads, but the dog’s body can heat up quickly since he’s low to the ground.
Do not leave pets unsupervised around water.
Not all pets are good swimmers! Make sure your pet wears a flotation device when on a boat, and rinse him off after swimming to remove chlorine or salt from his fur.
Keep all unscreened windows and doors closed.
Make sure adjustable screens are tightly secured and never let your pet near a window without a screen. Pets can easily fall out of windows and off of balconies. Please take necessary precautions!!
Know the warning signs of heatstroke.
Lethargy, excessive panting, difficulty breathing, a lurching gait, glazed eyes, vomiting, bright red gums and tongue, and increased salivation are all symptoms. If you see signs of heatstroke, soak him with cool (not cold) water and seek veterinary care immediately!