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Yahoo!Summer has officially begun. As the days grow longer, you may find yourself playing at the beach, swimming and barbecuing outdoors, and taking family vacations. Many of these activities can be enjoyed with your pets in tow, but there are precautions that should be taken. Here are some tips on how you can safely participate in summer activities with your pets.
Hot Weather
Never leave a pet in a car on a hot day. On an 85-degree day, the temperature inside your car can reach 102 degrees in 10 minutes. According to veterinarians, a pet can only withstand a higher body temperature for a very short time before suffering irreparable brain damage or even death. Cracking windows on a hot day isn’t enough to keep your pet cool.
Be safe at the beach. Not only can dogs get overheated in hot cars, but also on steamy summer days. Make sure your pet stays cool outside by always providing shade and cool water. The ASPCA says you should be especially careful with dogs that have short, pushed-in faces (e.g., bulldogs, pugs, and Boston terriers), puppies, and elderly pets. Experts warn that you should be cautious of pets with light-colored noses, ears, or fur as they are especially vulnerable to sunburn and skin cancer. Talk to your veterinarian about choosing a sunscreen.
Adjust your pet’s exercise routine. On very hot days, exercise should be limited to early morning or evening hours. Also, be aware that asphalt gets very hot and can burn your pet’s paws.
Watch for heat stroke. According to the American Red Cross, an overheated dog can suffer brain and organ damage after only 15 minutes. Some signs of heatstroke include excessive panting, bright-red tongue and gums, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and body temperature of 105-110 degrees. If your pet gets overheated, you can give immediate first aid by getting him out of the heat, laying him on cool shaded grass, and pouring cool water over him. Call your veterinarian immediately.
Water Safety
Never leave pets unsupervised around a pool. Contrary to popular belief, not all dogs are good swimmers. Make sure to introduce your pet to the water gradually. Keep in mind that supervision is required even for dogs who know how to swim, as they may jump in a pool and not know how to get out. This is especially true if you have a covered pool. Also, try not to let your dog drink pool water. Chlorine and other chemicals in swimming pools can cause an upset stomach.
Practice safety on boats. Make sure all pets wear flotation devices on boats. Here is just one example: ruffwear.com/K-9-Float-Coat-trade. Additionally, dogs should be rinsed off after swimming in the ocean.
Backyard Safety
Be cautious of chemicals. People tend to fertilize their lawn during the summer months. Be aware that certain fertilizers can be fatal if ingested by your pet. In addition, plant food and insecticides can be dangerous if your pet consumes them. Citronella candles may keep away pests, but they contain a chemical that could be harmful if swallowed.
Don’t allow your pet to partake in parties. Just because you’re enjoying a backyard barbecue or party, doesn’t mean your pet should. Human food and drink aren’t always fit for pets to consume. Alcoholic beverages can cause depression, comas, or even death. Certain foods such as avocados, chocolate, garlic, and onions can also be poisonous. For a further list of potential poisons, read this previous Pet Chat column, independent.com/news/2009/apr/24/pet-poisons/.
Make sure your windows are secured. The ASPCA states that there is an increase in injured animals as a result of “high-rise syndrome,” which occurs when pets fall out of windows and are seriously injured. Since people tend to open windows more in warm weather, make sure to check all your window screens to ensure they are properly secured.
Riding in Cars
Secure your pet while traveling by car. Pets should always be placed in a carrier while traveling in a vehicle. If this isn’t possible, harnesses can be purchased to ensure your pet stays safe while you drive.
Don’t allow your dog to ride in the bed of a pickup truck. If you travel with your dog in the open bed of a pickup truck, not only are you putting your dog at risk, but you’re endangering the lives of other motorists. The State of California prohibits unsecured animals from traveling in an open truck. If you must travel with your dog in your pickup truck, you can secure him in a crate in the truck bed or secure him to a crosstie in the open truck bed so that the dog can’t reach the sides of the truck. It is my belief that if a dog doesn’t fit inside your car, they should stay at home.
Traveling with Your Pet
If you decide to bring your pet with you on your travels, you will need all necessary supplies—food, treats, toys, bed, cold water, and bowls for the road. Make sure to check out hotels ahead of time to see if they allow pets. Here’s a great Web site to look for listings petswelcome.com.
Make sure your pet is healthy. If your pet hasn’t had a health check recently, you may want to make an appointment with your veterinarian before you begin your journey. While you’re there, update your pet on any vaccinations that are needed.
Don’t schedule air flights during peak hours. Peak periods typically mean delays and stopovers, which means your pet will be in a crate for a longer period of time. You should also try to choose early morning or evening flights when the sun isn’t as hot.
If you follow these tips, you can enjoy the summer months with family and friends along with your pet by your side!
Event
Adoption Fair at ASAP
Saturday, June 27, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Visit Animal Shelter Assistance Program (ASAP) and adopt a cat on Saturday, June 27 to reap the benefits of these special prices:
• $25 Adoption fee for adult cats.
• $15 Adoption fee for cats over eight years old who have been at ASAP for more than six months.
• $10 microchipping and a free cat scratcher for cats who are six months or over (only on June 27).
ASAP is located at 5473 Overpass Road (just beyond the Humane Society). For more information, call 683-3368
Microchipping
Sunday, June 28, noon-4 p.m.
Camp Canine joins with Dog Adoption and Welfare Group (DAWG) for a microchipping event this Sunday. Protect your pooch with a registered Home Again microchip for only $11.
Bring your leashed dog to Camp Canine located at 803 East Montecito Street (one block off Milpas). For more information, call 962-4790.
FREE to Pit Bulls and Their Mixes
DAWG will provide free spay/neuter, free vaccinations, and free Home Again microchips to pit bulls and pit bull mixes. For more information, contact DAWG at 681-0561
Gumbo and Lady
Adoptable Pets of the Week
Gumbo and Lady are so sweet. Gumbo is a 10-year-old male chocolate lab who has already been neutered. He weighs about 90 pounds. Lady is a six-year-old spayed female of the same breed who is 76 pounds. They are typical labs—very happy, sociable, playful, and energetic. They are inseparable and must be placed together!
DAWG (Dog Adoption and Welfare Group) is a no-kill not for profit dog rescue/adoption organization located at 5480 Overpass Road. For more information, call 681-0561. You can view more adoptable dogs at sbdawg.com
The public is invited to stop by and look around every day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. DAWG relies on volunteers to take care of all the dogs, so if you love canines, think about volunteering. Students are able to fulfill their volunteer community service requirement by volunteering. Volunteer orientations are generally held every other Saturday at 10 a.m. Contact DAWG for the next meeting.
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