Spike Rullo Here!
Boy, my human parents are sure enjoying the warm, sunny weather! I heard them say these sure are The Dog Days of Summer… Now, this smart pup looked into what this means…
Although "The Dog Days Of Summer" seems to refer to times of persistently hot weather in the summer, this term actually refers to a Star in the constellation Canis Major that is one of the brightest stars in the sky and is approximately 8.6 light-years distant from Earth. The Dog Days is named after Sirius, the Dog Star. The Dog Days come when the Dog Star begins to line up with our Sun. It was thought long ago that when the Dog Star aligned with the Sun, they combined their energy to make the weather even hotter. Even this pooch knows that no other star could warm the earth at even the smallest fraction that the Sun does since stars are very far away!
I do know that this hot weather does make for some unique summer pet care challenges!
Although wild animals are well adapted to the elements, companion animals like me can be just as susceptible to extreme temperatures as our owners are. When the temperatures get extreme, your pet’s safety should be top priority!
Here are 5 ways to stay safe while enjoying summer activities with your pet:
1-Respect the heat. Pets just as Humans can find a hot summer day overwhelming. Unlike you, we have limited ability to deal with the heat. Dogs release heat through their paw pads and by panting, while humans can sweat through all of the skin on their body. Also, dehydration can be a big problem. Animals with flat faces—like Pugs and Persian cats—cannot pant as effectively, and are therefore more susceptible to heat stroke. You should also keep an eye on elderly or overweight pets or animals with heart and lung disease. In the summer, make certain that Fido and Fluffy always have access to plenty of fresh, cool water, and avoid letting them run around outside during the hottest parts of the day.
2-Keep bugs away - safely. Another summer pet safety issue is the presence of ticks and other summer insects. Not only can bugs carry diseases, but the ways people try to ward them off can also cause problems for your pet's health. Fertilizers and pesticides may help keep a lawn looking great, but they can be very dangerous. In areas where your pets play, try to keep the grass cut short to reduce the presence of ticks and other insects. Talk to your veterinarian about the best ways to protect your pet from fleas, ticks, and other insects.
3-Beware of antifreeze. In the summertime, antifreeze can leak out of cars when they overheat, leaving puddles on the ground that your dog can easily lap up and swallow. The sweet taste of antifreeze is tempting to dogs and cats, but when this toxic substance is ingested, it's potentially lethal.
4-Find out if your pet needs sunscreen. Some pets, particularly those with short fine hair and pink skin, can be susceptible to sunburn. Talk to your veterinarian about which types of sunscreen are safest on your pet's skin. But be careful! Do not use sunscreen or insect repellents that are not designed specifically for use on animals.
5-Practice water safety. As with other aspects of summer pet care, water safety is all about thinking ahead. It's fun to bring your pet to the beach or pool to stay cool together, but always keep a close eye on your pet when they're in or near the water. Even a strong swimmer could have trouble getting out of a pool, or get trapped by ropes and other obstacles. For more risky summer adventures with your dog, like boating, look into a doggie life preserver.
Well off to the pool, my mom has cool treats all ready for me!
Have fun and stay cool just like me!
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