Posted on 19th Jul 2011 @ 8:25 PM

The warm weather months are finally here. While your pet is just as happy as you are to get outdoors and play, the heat can be particularly dangerous for your furry four-legged friend.

According to The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals “even the healthiest pets can suffer from dehydration, heat stroke and sunburn if over- exposed to the heat,” says Dr. Lila Miller, ASPCA Vice President of Veterinary Outreach, “and heat stroke can be fatal if not treated promptly.”

Keep in mind that dogs and cats don’t perspire like we do to keep cool. Instead they pant to bring their temperature down. But even with this safety mechanism, it is very easy for pets to become very ill during the warm weather.

Here some must-follow tips for keeping your pet safe this summer:

1. Keep your pet well hydrated. This means making sure that your dog or cat has access to clean and fresh water all day long.
2. Be careful to not over-exert your pet. Going for a jog outside with you is great, but be cautious about how long you stay outside for and the temperature. Same goes for keeping him outdoors while you garden or mow the lawn. Make sure you monitor how long your dog stays outside and make sure that he has access to a cool shaded area.
3. Never leave your dog unattended in a car. In just a matter of minutes, your car can increase its internal temperature by ten to twenty degrees depending upon the outdoor weather. Plus, leaving your dog in a car un- attended is illegal in some states.
4. Give your pet a new do. Take your pet to the groomers for a warm weather makeover. Giving their coat a trim provides them with heaps of more cooling comfort and it also means less hair for you to vacuum up. A win-win for everyone.
5. Stick to his usual diet. Sure outdoor barbeques are fun and delicious, but avoid sharing the culinary treats of summer with your pet. Alcohol, grapes, raisins, onions and chocolate are absolute no-no’s for dogs.
6. Avoid using a muzzle on very hot days. Dogs natu- rally cool themselves by panting and a muzzle restricts this ability. This can quickly cause your dog to overheat and lead to heat stroke.
7. Watch out for storms. Just like humans, animals need to take shelter from extreme weather, like thun- derstorms, tornadoes and of course, scorching heat. Keep a close watch on the weather daily and make the necessary precautions to ensure that your dog is safe.

By being smart and prepared, you and your pet can enjoy the pleasure of the warm weather months safely and comfortably.