Keep pets cool in the warming weather
The weather is beginning to warm up again, and everyone is taking advantage of that. People are starting to wear short sleeves and shorts again. It is once again enjoyable to be outside.
It also means people are beginning to leave the house with their pets. This means some people are running inside buildings for what they believe are quick errands, and they end up leaving their pets in cars without air conditioning or a window open.
On a sunny 70 degree day, the temperature in the car can soar to triple digits in just 30 minutes. Pets can overheat easily and it is advised not to leave your pet alone in the car even with a window cracked or in the shade. Your pet could have a heat stroke, so if you need to leave your car and your pet is with you either take them with you or take them home.
Pets with short muzzles like bulldogs, pitbulls and boxers are more prone to heat strokes which can be deadly in pets.
Hot asphalt is also just as unkind to paws as it is to your bare feet. If you take them on a walk or hike, make sure there is a grassy area for them to walk on or invest in dog shoes if hot asphalt is unavoidable.
Pets that are light in color, especially white pets, are extremely susceptible to sunburn. There is pet sunscreen as human sunscreen is ill-advised for pets. Sunscreen should be fragrance-free, waterproof, and have UVA and UVB protection.
Make sure their coats are groomed for the summer and their winter coats have been brushed out properly. There are plenty of great grooming businesses within the Golden Triangle Area such as Shaggy Hound, Petsense and The Dawg House Playground and Salon here in Starkville.
Of course, always make sure there is plenty of clean water within reach.