Are you and your pet ready for summer?

The following article, “Summer-time Dangers” is being republished with permission from it’s author, Donna Fournier.

With Summer finally here, there are some dangers new and old pet owners alike need to be aware of. Wanting to spend time with our pets and bring them along on your outings is normal. Part of the reason we have pets is to enhance our lives, so why shouldn’t Fido and Fluffy come along?

With these warm days, people naturally become more active and spend more time outside, the natural temptation would be to let your dog stay in the yard. This, however, is not a good idea. Dogs and cats can get dehydrated just like we do, and can be more susceptible to it, as they have no sweat glands to help keep them cool. Certain breeds of dog and cat have a more difficult time when the temperatures rise; Pugs, English Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Brussles Griffons, Affenpinscher, Boxers, Shih Tzus, French Bulldog, Japanese Chin, Pekingese, Shar Pei, Burmese, Himalayans, and Persians, to name a few; because they are brachycephalic (having pushed in faces), they have a harder time moving air when its hot and/or humid, therefore making it harder to maintain their body temperature. So if you have one of these breeds, pay special attention to their body temperature on these hot days; avoid long walks unless it is in the cooler part of the day, and keep plenty of water available.