Keep your pet cool and chirpy this summer

Chennai: With the beginning of summer weather, pet owners need to get their pets ready for the hot weather months ahead. We forget that our pets have different needs in the heat of summer than we do. Summer also brings unique risks to your dog’s health that you should keep in mind throughout the season. By following a few summer pet safety tips, you can keep your animal friends healthy and enjoy the months of sun and fun.

Some tips to take care of your dogs in the hot summer month.

Never leave your pet in the car:

Heatstroke and death can occur within minutes of being exposed to warm temperatures. Put a sunshade on your car windows; bring along fresh water and a bowl and a tarp or tent so you can set up a shady spot when you stop.

Water, water everywhere:

Whether you’re indoors or out, both you and your pet need access to lots of fresh water during the summer, so check their water bowl several times a day to be sure it’s full.

Feeding:

A well-balanced nutritionally complete and energy dense diet like Pedigree dry food, which also contains some natural antioxidants and confers some protection against the effects of heat stress to the pet.

Keep their bed cool:

Remove cushiony bedding from your dog’s crate or bed. They may be more comfortable lying on the cooler bottom rather than on blankets or fleece.

Make sure your pet doesn’t overexert:

Though exercise is an important part of keeping your dog or cat at a healthy weight, which helps them body stay cool, overdoing it can cause her to overheat. Save exercise sessions for early morning or after the sun goes down.

Bring them inside:

Animals shouldn’t be left outside unsupervised on long, hot days, even in the shade. Shade can move throughout the afternoon, and pets can become ill quickly if they overheat, so keep them inside as much as possible.

Keep an eye out for heatstroke:

If you see that your dog is panting heavily, salivating or foaming, these may be the first signs of a heat-related problem. The hallmark of heat-stroke is severe central nervous system (brain) disturbance and is often associated with multi-organ dysfunction. Get your dog to a cool location, provide small drinks of cold water, and, if he doesn’t improve, contact your veterinarian