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36 FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | JUNE 2019 Tails & Trails - All Pets WALK FOR THE ANIMALS In March the Tails & Trails group of the Four Seasons Beaumont community sponsored the first annual "Walk for the Animals" benefitting the Ramona Humane Society. Nearly 150 residents joined the walk. Walkers were treated with something for everyone: raffles, music, a pancake breakfast, some raffle prizes and loads of camaraderie. Ramona Humane Society staff even brought some of its shelter pups who were available for adoption. We are so happy and proud to announce that the "Walk for The Animals" raised just over $4,000. The event was so much fun that we have already scheduled our second annual event in 2020. Stay tuned for more details. If you are interested in making a donation, please visit the Ramona Humane Society website. Hope to see you all at next year's event! HOT WEATHER SAFETY TIPS We all love spending the long, sunny days of summer outdoors with our furry companions, but being overeager in hot weather can spell danger. To prevent your pet from overheating, you should take these simple precautions: • Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water when it's hot or humid outdoors. Make sure your pets have a shady place to get out of the sun, be careful not to over-exercise them, and keep them indoors when it's extremely hot. • Know the symptoms of overheating in pets, which include: excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor, or even collapse. Symptoms can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees. • Animals with flat faces, like Pugs and Persian cats, are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively. These pets, along with the elderly, the overweight, and those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible. • Never leave your animals alone in a parked vehicle. Not only can it lead to fatal heat stroke, it is illegal in many states! • Feel free to trim longer hair on your dog, but never shave your dog: The layers of dogs' coats protect them from overheating and sunburn. Brushing cats more often than usual can prevent problems caused by excessive heat. And be sure that any sunscreen or insect repellent product you use on your pets is labeled specifically for use on animals. • When the temperature is very high, don't let your dog linger on hot asphalt. Being so close to the ground, your pooch's body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. Keep walks during these times to a minimum. It is much better for your dogs if you walk them first thing in the morning, before temperatures rise. You may also choose to walk pets early in the evening during the hot summer months. By following these important tips, you will be helping your dogs and cats enjoy their summer. ~ Vivian Walker, vivr@sbcglobal. net