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Summer Safety Tips OVERHEATING: We all love spending the sunny days of summer outdoors with our furry companions, but being overeager in hot weather can spell danger. Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water. 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. Symptoms of overheating in pets include: excessive panting, difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor, or even collapse. Also, symptoms can include seizures, bloody diarrhea, vomit and an elevated body temperature. Animals with flat faces, like Pugs and Persian cats, are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively as other animals. 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 dog's coats protect them from overheating and sunburn. Brushing cats more often can prevent problems caused by excessive heat. Be sure that any sunscreen 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. It is much better if you walk pets first thing in the morning or early in the evening. FIREWORKS: With a little planning on and around July Fourth, you can ensure that your four-legged friends enjoy the holiday just as much as you do. Many pets fear loud noises. Turning on some soft music and moving your pet into an interior room, with curtains drawn, can be helpful. An anxiety vest may work in some cases, if you don't have one, try a snugly fitting t-shirt. Anti-anxiety medication might be a pet's best bet. Most importantly, never leave your pets alone when fireworks are being set off. By paying attention, to the points noted here, you will definitely be headed in the right direction when it comes to helping your dogs and cats enjoy their summer. ~ Vivian Walker, vivr@sbcglobal.net 34 FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | JULY 2020 Tails & Trails - All Pets Hot Weather and Tender Paws July is upon us bringing typical summer heat to Four Seasons. Sidewalks, asphalt, and even artificial turf can heat up to a higher temperature than the thermometer indicates — as much as 50 or 60 degrees hotter. Here are some things to consider from Banfield Pet Hospital. Pavement, asphalt, wood, metal, sand, and car or truck surfaces can become very hot during the summer months. These materials absorb heat from the sun and can stay hot for hours, even after the sun has gone down. Temperatures on these surfaces can exceed 145° F! Tips to Protect Your Pet's Paws in the Dog Days of Summer: • Check the pavement for heat before taking your dog on a walk. Place your hand or a bare foot on the surface for 10 seconds. If it is too hot for you to keep your hand or foot on it, then it is too hot for your pet. • Stay on grassy surfaces and avoid bare ground when outside in the summer heat. • Avoid the hottest parts of the day. Walk early in the morning or late in the evening after the pavement has cooled down. • Invest in a pair of booties to help keep the heat from burning your dog's paws. Keep in mind that your dog's paws may be more susceptible to hot materials after swimming. If you see any signs in your dog such as limping, not wanting to walk, a red or pink color change in the paw pads, licking or chewing at the feet, missing pieces of the pads or blisters, take your dog to see your veterinarian immediately. Treating Summer Burns: There are potential complications as a result of summer burns to your dog's paws. For example, all four feet can be potentially affected, making it hard for your dog to walk. Treatment may include antibiotics (in case of infection), pain medications, and/or bandaging of the feet. You want to enjoy the warm weather with your dog as much as you can so protection from the hazards of summer is important. ~ Patrick and his dog, Ricky Ricardo: dog_owners@yahoo.com Dog Owners Group Just in case: Check with your club contact to confirm meeting place, date, and time.

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