5 tips on how to take care of your pets during the hot weather

Take care of your pets during the hot weather

As an ardent animal lover, I am very very shocked and surprised that some people seem to be clueless on how to take care of their pets during the hot weather.

In Las Vegas, we go through extended periods of triple degree temperatures and it is imperative to your pets health that you appropriately take care of your pets during the hot weather.

Primarily, I am talking about house pets – your dogs and cats, however, many of these  tips can be applied to other pets as well.

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1.)  Keep your pets inside.

The weather is just too hot to keep your pets outside.  How would you like to be locked outside all day? I am sure some people will disagree, however, pets are not made to be kept outdoors.  If you don’t want to keep your pet inside, then find it a good home somewhere else because you should not have one.

2.) Never leave your pet in a car, even with the windows down.

I am appalled at how many people leave their dogs in their car and when I confront them, they say they only left them in the car for a moment.  That’s a moment too much.

A few weeks ago, I was at the Animal Foundation looking to add another rescue to my family and there was a man who was very upset and loudly complaining.  He said that police officers broke his windows to get his dog out of his car and took the dog to the Animal Foundation. He was clueless to the problem and insisted that one of the windows was open.

Of course, I gave him a piece of my mind and firmly told him that he was wrong and he just did not want to hear it.  It ended up that the police had to be called to settle him down.

Leave your dogs home in the hot weather whenever possible, especially during the high heat and never leave your dog in a car.  Kudos to the Las Vegas Police for rescuing the dog.

3.) Make sure your leave the air conditioner on, or at least a fan, even if you are out all day.

Your dog or cat is supposed to be part of your family. How can you leave your pet in a sweltering house or apartment?

I know firsthand how expensive air conditioning can be, however it is necessary.

A friend of the family was very upset recently that her senior dog died.  She loved her dog very much, however she felt guilty because she and her husband were out all day and did not turn on the air conditioner and she thought the heat might have contributed to the dog’s heart attack.  You know what?  It probably did.

People and animals can and do die because of the heat.

4.) Leave extra water for your pet.

Your pets need extra hydration even with the air conditioning or fan on.

Invest in another dog bowl or use a soup bowl.

5.) Walk your dog early in the morning or later in the evening.

I know it’s tough juggling work schedules, errands and all the many things in between, however it’s necessary.  Either get up a few hours early or forgo some sleep but take your pet out when the sun isn’t so strong.

These 5 tips on how to care for your pet during the hot weather seem so very basic but it looks like many people can use the reminder.  It just might save your pets life.

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