(NAPS)—Pet parents who are cool to four important facts can help their furry friends flourish during the warm weather months.
- Heat Can Bring Frightening Sounds of Thunder. Storm phobia can seriously affect the quality of life for pets.
Barbara L. Sherman, Ph.D., DVM, suggests you reward pets for calm behavior. Treat your pet to a special “inside” toy when he exhibits calm demeanor; he’ll associate good behavior with special toys.
Also, make sure she can get to a favorite hiding place and feel safe when the lightning flashes and the thunder rolls.
- Keep Paws Cool and Smooth. Brandon McMillan, professional dog trainer and host of the CBS hit show “Lucky Dog,” says, “When the temperature hits 85 degrees or higher, most dogs begin feeling uncomfortable. Depending on your pet’s coat, the temperature can feel 15 to 30 degrees hotter.” Let your dog walk through the grass or on a cool surface to help her feel better. McMillan recommends placing your hand where your pet will walk. If it’s too hot for you, most likely, it’s too hot for your pet, too.
You may want to move your walks to after dark. To keep your pet safe from traffic at night, you can get a leash and collar from the Petmate Max Glow in the Dark collection. Let it soak up the sun all day and it will glow automatically when you’re out with it at night.
- Exercise Gradually. An animal’s body temperature can rise rapidly due to his or her furry coat and that can increase the odds of heatstroke. McMillan advises pet parents to bring water with them on long walks during the hotter months.
In addition, increase your dog’s play time gradually. Try toys such as Petmate’s Chuckit! brand Ultra Sling, a pocket-sized launcher for a variety of fetch toys.
- Heatstroke Signs And Symptoms. The ASPCA advises pet owners to watch out for:
- excessive panting
- staggered breathing
- increased heart rate
- drooling and vomiting.
These can be signs of serious heatstroke or other illness and should get you to contact the vet or emergency animal hospital immediately.
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For further pet facts, tips and products, visit www.petmate.com.
