Seasonal Weather Care
Every season requires specific care instructions for your pet.
Summer Care Instructions
Summer is a time for both you and your pets to enjoy the sunshine and outdoors but along with the fun, the season can also offer up situations that can endanger your pet. By taking precautions, you can decrease the chance that a disaster will happen. Here are some tips for pets owners to keep their furry friends safe this summer:
- Don't leave your pets in a parked car for any period of time. Every summer, animals left in the parked cars suffer brain damage and die from heatstroke. On a warn day even with the windows cracked, the temperature in a car can reach 120 degrees in a matter of minutes. Dogs and cats can't perspire and can only dispel heat by panting and through the pads of their feet. If you see an animal in a parked car during the summer, alert the management of the shopping center or grocery store. If the owner, doesn't not return promptly call your local animal control of police department. This video is provided from the PETA (www.peta.org)
- If you plan on traveling with your pet during the summer, take the time to prepare for your furry friends in advance. Many airlines have summer pet embargoes, most trains, and ships do not allow pets other than service animals.
- Provide plenty of water and shade for your pets while they're enjoying the great outdoors so they can stay cool at all times.
- Pets need exercise even when it's hot just like we do. Take extra care with older dogs, short-nosed dogs and those with thick coats. On very hot day limit exercise to early mornings or evening hours. Keep in mind that asphalt gets very hot and can burn your pet's paws.
- With people and their pets spending more time outside, dog bites are more likely to increase in the summer months. Spaying and neutering your dogs reduces the likelihood that he/she will bite and provides many other health benefits.
- Make sure your pet is always wearing a collar, identification tag and current county dog license. If you are separated from your pet and tag ID is that may be his/her ticket back home. Please make sure your information is up to date (address and phone numbers).
- Check with your veterinarian to see if your pets should be taking heartworm prevention medication. Heartworm disease is transmitted by mosquitoes, can be fatal in both dogs and cats.
Another summertime threat is fleas and ticks. Use only flea and tick treatments recommended by your veterinarian. Some over the counter flea and tick products can be toxic, even when used according to the instructions. - Pets and pools can equal disaster. Prevent free access to pools and always supervise a pet in a pool.
Summer is often a time when people fertilize their lawns and work in their gardens. But beware: plant food, fertilizers and insecticides can be fatal if you pet ingests them. - Don't take your pets to a crowned summer events such as concerts or fairs. The loud noises and crowds, combined with the heat can be stressful and dangerous for the pets. For your pet's well being, leave him/her at home. Be especially aware of these threats during holidays, such as Fourth of July.
Winter Care Instructions
In many areas, winter is a season of bitter cold and numbing wetness. Help your pet remain happy and healthy during the cold months by the following these simple guidelines:
- Don't leave dog outdoors when the temperature drops. Most dogs and all cats are safer indoors, except when taken out for exercise. Regardless of the season, shorthaired, very young, or old dogs and all cats should never be left outside without supervision. Short coated dogs may feel more comfortable wearing a sweater during walls.
- No matter what the temperature, wind chill can threaten a pet's life. A dog or cat is happiest and healthiest when kept indoors. If you have outdoor animals the best thing for you to do is provide them shelter in your garage. Taking them from one extreme condition to another can make them sick.
The salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate the pads of your pet's feet. Wipe the feet with a damp towel before your pets lick them and irritate his/her mouth. - Antifreeze is deadly poison: it has a sweet taste that may attract animals and children. Wipe up spills and store antifreeze out of reach. If you use antifreeze-coolant made with propylene glycol: if swallowed in small amounts, it will not hurt pets, wildlife or your family.
Warm engines in parted cars attract cats and small wildlife, which may crawl underneath the hood. To avoid injuring and hidden creatures, bang on your car's hood to scare them away before you start your engine. - The best prescription for the winters is to keep your pets inside with you and your family. The happiest dogs are those who are taken out frequently for walks and exercised but kept inside for rest of time. Dogs and cats are social animals who crave human companionship. Your animal companions deserve to live indoors with you and your family.
If your dog is outdoor dog:
- Pets that spend a lot of time outdoors need more food in the winter because keeping warm depleted energy. Routinely check your pet's water dish to make certain the water is fresh and not frozen. Use plastic good and water bowls rather than metal, when the temperature is low your pets tongue can stick and freeze to the metal.
- Any outdoor pet needs to have shelter; they need a dog house that will last in all the weather conditions. In the winter the dog house needs straw to keep them warm. You need a dog house with large enough space allowing: separate sleeping and activity areas. Each dog must be able to walk, run, and wag their tail without touching the kennel sides, to play, stand on their hind legs and stretch or lie down without touching another animal or kennel.
- Shelter must protect the animal from rain, wind and direct sunlight. Dogs should be able to move where they feel more comfortable. Dog's crates are not suitable permanent environment.
In the winter they need straw in their dog houses, and check every few weeks to make sure they have enough inside their dog house. DO NOT use blankets, they get hard and freeze. This does not keep the animal warm. - Provide constant access to clean drinking water and well balanced diet. Use a sturdy water bowl and check regularly.
- Ensure your dog is able to behave normally, providing the opportunity for daily exercise, play and interactions with animals and people outside of their kennel.
- Ensure your dog has appropriate company. Don't let them become lonely or bored. Don't leave them alone long enough to become distresses. Distressed dogs may bark, howl, whine, excessively, pant, hind and or show aggression.
- Check your dog daily for any injury/illness. Ensure they are protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease. Take sensible safety precautions; be alert to risks that may affect them.
You need a dog house for protections; any time of the year; we recommend you have a 6 foot tall fence around the dog house to protect the dog from other stray animals or wild animals. You can by a dog house from any pet supply store or you can build your own dog or cat house. These videos have been provided from Ron Hazelton Home improvements and The Furry Bambinos.
