10 Tips to Keep Your Pets Safe & Healthy During Summer

[manictaz]

Summertime is great fun both for you and your pet. But it can also bring along some dangers for your four-legged friend that you might not be aware of. Here are ten tips that take no more than simple care, to keep your pets healthy and safe during summer:

1. Take your pet for walks in cooler hours in the morning or late evening. The hot afternoon sun makes pavements hot which can burn your pet's feet.

2. While you might enjoy swimming and wish to take your pet along with you, beware that deep pools can cause problems for your pet. It might not be able to get out of water or swallow poisonous chemicals while inside.

3. Take strict measures to prevent fleas. Use a bed of cedar shavings or get a powder from the vet that will help get rid off fleas.

4. If taking your pet along for a road trip, feed it with cool water several times a day and keep it in a cool part of the car which is away from direct sun.

5. Use car harnesses when traveling with your pet in a car. This will help protect your pet from sudden halts.

6. When taking your pet to the beach, keep it off the hot sand which might burn it's feet. An umbrella will provide good shade and regular drinking of cool water will help it stay cool throughout the visit.

7. If your pet spends most of the time outdoors, make sure it has a lot of shade to play and rest under and ensure ample supply of drinking water.

8. Never leave your pet in a parked car during summer. Cars get hot quickly and pets can die of heat stroke.

9. Keep your pet from playing on the lawn. Lawn grass with weed killers and pesticides can provide harmful for pets. Pets can even get poisoned by licking themselves after walking on pesticide treated grass. If you notice vomiting or diarrhea, visit the vet immediately.

10. Regular health checks at home and trips to the vet when necessary, like before planning a summer vacation, will ensure that your pet stays healthy throughout summer. At home, check for lumps under the fur and for any strange changes in eating or drinking habits. Call the vet if something seems suspicious and abide by the vet's advice.