Dogs and Cats Love To Shop Here

Dogs and Cats

Beds
Books
Cat Toys
Cat Treats
Collars
Dog Toys
Dog Training Products
Dog Treats
Feeding
Gifts
Grooming
Health Care
Litter Box
Pooper Scooper
Training

Cat Articles
Dog Articles
Pet Articles

Activities
Newsletter
Photos
Contact Us
Links

Dog and Cat Shop
Privacy Policy
Shipping Information

Pet Articles

Summer Care Tips for Your Pets

Summer it is great to spend time outdoors in the sunshine and it is also a wonderful time to get together with your family and friends for a barbeque, but be careful because what you serve your guests could be fatal to your pets . Keep alcoholic beverages away from your pets. Alcohol can cause intoxication, depression and comas in pets. Keep snacks such as raisins, grapes, onions, and chocolates away from your pets.

When the weather is nice, you might be tempted to take your pet with you when you are running errands. During the summer, the inside of your car can reach temperatures up to 120 degrees in just a matter of minutes, even if you are parked in the shade. Dogs and cats can not perspire and can only release heat by panting and through the pads of their paws. Pets that are left in cars can suffer from heat exhaustion , heat stroke, brain damage or even die. Your pet won't be safe in the car even if you are gone for just a few minutes. During hot weather it is much safer to leave your pet at home instead of in your car.

Summer is the time when people enjoy working in their yards and gardens. Be careful when and where you are using insecticides, fertilizers and plant food. These popular summer time chemicals can be fatal to your dog or cat if they are ingested.

Exercise your pet during the early morning or evening hours. Asphalt can get extremely hot during the day and burn the pads of your pet's paws. Light colored pets can also sunburn so you might need to apply a small amount of sunscreen to their nose and the tips of their ears.

The signs of heat stroke or heat exhaustion in your pet are heavy panting, a rapid pulse, glazed eyes, staggering, vomiting or a purple tongue. If you think your pet has become overheated, you will need to lower their body temperature. Place your pet in the shade or a cool area and apply cool (not cold) water over their body. You want to gradually lower their core body temperature. You can also apply cold towels to their head, neck and chest only. Give your pet small amounts of water; if they drink large amounts of water it will probably induce vomiting. Get your pet to your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Make sure your pet has a lot of water to drink with a pet fountain in order to prevent dehydration or heat stroke. Provide a nice shady area if you have to leave your pet outdoor during the heat of the day.