a chemically treated pool or saltwater. Never leave a pet in a parked car
on a sunny day or during hot weather— even with the windows open—even for a few minutes. Help prevent heat stress or heat stroke at all times by using com- mon sense: Avoid overexertion and keep the animal cool and well watered. If your dog pants heavily, fails to
SURVIVING THE DOG
DAYS OF SUMMER Best Tips for Caring for Cats and Canines by C.J. Puotinen
Make the most of summer by enjoying relaxing time with favorite four-legged friends while staying aware of pets’ special needs. These simple precautions will keep furry companions comfortable and healthy.
Cool Pets
Start with drinking water. The more ac- tive your dog or cat, the more it needs extra water, preferably chemical-free spring or filtered water. It can be pro- vided in a bowl, pet water dispenser or travel canteen. Some natural foods markets sell electrolyte-enhanced drinks for canine athletes and pets recovering from illness or dehydration. Be sure to change your pet’s water
daily, keep water dispensers clean and encourage animals to drink more often when the mercury soars. One reason hot weather is hard on pets is because they can’t cool themselves by perspiring through the skin the way humans do.
14 San Diego Edition
Their only sweat glands are on their paw pads and noses.
High humidity interferes with the cooling effects of panting. Veterinarians advise against leaving pets outdoors in hot, humid weather (especially those that are very young or old, weak or ill, overweight or breeds with snub noses, such as Pekingese, pugs and bulldogs). To avoid heat-related problems,
exercise in the early morning or evening, substitute gentle walks for hard runs and stop whenever the dog seems tired or is panting heavily. Swimming or splashing in a lake, river, ocean or backyard wad- ing pool can help keep a dog cool. Be sure to rinse the dog’s coat after a dip in
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respond, develops a rapid heartbeat or bright red tongue, vomits, looks anx- ious or feels hot to the touch, lower the animal’s temperature by applying towels soaked in cool water to the abdomen, lower legs, neck and hairless areas. Then, get it to a veterinarian immediately. Emer- gency treatment with intravenous fluids and medication to prevent or reverse brain damage may save the dog’s life. In addition to keeping pets indoors
in air-conditioned space on hot, humid days, offer them a frozen, water-filled plastic container to help keep them cool. Some dogs love to sleep on them this time of year, even using them as pillows. While most professional groomers
and veterinarians recommend against shaving dogs and cats down to their bare skin, a short summer trim can help longhaired pets avoid problems associ- ated with heat-trapping matted hair and tangles. Daily brushing or combing will help a cat or dog feel comfortable—and look great—in any weather.
Repelling Pests
Insect bites and stings can interfere with an animal’s good times. If a honeybee (which leaves its stinger behind) attacks a pet, gently flick the stinger away with a fingernail or use tweezers to remove it. Don’t squeeze or press the stinger, which can release more venom. Next, rinse the stung area with cider vinegar or strongly brewed chamo- mile tea. A single drop of full-strength or diluted essential oil of chamomile or tea tree oil can be safely applied to a bite or sting on most adult dogs (always avoid the eye area). But this disinfecting treat- ment cannot be used on cats, very small dogs or young puppies. Whenever fleas are a problem, combing with a flea comb removes shed-
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