new column! pulse pets
Summer Pet Safety We all enjoy the Sunshine State’s beautiful weather during the
winter months, but the intense summer heat can be especially hard on pets. A little diligence goes a long way to ensure the health and safety of your beloved furry companion while you both have fun outdoors. Cats and dogs can easily become overheated in temperatures
that seem comfortable for humans, and are therefore more susceptible to heatstroke. Dogs and cats dissipate heat by panting, not sweating as humans do, and this creates certain challenges. By following these simple guidelines, you can avoid most common hot weather animal mishaps. You and your pets can have a happy and healthy summer together, despite the heat!
for any length of time or reason. It is cruel, illegal, and all too often it is deadly.
• First and foremost, NEVER leave an animal unattended in a car
Always use caution when walking your pet on sidewalks and blacktop surfaces as these get extremely hot and can burn paw pads. Special booties, pad protectors and creams are available and help to avoid and treat such burns.
• Limit exercise in the blazing heat and offer plenty of shade.
• Always have an easily accessible supply of cool fresh water available to keep your pet hydrated.
for immediate aid. Symptoms of heatstroke include vomiting, excessive panting, warm nose and footpads, dark red tongue and gums. Seizures and or brain damage can result when the body temperature reaches 106 degrees or higher.
• If you suspect heatstroke, contact your vet or the police
temperature immediately. This can be achieved by placing a cool wet towel over your pet, or by pouring a continuous stream of cool water over their body, starting at the head and extremities. Avoid using ice water as this may constrict the blood vessels and induce shivering – the blood needs to flow freely.
• If heatstroke occurs, it’s vital to reduce your pet’s body
are unfortunately more prevalent during the summer months. Consider alternative prevention methods such as garlic, parsley, neem, peppermint, geranium, clove and eucalyptus oils, to name a few. There are many natural options on the market that work just as well as more traditional methods which contain poisons and harmful chemicals. Diligence is important, since some natural products must be administered daily to be effective.
• Pesky pests such as fleas, ticks, biting flies and mosquitoes
FOR FOOTED FRIENDS:13040 Livingston Road #4, Naples, FL 239-384-9999 –
www.forfootedfriends.com
About the Writer:ERICBRIX is the owner of For Footed Friends, SWFL’s premier all natural pet food store. Their knowledgeable team offers
over 25 years of combined experience, specializing in nutrition and other products promoting a natural, healthy approach for beloved pets. Maintaining a quality diet with real ingredients that are naturally preserved and not using overly processed foods is key to a pet’s healthy long life. A large variety of alternative, natural products for flea and tick control is also available.
For Footed Friends is the proud winner of the 2011 and 2012 Naples Daily
News Southwest Florida Readers’ Choice Awards. See for yourself why this store was voted the #1 Pet Food Store in the region, and schedule a nutrition consultation for your dog or cat today (by appointment only)!
ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE AND WE SUPPLY THE REST. 16 | Pulse Magazine SWFL
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