SUMMER TIME FUN

WITH YOUR PETS IN THE SUN

            Summer is a great time to have fun outdoors with our pets.  There are some important things to remember about caring for our four footed companions all year round, but especially this time of the year.

• Make sure your pet has protection from heat and sun, and plenty of fresh water.
• Exercise is great for dogs and cats.  Take care to walk pets during the cooler mornings or early evenings.
• Be sure they are wearing a collar with a current rabies tag.  A lost pet’s ticket home is his tag.
• Animals tied or chained up and do not receive exercise and playtime become unsocialized with people and can develop behavior problems. 
• Cats and kittens should be kept indoors to prevent the risk of disease and injury from vehicles and other animals.  Wild animals are more likely to be wondering the neighborhood at night in cooler weather and your pets are at risk of being exposed to the disease of rabies.
• All dogs and cats can get heartworms, an internal parasite, and are at higher risk of contracting the parasite during the summer months.
• Keep your dog’s head inside the window when riding in the car to prevent flying debris from entering their eyes.
• A dog or cat left alone in a parked car can result in the death of your pet in a matter of minutes.  The inside of a car can reach more than 120 degrees even with the windows cracked open.
• Dogs should be double tethered when riding in the back of a pick up truck. They can fall or jump out when traveling and become injured or killed.
• Help stop pet overpopulation; spay or neuter your pet.  During summer months, animal shelters are full of unwanted litters of puppies and kittens.

Hot car flyers and brochures about these tips are available at Palm Beach County Animal Care.  Call (561) 233-1280 or e-mail us at pbcacc@co.palm-beach.fl.us for your copy.