Pet
parents can take some simple actions to help their dogs better cope
with hot weather, an animal welfare official says.
Careful
planning of outdoor activities, such as walks and hikes, and proper
grooming can go a long way toward keeping your dog comfortable in hot
weather, says Gail Furtado, president of Forever
Paws Animal Shelter
in Fall River, Mass.
"Either
go for walks early morning or later evening when it is cooler, Ms.
Furtado told MySetterSam.com in an interview. "Swimming is a
good summer day activity, as long as your dog knows how to swim (not
all dogs know how to swim)."
During
the hottest parts of the day, pets should avoid exercise and they
should be keep indoors, preferably in a cool room, Ms. Furtado said.
"Having an area inside the home that is air conditioned is
ideal. Having plenty of fresh water available is important."
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Story continues here
And
she also has a tip to help keep active pets occupied while they are
confined to the house. "Keep your dog busy in your home with
nose work," Ms. Furtado said. "Hide some treats in boxes or
paper bags and have them sniff around to find them. This keeps their
minds busy. Kong toys are also a good tool to keep a dog's mind busy
while being indoors."
Proper
grooming can also play and important role in keeping a pet
comfortable in hot weather, Ms. Furtado explained. "Getting
your dog's coat ready for the summer and winter do vary. In the
summer, a dog is thinning out their coat and shedding. Keeping them
bathed and brushed will maintain their summer coat. Grooming a
long-haired dog to a shorter cut will help to keep the dog cooler."
However,
pets should never be shaved down, because, like people, they are
susceptible to sunburn if their skin is exposed, Ms. Futado said.
"UV rays can cause sunburn in dogs, too."
Related
reports about dogs and warm weather:
Ms.
Furtado also says seasonal allergies can be a big problem for some
pets during the warmer months of the year. She recommends consulting
with a veterinarian if you notice your pet scratching at its back,
tail and ears; licking or chewing its paws; or if its skin looks red
or scabby. Other allergy symptoms can include runny eyes, sneezing
and wheezing.
------
The Ruff Report is a column that appears on MySetterSam.com,
a blog written by Joseph A. Reppucci, a retired editor from The Patriot
Ledger in Quincy, Massachusetts. Mr. Reppucci worked as a reporter and editor on major daily
newspapers in the Boston area for more than 30 years. He is the author
of the book, The Hunt of Her Life,
a heartwarming story about his once-in-a-lifetime rescue dog. Find it on Amazon.com.
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