Hooray for Summer! Nothing is better than getting outside into that bright sun and basking in the warm atmosphere. This is the time for long outdoor walks, barbeques, swimming, and fun gatherings in the park. And you know that our Lucky's, Max's, and Fido's have to come with us to enjoy all the outdoor festivities. That great human-animal bond between us and our pets is evident when we see people out walking their dog or throwing the Frisbee. Even the house cat gets to venture outdoors more with us. 

However, with the fun of being outside also comes the danger. Here is a list of things to remember during the summer months. 

Never leave your pet in the Car! Even on a cool day your vehicle can reach 180'F in minutes. Just because you crack the window or park in the shade does not mean that your pet will be able to stay in the car. They can easily suffer permanent damage from dehydration and heatstroke if left in the car. If you come across a dog in a parked car that has been left for more than a few moments, contact the store manager and inform them to call animal control if the Owner does not come out. 

Provide plenty of fresh water. We all know how hot the Palouse can get in the summer months. If your pet is going to be spending any time outdoors it is extremely important that they have access to fresh water. If you are taking your dog on a long walk make sure to bring a water bottle and a travel bowl so they can rehydrate. Though dehydration is fairly common and easily fixed, if left untreated it can cause serious long term damage. 

Don’t let your pet drink from puddles. Lawn and garden owners are applying fertilizers and pesticides, car owners are working on their vehicles and instilling fluids, lawn mowers are being filled with gas. All these normal, everyday situations mean that there is a chance that the puddle your thirsty pet is drinking from may contain antifreeze or other poisonous chemicals. Prevent this by providing plenty of fresh water. 

Keep your pet on a leash. Your dog may be the friendliest pooch on the Palouse, but he still needs to be on a leash when you ventures outdoors. Other dogs may not be as friendly, and if your dog runs up to them then bite wounds and lacerations are likely to occur. Besides protection from other dogs, leashes will ensure that your dog doesn’t run into traffic if he gets spooked or suddenly see an interesting cat that needs to be investigated. 

Apply Sunscreen. Yes, I really do mean apply sunscreen to your pet! The exposed tips of the ears, lips, and nose can get sunburned and are prone to skin cancer. White dogs and thin haired dogs are especially sensitive to the uv rays. So next time you apply sunscreen to yourself, reach down and rub a little onto your pet. 

Use quality Flea and Ticket products. We DO NOT recommend any over-the-counter flea and tick product. These products are just plain insecticides/pesticides that do not work well and can cause serious side effects. Products like Frontline or Advantage have actually been developed to target fleas and ticks with little or no side effects. These products can only be sold through vet clinics because the companies believe that only a veterinarian is qualified to serve your pet's health care needs. 

Prevent Heatstroke. Any animal can suffer from heatstroke, but old, ill, overweight, and snub-nose dogs (like pugs and bulldogs) are more prone to overheating in the summer months. Unlike humans who sweat all over to keep cool, dogs can only sweat through their paws. This isn’t enough keep their body temperature down. 

Signs of heatstroke include excessive panting, staring, acting anxious, refusing to obey, high fever, dry skin, rapid heart beat, vomiting, deep red or purple tongue, staggering, and collapsing. 

If you think your pet is suffering from heatstroke call us at 332-6575 right away. In the mean time, pouring alcohol on the paw pads, placing towels soaked in cool water onto their coat, and letting your pet lick ice cubes will help bring the body temperature down. 

Have a great summer, enjoy the beautiful outdoors, and keep cool!