Hot weather tips from The Animal Rescue League

In addition to making sure you keep your dog well hydrated in warm/hot weather here are some additional tips I found on the Animal Rescue League site - check it out and keep your pets safe!

• Never leave your dog in the car even with the windows cracked. Although it may seem cool outside, the temperature inside your car can easily rise as high as 150 degrees in a matter of minutes. If you’re planning to run a few errands, it’s best to leave the pets at home.
• Make a point of keeping your pet on a leash to ensure that they don’t get lost and/or ingest anything that could make them sick.
• If your pet has light skin or hair, apply sunscreen to the animal’s ears and nose and allow them to rest in a shady spot regularly.
• Hot weather may encourage pets to drink from puddles, so be sure that your driveway and yard are free of any potential toxins. After a heavy rain, fertilizer, weed killer and other common lawn chemicals can contaminate puddles, and antifreeze poses specific hazards due to its sweet taste. Even small doses of these chemicals can be fatal. Puddles can also contain deadly bacteria called leptospirosis.
• Check your pet for insect stings and bites. Typically the affected area will be swollen, but take note of any other symptoms and monitor them. If the animal seems especially uncomfortable or if the swelling is excessive, consult your veterinarian to ensure that your pet isn’t having an allergic reaction.