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Keep Your Pets
Cool This Summer
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Summer is a great
time for pets and their people to get
out and enjoy the nice weather.
Unfortunately, with fur coats and
limited options for releasing body
temperature, summer heat and humidity
can affect animals more quickly, and
cause more pronounced reactions, than in
humans. Help ease the impact of the
heat and keep your pet comfortable this
summer with tips from InternetPets:
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Always keep the water bowl full. Animals need to drink more during the summer months, and cold water helps them lower their body temperature. Dropping some ice cubes into your pet's bowl can help keep the water cool. It is often a good idea to provide pets with two drinking bowls, in case one runs out or gets knocked over. Wherever you go with your pet, always provide plenty of cool, clean water to drink; take a thermos with you when out walking or traveling.
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Be sure to provide for pets being left at home during the day. Make sure there is a cool, shady spot in the yard for pets being kept outside, and leave the air conditioner on for inside pets. Move aquariums and bird cages that are near windows or keep the curtains drawn as any sun shining through the glass may be hot enough to harm pets, and be mindful that cages which are in the shade during the morning might be exposed to the hot afternoon sun as the shade moves.
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Never leave your pet unattended in a parked car. Even with the windows open, temperatures quickly rise to lethal levels.
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Exercise with pets early or later in the day, when it's apt to be cooler and the sun will be less intense. In addition to the fact that your pet can easily overheat, the hot asphalt can also burn sensitive foot pads. Also, while most fur coats will somewhat protect an animal from sunburn, short-haired pets and those with pink skin and white hair are easily susceptible.
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Be aware of heatstroke symptoms: sudden cessation of panting, salivating, vomiting, reddened gums and tongue, anxiety, weakness, racing heartbeat, and collapsing. If your pet exhibits this behavior, wrap them in a towel soaked with cool (not cold) water and call your veterinarian immediately.
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