How to Protect Your Pets from the Heat of Summer!

Popo Says - If you are the host family for the backyard barbecue, make sure your pets are safely corralled inside the house. Some cats will want to hide under the bed when the guests begin to arrive, but curious cats may try to join the party and could slip outside unnoticed. Make sure all pets have collars with ID tags and microchips before the party starts.

Dogs are more likely than cats to join the party, but party food should be off the menu for dogs. The picnic table laden with summer treats is a buffet of hazards for Fido. Barbecued chicken, ribs and steaks all contain bones which can be splintered and lodged somewhere in the esophagus or intestine. Stuck bones can be a holiday-wrecking emergency requiring endoscopy or surgery for removal. Trash can-raiding dogs will eat corncobs and peach pits " two other commonly stuck food items.

Popo Says - The holiday season is approaching fast! We tend to indulge in hearty foods and sweets during this time, and it is important to make sure your pet eats none of it. Hearty foods and sweets can cause dogs to become very sick. Eating rich, high-fat foods can cause major stomach problems such as diarrhea, gastroenteritis even more serious conditions like pancreatitis.

Popo Says - September is the start of tick season and ticks can be a huge threat to your cat or dog. Read more about what you can do: http://www.mypet.com/pet-care-ti…/september-tick-season.aspx

Popo Says - Going back to school? You may not know this can also effect your pets. Avoid Anxiety. Changes in routine can also lead to anxiety in many dogs. Following some of these tips may help alleviate the stress caused by the changes that happen when it’s time to go back to school.

1. Set a routine for your pup
2. Turn on some tunes to help soothe your pet
3. Enrich their home environment with toys and treats
4. Doggy daycare for socialization
5. Spend quality time with your pet when you are home

Popo Says -Taking your dog to the beach? Make sure that beach takes dogs! First things first. Always check the local rules—they’re usually posted publicly—to make sure it’s okay to bring your dog to the beach. Luckily, there should be a few within driving distance. Many dogs love to drink salt water at the ocean—but it’s not good for them. Do your best to limit drinking salt water and encourage hydrating with fresh water. A collapsible water dish is a great thing to pack. Whether you’ve been hanging out in salt or fresh water, be sure you rinse off your dog’s coat to rid them of any sand, salt, and beach germs before you head home. Be aware that all sorts of items can be partially or fully hidden in the sand. Broken glass, rocks, hooks, coral, and garbage can pose a danger to your dog. Any time you take your dog out in the sun for an extended period of time, it’s important to provide opportunities for shady naps and hydration. The beach can be hard exercise!

Popo Says - Here are some things you should do for your dog BEFORE a dip in the pool to keep them safe.

1. Make sure your dog knows how to swim. Maybe your dog should start in the kiddie pool before jumping into the deep end.
2. Understand that personalities determine strong swimmers, NOT breed. You may think your dog has a natural inclination to the water because it’s a certain breed, but your dog will develop a relationship with the water based on who your dog is, not what your dog is.
3. Get a lifevest for your dog. Find a comfy design that is both effective and visible.
4. Do some obedience training. Your pup should always come when you call and this goes double in the pool.
5. Learn some pet CPR. It’s one of those things it’s better to know and not need, than to need and not know.

Popo Says - Every year, hundreds of pets die from heat exhaustion because they are left in parked vehicles. The temperature inside your vehicle can rise almost 20º F in just 10 minutes. Your vehicle can quickly reach a temperature that puts your pet at risk of serious illness and even death, even on a day that doesn't seem hot to you. And cracking the windows makes no difference.

Popo Says - Remember DON’T use human insect repellent on your dog. Human bug sprays are great for us, but they’re toxic for our furry friends. DEET, the main ingredient in most drugstore bug sprays, can cause vomiting, seizures, and skin irritation when exposed to dogs.

Popo Says - Summertime is fun time, but it can create some unique pet care challenges. In the summer, make certain that Fido and Fluffy always have access to plenty of fresh, cool water, and avoid letting them run around outside during the hottest parts of the day. In the summertime, antifreeze can leak out of cars when they overheat, leaving puddles on the ground that your dog can easily lap up and swallow. The sweet taste of antifreeze is tempting to dogs and cats, but when this toxic substance is ingested, it's potentially lethal. Pay attention to your neighbors' cars and puddles on your street, and make sure your pets stay clear of it.