Top 10 Tips to

Keep Your Pets Safe This Summer

from The Humane

Society of the United States

It's time to start thinking about how the warm weather of summer will impact pets. There are extra precautions that you can take to keep everyone happy and safe.

     ●  Never leave your pet unattended in the car on a warm or sunny day.    
         Cars quickly heat up to a dangerous temperature, even with the window
         slightly open.

     ●  Be sure to keep your pets up-to-date on their vaccinations and
         preventative medications. Fleas and ticks stay busy in warm weather
         and summer is also the prime time for heartworms. Check with your
         veterinarian about the best way to keep your pets healthy.

     ●   Hurricane season is here. The key to survival during a disaster is being
          prepared. Take some time with your family to put together a plan for you
          and your pets. Click here to learn more.

     ●   Keep your cats indoors
          to keep them safe. Cars,
          other pets, and wild
          animals can all pose
          risks to your cats'
          safety. By providing
          playtime, cat trees, and
          toys, your cat will be
          happy and content to
          stay indoors with you.     

     ●   Beware of cocoa mulch and other gardening products. Cocoa mulch can
          be deadly if swallowed.

     ●   When taking your dog for a walk on a hot
          day, plan for shorter walks during the
          hottest part of the day. You can take longer
          walks in the morning and evening when
          temperatures are cooler. Hot sidewalks can
          burn the pads on your dog's paws, so walk
          on the grass when possible.

     ●   If you have pet rabbits, be sure to keep
          them indoors. Rabbits don't
          tolerate heat very well. Keeping a rabbit
          indoors will also keep him
          safe from animals who might attack a
          rabbit in an outdoor hutch.

     ●   Never leave your dog outdoors unattended on a chain or tether.

     ●   When driving with pets, be sure to keep them properly restrained and
          inside the vehicle. Special seatbelts and secured carriers can protect
          pets during accidents. They also prevent pets from distracting the
          driver. The back of a pick-up truck is never a safe place for a pet to
          ride.

     ●   Be mindful of your pets
         around your wild
         neighbors. When going
         for walks or playing in a
         fenced yard, don't allow
         pets to disturb birds,
         rabbits, squirrels, and
         other wild animals.

     ●   Reduce the risk of dog bites. Click here to learn how.