Traveling with Your Pet: Summer Dog Safety Tips

Good morning pet lovers!

Last week we experienced some unusually-high temperatures in the area and it looks like they will be returning later this week which means summer heat is right around the corner. We know that summer is also a great time to get a dog or spend extra time with your dog in the longer hours of daylight. But it's critical to make sure that you keep your dog as cool and comfortable as possible so they don't get overheated or dehydrated, especially if you are planning to travel with them this summer!

Thanks to a quick article from Drs Foster and Smith, here are a few points to consider:

1.) Visit your Veterinarian
"Schedule your pet's annual checkup. Depending on where you live, testing your dog for heartworm before starting a preventive is essential, as is controlling parasites like fleas and ticks. While you are there, get a current copy of your pet's medical history and vaccinations to keep with you when you travel.'

2.) Heel the Heat
'Dogs don't sweat like humans. In fact, the only sweat glands on a dog's body are near her paws. Alone, this does little to cool your dog. To aid the cooling process, your dog pants. To help combat summer's heat and humidity, monitor her outdoor time, never leave her in the car, and keep her:

Watered - Keep her home dish full and a travel dish always ready.

Leashed - Prevent her from escaping and getting lost in the hot sun. Be sure she has access to shade wherever she is confined.

Groomed - Help regulate her body temperature by trimming her coat.

Protected - Apply pet-specific sunscreen on her ear tips, nose, and other thinly haired areas.

Minimally Exposed to Direct Sun - Plan outdoor play, jogging, etc during cool hours of the day.'

3.) Pack for Prevention
'Summer is often packed full of fun. But whether your dog accompanies you across town to the park, across the country to relatives, or stays behind in a local kennel, her needs should be top priority. As always, being prepared is the best preventive measure. Before you embark on any expedition, gather:

Medical Records - In an emergency, vaccination and medical records save time. If going out of state or country, have an updated health certificate.

Identification Tags - If lost, this information could quickly reunite you and your pet. If traveling, get a second set of tags with a local contact name and your cell number.

First Aid Supplies - Keep these on hand for medical emergencies or to restock your first aid kit.

Water and Food - Eliminate potential digestive problems with familiar food and water."

To visit the full article link click here.  To get some extra help this summer checking on and looking after your dogs in the heat visit us at: http://loudounpetsitting.com.