If you’re like many of us at Planet Ford in Humble, your pet is a member of the family. You want to do all you can to keep them safe and healthy – especially during the hot summers in Texas. As we approach the dog days of summer, we wanted to share a few helpful tips to help beat the heat for your furry friends whether you’re on the road or at home.
Heat Advisory
To prevent your pet from overheating, take these precautions provided by experts with the ASPCA :
Visit Your Vet for Your Pre-Summer Check-up: Get your dog tested for heartworms if he or she is not on a year-round heartworm preventative.
Plenty of Water: Dehydration can happen quickly in our furry friends, so make sure they have plenty of shade to rest and water to drink. Be sure that your pets have clean, fresh drinking water each day. Also note that certain health conditions and medications may result in your pet requiring a higher daily water intake. Speak with your vet to see if that applies to you.
Know the Symptoms of Overheating:
- Excessive panting or difficulty breathing
- Increased heart and respiratory rate
- Drooling
- Mild weakness
- Stupor or even collapsing
Symptoms can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting along with an elevated body temperature of 104 degrees or greater.
Watch for Paws on Asphalt: When the temperature is high your pet’s paw pads can burn. Also keep in mind that because pets are closer to the ground, your pet’s body temperature can increase quicker than you realize.
Did you Know? Animals with flat faces, such as Pugs and Persian cats, are more susceptible to heat strokes since they cannot pant as effectively. These pets, along with pets that are elderly, overweight, and those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.
Car Safety – Heat and Travel
NEVER Leave Your Animal Alone in a Parked Vehicle: Not only is it illegal in some states, but it can result in a fatal heat stroke.
Keep Your Pets Safe and Secure: Whether you have a custom seat belt, car-seat or carrier for your dog, it is always best for them to be buckled up just like you!
Pack a Travel Kit for Your Pet: Before you hit the road, be sure you have all of your pet’s essentials; food, water, a leash, waste bags and medications. Your pet would probably love a toy or bone, too. 😉
Food Facts
What is yummy to you may be toxic to our furry friends. Click here to see which foods are a no-go for your four-legged family members.
Helpful Summer Tips for Humans
Need some summer safety suggestions for you and your human family members? Click here to read Planet Ford’s top safety tips to keep you and your family safe this summer.
From all of us at Randall Reed’s Planet Ford in Humble (serving greater Houston, Katy, Atascocita, Kingwood, Conroe), we hope to help you and your furry family members beat this doggone Texas heat. If you’re looking for a pet-friendly ride, our experts here at Planet Ford in Humble are here to help. You can shop online anytime at PlanetFord59.com.