Keep your pet cool in the summer

(For a list of products, we use & recommend see below)

Never, never leave your pet in a parked car- Not even if you crack the windows or park in the shade. On a 70F day, the car temperature can rise above 150F in minutes. It’s extremely dangerous and the number 1 cause of heatstroke.

Always provide plenty of fresh water- Dogs can only sweat through the pads of their feet and by panting. Evaporation from wet surfaces or their mouth and nose helps lower body temperature.

Watch for hot pavements and beaches- Sensitive paws burn easily.

Find a cool spot- For indoors pets, keep the air circulating with a child-proof fan or air conditioner. Provide shade for outdoor pets. And a gentle sprinkler from a hose is always appreciated.

Not every dog can paddle well- Animals in the water for the first time should be eased in gradually, never thrown or chased in.

Don’t let them drink from pools, streams or the ocean. And, if they swim, rinse them off. Salt and minerals can damage a dog’s coat.

Sunburn is no day at the beach-It hurts. Shorthaired pets and those with pink skin and white hair are especially susceptible. Limit their exposure.

Watch for signs of heatstroke – Rapid panting, hot skin, twitching muscles, a dazed look. Wrap them in a towel soaked with cool, not cold water. In severe cases, place them in the bathtub. Heatstroke can be fatal. See your vet as soon as possible.

Keep vaccinations up to date- This is the time when most pets come in contact with other animals, at parks, campgrounds, etc.

Heartworm prevention- Fleas, ticks, mosquitos thrive in warm, humid environments. See your Vet for preventive program.

Here is a list of products I use for our Fur Babies during the Summer months

 I am sure it will help you too!

A Cooling Mat is a great way to cool off on a hot day. Highly recommend especially for long haired breeds and senior dogs. We bring our fur babies everywhere with us. So, when we are away from home in our Travel Trailer, we use 2 of the Smaller Size Cooling Mat that fits our area. Travel Trailers can get so hot inside easily. We also recommend a Lightweight Cooling Vest, it instantly cools your dog. We also use Camping Fans, 20000mAh Rechargeable Battery. I love it not only because it is rechargeable, but its light weight & has a hook and can pivot 270° with 4 Speeds. It really helps keep our seniors and our long-haired breed very comfortable!

Another favorite is Cooling Gel Foam Dog Bed, especially for senior dogs, provides maximum orthopedic support.

A Foldable, Collapsible Pool is an easy way to cool off. One that is easy to store and bring with you and your dog everywhere. For toddlers/little kids and dogs.

For your Yard we take a more natural approach. We believe in limiting exposure to chemicals/pesticides. So, we use Diatomaceous Earth to kill & repel fleas, ticks and most other bugs. Food Grade only! Its natural and safe around children & animals. Can even be applied to your dog for fleas & ticks. Just don't inhale some. Its powder based. Another great natural product is Wondercide is a flea and tick yard treatment and preventative. This pest-repellent spray is powered by natural essential oils and is safe around cats, dogs and people of all ages. It even works great on mosquitos which can carry Heartworm disease.  The Wondercide - Flea, Tick & Mosquito Spray for Dogs, Cats, and Home is another natural product that breaks the flea life cycle by eliminating eggs, larvae, and adults. It kills fleas throughout the house on carpet, furniture, bedding, and flooring. Holistic vet approved.

When possible, I always opt for a more natural product when dealing with flea & ticks. It's so important to use a product that repels. Prevent the bite from even occurring. Some dogs can be allergic to the saliva from a flea bite. Flea dermatitis is so very uncomfortable. I have had luck with a few tick and flea products. Richard’s Organics Flea and Tick Shampoo for Dogs – 100% All-Natural Actives Kills Fleas, Ticks and Repels Mosquitos. Wondercide - Flea & Tick Dog Spot On.  It's powered by plants and proven to work, these effective spot-ons repel fleas, ticks, and even mosquitoes. I also use 0Bug! Zone Flea and Tick Barrier Tags. It works on frequency and makes your fur baby seem invisible to them.  It attaches to their collar and best of all it uses no harmful chemicals and is odor-free. But just a heads up, I don't find it works as well on young puppies or small breeds.

If your pooch already has fleas, then you will need a product that kills. It's always recommended to use a product that repels, but we need to get those nasty blood suckers off your pooch. A repellent won't cut it. You will need a product that kills and repels as well. I do prefer more natural products, but sometimes a little extra is needed depending on your summer activities and the area you live in. Then I recommend using K9 Advantix II it works on contact. 

Here's some Warm Weather Hazards: 

- Animal toxins—toads, insects, spiders, snakes and scorpions 

- Blue-green algae in ponds 

- Citronella candles 

- Cocoa mulch 

- Compost piles Fertilizers 

- Flea products 

- Outdoor plants and plant bulbs 

- Swimming-pool treatment supplies -A dip tip-Keep covers on hot tubs & swimming pools.

  (Young puppies can fall in & not be able to get out).

- Fly baits containing methomyl 

- Slug & snail baits containing metaldehyde.

- Check the antifreeze- Pets are attracted to the odor and sweet taste of antifreeze. Store it high and in a tightly sealed, wiping up any spills. Window-washing solution also contains antifreeze.

- Keep off the grass-If you treat your lawn with chemicals, keep pets off. Read & follow label directions. I recommend Natural Products!