Friday, June 25, 2004

Pets need extra care in summer

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A Moment for Paws
By CHRISTINE FERGUSON

Summertime is a time to think about sun, fun, and family vacations. But while we are enjoying the summer, we shouldn't forget about our furry family members who may find the long summer months a little overbearing. Hidden dangers lay in wait, ready to prey on the unprepared pet owner. Overheating is one of the most common summertime pet-related problems that is often overlooked.

We love to be outside enjoying the sunshine and fresh air, so why shouldn't our pets? While we can come and go as we please, they are at our mercy. A few things should always be considered when leaving your pet outside: plenty of shade or cover and extra water. It’s best to always have more than one source of water. Even if the possibility of your pet's drinking all of the water is unlikely, there is always a chance that the bowl could be tipped over.

People generally know that pets need shelter to keep warm, but what about helping to keep them cool? Depending on the color or type of hair your pet has, he or she may be more susceptible to overheating than other breeds. If your dog is a "double coated" breed, meaning that it has a thick undercoat and a thinner top coat, it should never be shaved down. The extra coat, even as hot as you think it might be, assists the dog in regulating its temperature and works to keep it warm or cool. If your pet has been shaved, the skin is directly exposed, which can lead to overheating or rapid dehydration.

When traveling with pets, never leave them in a parked car unattended. With no air circulation, the temperature increases rapidly and can easily cause a heat stroke.

Everyone looks forward to summertime and vacations, and there is no reason they can't be enjoyed by the entire family, pets included. Get in the habit of noticing what condition your pet's coat is in and whether or not he or she needs treatment. Always supply your pet with plenty of water and shady retreats while you are away from home.

The Idaho Mountain Express is distributed free to residents and guests throughout the Sun Valley, Idaho resort area community. Subscribers to the Idaho Mountain Express will read these stories and others in this week's issue.