Humane Society of the United States Offers Tips to Protect Pets During Summer Months
Release provided by The Humane Society of the United States

Washington - The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) urges pet owners to protect their companions during the high temperatures that characterize the summer months.

"Summer is a time when we all relax, but pet owners need to be even more vigilant about caring for their companions since the summertime fun can spell disaster for dogs, cats and other companion animals," said Martha Armstrong, vice president for companion animals and equine protection for The HSUS.

The HSUS offers tips for pet owners to keep their furry friends safe this summer:

• Don’t leave pets in parked cars. Every summer, animals left in parked cars suffer brain damage and die from heatstroke. Even with the windows cracked, the temperature in a parked car can quickly rise to dangerous levels. Dogs can’t sweat and can only dispel heat by panting and through the pads on their feet. If you see a dog in a parked car during the summer, alert the management of the shopping mall or grocery store. If the owner does not return promptly, call local animal control or the police.

• It is also very dangerous, and in some states illegal, to place dogs in the back of pick-up trucks. Flying debris can cause serious injury and a dog may be unintentionally thrown from the truck into traffic.

• Dog bites rise during the summer months when we all spend more time outside. Spaying and neutering reduce the likelihood that your dog will bite and provide many other health benefits.

• Pets and pools can equal disaster. Prevent free access to pools and always supervise a pet in a pool.

• Provide plenty of water and shade for pets to give them the opportunity to keep cool.

• Pets need exercise even when it is hot but extra care needs to be taken with older dogs and short-nosed dogs. On very hot days, limit exercise to early morning or evening hours. Keep in mind that asphalt gets very hot and can injure your pet’s feet.

• Another summertime threat is fleas. New treatments to prevent and treat fleas are available from your veterinarian and are safe and effective for preventing flea infestations on your pet, in your home, and in your yard.

• Fair-haired pets may require sunscreen on their noses and ear tips to prevent sunburn and skin cancer.

• Don’t take pets to July 4th festivities and other fireworks displays. The lights and loud noises that thrill people are frightening to pets. They may try to escape or may even act aggressively out of fear.

For more information on summertime pet care, visit The HSUS’s website at www.hsus.org.