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Summer
Sun Not Always Fun For Pets
American
Pet Products Manufacturers Association Offers Tips to Keep
Pets Cool During the "Dog Days of Summer"
Greenwich,
CT., June 8, 2000 -- The warm months are here, and as
you make plans to beat the heat this summer, the American
Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA) wants to remind
you to think about your pets. In fact according to APPMA's
1999/2000 National Pet Owners Survey, more than 61 million
U.S. households currently own a dog, cat, bird, fish, small
animal or reptile.
"Pet owners
should take special precautions to ensure that their furry,
feathered and finned friends make it through the 'dog days'
of summer," said Funda Alp, director of communications for
the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA).
APPMA
offers ten ways to be a pal to your pet during those extra
hot days:
1.
Keep Cool. NEVER leave your pet in a car - even if you
roll the windows down your pet can quickly overheat. Likewise,
at home, avoid placing aquariums or pet cages in front of
sunny windows
2.
Give a Spritz. Keep a squirt bottle handy filled with
cool clean water. When your pet shows signs of needing to
cool down just give him several spritzes to wet him down.
3.
Cancel the Clippers. Don't give your pets a summer buzz
cut - most veterinarians agree that a longer coat actually
helps to insulate and keeps pets cooler.
4.
Clothing Optional. If your pet enjoys sunbathing or has
a thin coat with limited sun protection, be sure to cover
him up... with a T-shirt! You can also protect its head with
a cap or soak a cotton neckerchief in cool water and tie it
around its neck.
5.
Heed the Heat. During the hottest part of the day, try
out the temperature of your pet's hideaway yourself. If it
feels uncomfortable to you, it's probably too hot for your
pet, too.
6.
Double the Dose. No matter how big the water bowl, always
double the amount of water you give your pets to prevent dehydration
- and refill constantly.
7.
Bathe Your Beauty. If your pet is feeling the summertime blues
from sunburns, and stings, soak it in an oatmeal bath. Also,
keep birds chipper with birdbaths that are filled to the rim.
8.
Let Them Take a Dip. Fill a wading pool with a few inches
of cool water to give pets a pleasant place to "chill out."
9.
No Fleas Please. There's nothing more troubling than being
hot and itchy. Check your outdoor pet daily for fleas and
ticks. Ask your veterinarian to recommend the best product
for prevention.
10.
Love 'Em Tender. The bang of Fourth of July fireworks can
make even the toughest of pets tremble. An extra dose of TLC
- plus a safe place to take cover - will help pets survive
the "bombs bursting in air."
Following
these guidelines will help keep your pet healthy and happy
all summer long. For additional pet care tips, call APPMA
at 1-800-452-1225 for a free copy of "The Pet Owner's Manual."
Founded
in 1958, the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association
is the nation's leading not-for-profit trade organization
serving the interests of pet product manufacturers and educating
the public on the many joys and health benefits associated
with pet ownership. APPMA's membership consists of more than
600 companies which include both small businesses as well
as the nation's leading pet product companies.
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