book is in its second printing. Folks fight over the limited first editions on eBay, bidding more than $100 a copy!
Celebrating our area's four-legged, feathered and finned friends
Pets and the HEAT
As we say in the South, “It’s a little warm.” Or to translate, “Oh my ever-loving God, it’s hot!” This weather can kill.
Here are a few tips. We all know by now that putting an animal in a parked car in the summer is, well, dumb and dumber. But what about our regular, day to day activities? Walks need to be first thing in the morning or after dusk. Taking along a spray bottle of cold water helps: just spray the air in front of your dog’s face periodically. Dogs cool off by panting, and cool, moist air does a better job.
Sara contemplates a dip
Watch out for normal fetch and running activities. Dogs won’t know when to call it quits, and heatstroke is a real danger. Maybe you could involve a pool (kiddie pools are inexpensive and great fun) or a hose in your play. Some dogs who hate to be hosed off, love to chase the water as it shoots out of the hose.
Shade, shade, shade! If you think a dog house in the sun is adequate shelter, hang out in one for a while. (Of course, if you think a dog house in the sun is adequate shelter, you’re probably not reading iPet of the Week!) Your dog house should be located under heavy shade already; the double shade might be sufficient, but really, in this heat, dogs should have access to the indoors.
Cats suffer from heat too, and as we all know indoor cats live an average of nine years longer, are healthier, have less trauma and don’t poop in their neighbors’ gardens!
There are lots of fun products you can buy to help keep your pets happy and cool. One easy home game is to freeze dog biscuits inside ice cubes: fun, fun, fun!!!
