By Deanna Johnson
When the mercury rises, it’s time to pay special attention to your pet’s health and safety.
You probably treat your dog like any other family member. So making sure he is comfortable and safe at all times — especially during the hottest months — is probably a top concern. Here are a few tips to keep your four-legged friend happy and healthy.
Never leave your dog or any animal in the car when the weather is hot —warm. The interior temperature of your car can easily soar to 120 degrees in just minutes. Even if you leave the windows cracked, the temperature in the car can sour to a dangerous level.
Don’t let your dog ride in the bed of a pick- up truck. Serious eye injuries can occur from a flying debris, or your dog could even fall out
Keep your dog away from fertilizers, plant foods and insecticides. They can be fatal if your pet ingests them. Don’t let your pet walk or play on a recently treated lawn.
Make sure your pet always wears an ID tag. Even if your dog has an embedded identification chip, make sure he has a tag so that identification can be made quickly. It’s also a good idea to keep a current picture of your pet with you. That way, if he disappears or wanders off you have a photo on hand to show people.
Give your dog prescription heartworm medicine. It is also a good practice to use flea and tick medications that have been prescribed by your dog’s veterinarian.
Make sure your pet has plenty of water and shade when playing outside. You will also want to make sure your dog isn’t walking on hot asphalt because it can burn his paw pads.
If you care for your pet as I do mine, always be more attentive to its needs during very warm or cold periods.
Deanna Johnson, Jack Bradley Realty Co. 419-341-1766 - Call for information on real estate in the Catawba, Port Clinton, Marblehead areas.
