Keep pets safe from scorching summer heat

The dog days of summer are here, but how do animal lovers keep their pets cool in the sweltering Arizona heat?

One possible solution is to keep pets indoors, but for many this is not a solution. If a pet must be kept outside, here are a few simple tips to ensure the animals remain comfortable.

First, make sure animals have plenty of water.

Dehydration is sure to lead to heat exhaustion, so keeping animals hydrated is very important.

One thing that will make the water more bearable is to put a few ice cubes in the water, or, if possible, freeze a second dish of water and set it out in the morning.

Besides keeping water out for the pets, another helpful tip is to soak a blanket in water and lay it in a shaded area or purchase a small wading pool and keep it in the backyard.

These will give dogs two places they can cool off.

Another thing owners can do to make life more comfortable for their pet is to make sure that there a cool, shaded place for pets to lie.

Sitting in the glaring heat can literally bake an animal, and the shade can give a bit of relief.

Finally, ensure that animals are properly groomed.

An animal’s coat protects it from the sun’s harmful rays, but long, mangy hair can make it seem hotter than it actually is.

For those new to the state, another tip that actually doubles as the law is that animals cannot be left unattended in vehicles. Rolling down or cracking the windows is not sufficient to keep most pets from suffering heat exhaustion, brain damage and possibly death.

Have a pet tip of your own? Contact Michael K. Rich at [email protected].

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