Fido & Fireworks | Pet ideas over July 4th

Heat tolerance varies among breeds and individual dogs. Heavy coats and dark fur make dogs more prone to heat stroke. Dogs with flat faces will have more trouble breathing in high heat, which also will affect overweight and elderly dogs. Dogs in heat distress may vomit and pant heavily; seek veterinary treatment.

Prevent dehydration by providing access to fresh water. Make sure outside dogs have a shady place to retreat and plenty of fresh water. It’s best to bring outdoor pets indoors in air conditioning or other cool place.

Sunburn can happen to dogs with white and light-colored and thin coats, so limit exposure.

Burned paw pads can occur by walking on concrete or asphalt. Take walks in morning and at night and on grass. If a surface feels warm enough to be painful to the touch to you, it will hurt the dog’s footpads.

Never leave dogs in car. Cracking windows isn’t enough to keep animals cool. If the outside temperature is 75 degrees, in just 10 minutes, the temperature inside a car will be 94.

Make sure vaccinations and heartworm treatments are current. Ticks, fleas, mosquitoes and flies are common summertime pests.

Proper identification should be attached to the dog’s collar. Have your phone number on tags and get the dog microchipped. Use current photo and description on fliers or social media if pets do get lost.