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Pets Love Summer, Too
Just like people, pets appreciate spending more time
outdoors on a warm summer day. Protect yourself, your pet and preserve
good neighbor relations with a few of these time-tested tips:
General Tips
- Keep your pet properly restrained. Make sure it cannot leave
your yard without your knowledge.
- Install an electronic fence or fenced run, especially for dogs
which have aggressive tendencies.
- Provide adequate shade and water if your dog spends a good portion
of the day outdoors in a doghouse or run.
- Talk to your vet about proper flea and tick preventive treatments.
- Take your dog to obedience school. A well-trained dog is a responsible
canine citizen.
- Make sure you have proper homeowners insurance coverage for
medical and liability damages should your dog or animal bite someone
or cause property damage.
- Arrange for kennel accommodations or dog sitter when you leave
your pet to go on vacation. Don't leave your pet at home, outside
and unattended all day.
- Don't leave your pet unattended in a hotel or campsite. Some
vacation areas offer pet-sitting or on-site kennels.
- Never leave your pet alone in a car on a hot, summer day.
- Know the warning signs of attack from an unfamiliar dog: Teeth
are bared, ears are flat against the head. Tail remains upright
and rigid. Chest is puffed out. Growling may or may not be audible.
At the first sign of aggression, avoid eye contact and back away.
If attacked by a dog, stop moving. Make yourself big by standing
up and remaining still. Use an object to deter an attack but refrain
from striking the dog. If you do not have an object to help you,
use your arm to deflect the dog's attack as you move away. Use
a well-placed kick or punch to free you to make an escape.
Learn more about Homesite's homeowners insurance
coverage.
Water Safety
Each year, many pets accidentally drown in backyard swimming pools
and around lakes and oceans. Young animals are especially vulnerable.
Teach your pets how to get out of the water by placing them in a pool
or other water source and guide them through the process of getting
out. Repeat this several times until they can get themselves out of
the water without your assistance. Review these lessons each time
your pet is exposed to a new situation involving water.
Warm Weather
Most household pets do not sweat to keep cool and need special considerations
in hot weather. If you pet is going to be outdoors, make sure it
has access to shade and a source of constant airflow and circulation.
For those 'dog' days of summer where a breeze is hard to find, you
may consider installing a fan on a covered porch or other sheltered
area. If your pets must be outside, try to find a spot that will
have some shade accessible at all times during the day.
Make sure your pet has a source of fresh, clean water.
A child's wading pool filled with water provides a great place for
your dog to cool off and play during hot days. If this is not available
you may cool them down with a garden hose or sprinkler throughout
the day.
If you must travel with your pets or bring them along on quick
errands, take note. Each year thousands of dogs and cats die in
parked cars due to dehydration or heat stroke. When traveling with
your pet, never leave your pet in this dangerous situation. If you
cannot take your pet inside with you when you stop, then someone
should stay outside and walk the pet or wait in the car with the
air-conditioner on.
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