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Summer Health Tips For Your Pets
Written by Mike McKegney and Lee Bothamley
Just like us, animals feel the heat and they may be less active
in the summer time. Unlike humans who continue to be busy while
complaining how hot we are, animals will find a spot under a
tree, under a bed, or sometimes in a patch of sun and just chill
out. If your animals are outside in your yard, ensure that they
have shade and a supply of fresh water.
Make sure to keep their purified water topped up and refreshed
at least once daily because they will most likely drink more
during the hot weather. Because of the heat, your pet may
require less calories and therefore less food. If your pet stops
eating altogether, you should have it examined by your animal
health practitioner. If you feed your pet’s canned or raw food,
don’t leave it down if they don’t finish it after 20-30 minutes.
In the heat, it will go rancid very quickly and could cause
digestive upsets.
Although exercise is still important in the warmer weather, you
and your pet may be less likely to want to be out in the heat of
the day. More comfortable times, like early morning or in the
evening, may be better times for a walk, a game of fetch, or
even a swim.
It may seem redundant to keep repeating about not leaving pets
in our vehicles during the warmer weather, but every year we
read about an animal who perished while left in the car “for
just a few minutes”. If you have ever sat in a car in hot
weather with the sun beating through the windows, you will know
how quickly the temperature can rise inside. It doesn’t take
long for hyperthermia to set in.
If your pet gets overheated, quickly cool them off by taking
them inside to air conditioning and cooling them off in a
bathtub, or hosing them off outside to bring their temperature
down. Signs of hyperthermia can include panting, drooling,
weakness, impaired behavior, collapse and death.
As the weather warms up, our
pets will start shedding their winter coats. Even indoor animals
will do this. Extra brushing, combing or bathing may be required
at this time of year. Cats may throw up more hairballs because
they will be ingesting more fur when they wash themselves. Of
course, a top quality diet will ensure that your
pet’s skin & coat are in good condition and that they will shed
less on an ongoing basis.
With the hot humid weather
come fleas, mosquitoes, ticks and other insects. Using herbal
collars, sprays and shampoos will help to repel these parasites.
Garlic, brewer’s yeast and diatomaceous earth can be added to
their food to further help to discourage insects. Remember that
every time you put a chemical collar, “drop-on” or spray on your
pet that the chemicals are being absorbed through the skin and
into your pet’s bloodstream and organs.
The summer is too short for those of us who love warm weather,
so enjoy it safely with your pets.
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About the Author
Mike
McKegney and Lee Bothamley, co-owners of “Healthy
Paws Pet Food and Supplies” and “Nature’s Herbs for Pets” in
Sarnia.Where the focus is on preventive health for dogs & cats.
We offer chemical free natural foods, treats, vitamins, herbal
tinctures, Chinese herbal remedies, supplements, skin care
products and pet care books. We also offer an on-line catalogue
with world-wide mail order service and a monthly newsletter.
Website:
www.naturespetherbs.com
Tel: 1-877-344-3443
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