The Heat is On: Protect Your Pets this Summer
Long summer days are here again and while we're all up for some fun in the sun, warmer weather brings with it a variety of dangers for your pets. Certain health and safety risks are worth considering as things heat up, so take special care of your furry friends with a few simple tips.
Monitor outdoor exposure - Do you have a pet that spends time outdoors? Plan to keep her inside between the hours of 1 and 4 PM, when heat and humidity are at their highest. In addition, watch the forecast for heat and air quality advisories. If you're taking special precautions yourself, your pet should be included as well.
Turn on the A/C - When outside temperatures soar, make adjustments to your air conditioning system to ensure your pet is comfortable. If you will be away from home
-- whether for the day or for a vacation where your pet will be cared for from your house
-- make sure the thermostat is set to a temperature that would be comfortable for you.
Keep up with meds - Summer is certainly not a time to skip medications that prevent parasites, which tend to be more active than at other times of the year. Make sure you regularly administer medications for heartworm, fleas, and other common parasites. In addition, have your pet tested when these medications are due.
Lifeguard the pool - Will your dog be around your backyard pool? Even if he is a strong swimmer, accidents happen. Just like small children, never leave a dog unattended around a pool.
Watch what you plant - Certain plants such as azaleas and lilies can have harmful effects on your dog or cat's health, resulting in digestive issues, abnormal heart rate, and even death. Consider removing harmful plants if your pet is drawn to them. In addition, keep fertilizer and other plant food containing insecticides well out of reach. These products often contain compounds that can be fatalif ingested.
Here at LOUD Security, we offer unique solutions to your security needs that may help protect your pets this summer, such as gate sensors, thermostat control, and video monitoring. Remote capability through Total Connect™ means you can check on your pet from anywhere.
