As we prepare for the delights of summer, it is more important than ever that we remember to safeguard our pets! The veterinarians at Animal Humane offer these tips to protect your pets during the rigors of summer in the desert.

Beat the heat! Summer temperatures are deadly to animals left without shelter, shade, or water. Dehydration and heat stroke claim the lives of thousands of pets every year. Keep elderly, feeble animals and very young pets indoors; they are particularly susceptible to hyperthermia. Make sure that your outdoor pet can get out of the sun and has plenty of fresh water.

Beware (and aware!) of cars! Automobiles are deadly in many ways that are not obvious.
• Never leave your pet in the car, not even with the windows open! Temperatures inside the small, enclosed space can soar to lethal levels in no time.
• The coolant in your radiator smells and tastes sweet, and is deadly to animals. Check your car for leaks, clean up spills thoroughly and quickly, and consider using propylene glycol products rather than those containing ethylene glycol.
• Hit-by-car injuries and deaths are common in summer. Don’t risk costly veterinary bills or the devastating loss of your pet: keep him securely confined at home and on a leash when walking.

A word about food… Summer! Time for backyard cookouts, barbecues, and parties! But the spicy food you eat and the alcohol you drink can be dangerous to you pets. Don’t permit guests to offer food, bones, or alcohol to your pets; at the very least, it can cause severe gastric upset; at worst, intoxication, depression, coma, or even death.

Safety first! Many of the amenities we enjoy during summer are dangerous for our pets.
• Never leave your pet unsupervised near a swimming pool! Many animals drown, not because they cannot swim, but because they cannot get out of the pool. Never permit a pet wearing an Elizabethan collar or any article of ‘clothing’ not designed for the purpose to get into a pool: the article can become water-logged or drag him to the bottom.
• Don’t permit your pet to drink pool water; it contains chlorine and other harmful chemicals.
• If you live above the ground floor, beware of “High Rise Syndrome.” Pets can be severely injured or killed falling out of an open or unscreened window.
• Insects abound in summer, and the products we use to control them can be deadly to our pets. Keep insecticides, rodent baits, citronella candles, and related products safely locked up and out of your pet’s reach. Avoid cheap, over-the-counter products to control fleas and ticks on your pet; use only the safe products recommended by your veterinarian.
• If your pet ingests a potentially harmful substance, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: 1-888-426-4435 or go to www.aspca.org/apcc. Seek veterinary care immediately.

One last word: On the Fourth of July, 2010, our country will celebrate 234 years of independence. Remember that fireworks are for people, not for pets. They contain dangerous toxins, and can cause severe burns, trauma, and even death. Many animals spend this cherished holiday cowering in fear of the noise. Please make sure that your pets are safe and secure while you are celebrating. We at Animal Humane wish you and yours a safe and happy summer!