Dear Just Be: I have recently become a pet owner for the first time. Are there tips for caring for my pets in the summer?

This is a great question! Being knowledgeable and prepared now will help you come the hot summer months. Caring for your pet in the summer months is not much different than the rest of the year; you just have to think twice about taking them outdoors and how it could affect them.

First tip, and this pertains probably more to dogs than cats, but don’t leave your pets in the car; just like you wouldn’t leave a baby or child in a hot car the same goes for your pets. Cars can quickly heat above 120 degrees within minutes. Unlike humans, cats and dogs can’t perspire and can only release heat by panting and through the pads of their feet. If you leave your pet in a hot car for even a brief moment they can suffer from heat exhaustion, heat stroke, brain damage, or death. To avoid one of these unnecessary tragedies, leave your pet at home while you are out a about running errands. Local human societies also recommend that if you see a pet in a car alone during hot summer months, tell the management of the store where the car is parked. If the owner doesn’t step forward then call the local animal control and police department immediately.

Also this summer be careful and mindful of where you place your plant food, fertilizers or insecticides. You don’t want your pets getting into them because if ingested it can be fatal for your pets. Furthermore, be aware of what plants you plant in your gardens and what they can do to your pet if they were to eat them. It has been reported that more than 700 plants can cause harmful effects in pets when ingested in sufficient amounts.

Another tip, that is the easiest but unfortunately goes over looked the most, is watering your pet. Just like we need water to stay cool and refreshed, so do your cats and dogs. Make sure your cats and dogs have plenty of water throughout the day. Without water and cool areas your pet can suffer from heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Some signs of heat stress that you should be aware of are: heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse, unsteadiness, a staggering gait, vomiting, or a deep red or purple tongue.

Heat stress usually occurs with dogs when they are taken out for exercise during hot times of the day. You need to take extra care exercising older dogs, short-nosed dogs, and those with thick coats on extremely hot days. On very hot days, only exercise your pet in the early morning or evening hours. Note that that asphalt gets very hot and can burn your pet's paws. Pets can get sunburned too, and your pet may require sunscreen on his or her nose and ear tips. Pets with light-colored noses or light-colored fur on their ears are particularly vulnerable to sunburn and skin cancer.

Last tip, again more for dogs than cats, is don’t take them out to crowded summer events like concerts or fairs. The noises and crowds, combined with the heat, can be stressful and dangerous for dogs. For your pet's well being, and even your own, leave them at home.

For more information on taking care of your pets this summer or year long visit the following websites:
Colorado Humane Society &SPCA
The Humane Society of the United States