You know how you feel when the summer heat rises? Imagine how your helpless pet must feel. Your pet cannot take care of itself. Your pet depends on you for all its care. It depends on you for food, water, health care,play time, physical exercise, and so much more.
It’s no secret that some people are not only “bad” pet owners, some are also violent, neglectful, or even abusive to their pets. Some of the research indicates that pet owners who abuse their pets may also be individuals who might abuse people. When animals are abused, there is also a greater risk, and a potential for children and adults to be abused.
If you suspect that an animal is being abused, or neglected, you can report it to the police. Talk with other peole, friends, professionals, and neighbors about “animal cruelty awareness”. Animals cannot speak up for themselves. “Someone” has to speak for them.
Make sure to keep your pets safe this summer. Here are a few pet care/safety tips:
• Never leave your pet in the car. It is too hot.
• Keep your pet on a leash. This goes for cats too. Cats can be trained to walk on a leash.
• Water, water, water — several times a day.
• Pets need sunscreen. Sunburn, peeling, and skin cancer are very painful.
• No sun between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Comb and groom your pet’s hair regularly.
• Watch out for antifreeze. It’s extremely toxic.
• Keep pets indoors on humid days. It is difficult for them to breathe and rid themselves of excess body heat.
• No overexertion. Overdoing it causes overheating. Panting means it’s time to stop.
• Bring your pets inside. They should never be left outside, even in the shade. Shade moves. Also, pets can become ill very quickly. Keep them inside as much as possible.
• Watch for heatstroke. This is an emergency! Get your pet to the veterinarian immediately.
• Keep pets free of fleas. Be preventative.
• Watch for heartworm, tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms, and ticks.
• Keep your pet’s environment, sleeping and rest areas clean.
• Always try to make your pets “as comfortable as possible.”
Have fun this summer. Follow these simple health and safety tips. And vow to make things better for yourself and for your pets.
