Hot Weather Care

How long will you be gone?

Even ten minutes could be too long for a pet left in the car on a hot day. By then, the temperature inside the car could reach 160°. That's hot enough to cause a dog to suffer heat stroke. Within moments, it could sustain permanent brain damage. If emergency care is not given, your pet could die.

The short stop you plan to make at the store could stretch to 15 minutes or more before you know it. Your mistake could cost your dog its life. Leaving the windows cracked won't cool the car enough to protect your pet.

Of course your dog would like to go with you everywhere, but when the weather turns warm, better park your pet at home.

Other Hot Weather Care tips to be aware of:

• Animals need access to water at all times.
• Make sure your outside pets have adequate shelter from the sun and inclement weather.
• When walking dogs, make sure they are not walked on hot surfaces for long periods of time, i.e. asphalt, concrete, etc.
• When exercising dogs, make sure you stop periodically so that the dog can re-hydrate themselves.
  If you have any concerns about your pet's well - being and health during the hot summer months, consult your veterinarian.

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/hot-weather-safety-tips

Cold Weather Care

In many areas, winter is a season of bitter cold and numbing wetness. Help your pets remain happy and healthy during the colder months by following these simple guidelines.

• Don't leave dogs outdoors when the temperature drops. Most dogs, and all cats, are safer indoors, except when taken out for exercise. Regardless of the season, shorthaired, very young, or old dogs and all cats should never be left outside without supervision. Short-coated dogs may feel more comfortable wearing a sweater during walks.
• No matter what the temperature, windchill can threaten a pet's life. A dog or cat is happiest and healthiest when kept indoors. If your dog is an outdoor dog, however, he/she must be protected by a dry, draft-free doghouse that is large enough to allow the dog to sit and lie down comfortably, but small enough to hold in his/her body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The house should be turned to face away from the wind, and the doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic.
• Pets who spend a lot of time outdoors need more food in the winter because keeping warm depletes energy. Routinely check your pet's water dish to make certain the water is fresh and unfrozen. Use plastic food and water bowls rather than metal; when the temperature is low, your pet's tongue can stick and freeze to metal.
• Warm engines in parked cars attract cats and small wildlife, who may crawl up under the hood. To avoid injuring any hidden animals, bang on your car's hood to scare them away before starting your engine.
• The salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate the pads of your pet's feet. Wipe the feet with a damp towel before your pet licks them and irritates his/her mouth.
• Antifreeze is a deadly poison, but it has a sweet taste that may attract animals and children. Wipe up spills and store antifreeze (and all household chemicals) out of reach. Better yet, use antifreeze-coolant made with propylene glycol; if swallowed in small amounts, it will not hurt pets, wildlife, or your family.
• Probably the best prescription for winter's woes is to keep your dog or cat inside with you and your family. The happiest dogs are those who are taken out frequently for walks and exercise but kept inside the rest of the time. Dogs and cats are social animals who crave human companionship. Your animal companions deserve to live indoors with you and your family.
• ASPCA Cold Weather Safety Tips

Do You Chain Your Dog?

Read why chaining a dog outside is inhumane and how to bring your dog inside on The Humane Society of the United States website.

Controlling Fleas and Ticks on Your Pets

The fleas and ticks on your dog or cat are only a small percentage of the number in the animal's environment. Fleas and their eggs can live outside in grass, soil and even crevices in sidewalks, while inside they live in rugs and carpets, cracks in floors, bedding, etc. Discover your options for controlling fleas on your furry friends and learn how to remove a tick off your dog from The Humane Society of the United States.

Disaster Preparedness Brochures

The Humane Society of the United Stated Disaster Center has several brochures available for download to help you plan for the needs of your pets, horses, and livestock during an emergency. The following PDF brochures are available for download: 

Disaster Preparedness for Pets 
Disaster Preparedness for Horses
Disaster Preparedness for Livestock