The North Shore Animal League America says "Play It Safe" with pets
during summer heat waves. They have given us some helpful tips for
traveling with pets and how to avoid any dangerous heat situations.
With
the forecast calling for blistering days and high humidity, North Shore
Animal League America reminds owners to safeguard their pets during the
warm stretches ahead “It’s vital to be aware of the dangers high summer
heat poses for our pet dogs and cats,” advises Gerard Laheney, DVM, of
NSALA’s Lewyt Veterinary Medical Center. “We need to be proactive as
temperatures soar. Panting is an inefficient means of releasing heat
and animals don’t perspire as humans do. Therefore, they are more prone
to feeling the effects of heat than we might realize. For animals,
hydration and retreats from sunlight are essential. ”
Dr. Laheney suggests the following:
Never leave your pet in the car. When the temperature is in the 70's and 80's, temperatures
inside a parked car can top over 100 degrees in as little as 10
minutes. While it might be tempting to leave your pet in the car "just
for a minute" while you pick up your dry-cleaning, you could be putting his life at risk.
See North Shore Animal League for even more summer pet safety tips!
And
now what if you got the heat handled and you are sure you never leave
your pet in an unattended car... does that mean all your travels with
your pet will be hassle free? Maybe not... what if your pet gets car
sickness? (read more by clicking "continue reading.." below)
Small Dog Paradise gives us some tips:
Car sickness is a very common incident, especially in puppies. Despite
the fact, many owners do little to prepare their dog for traveling in a
car and yet expect them to behave meticulously the first time they are
driven everywhere.
Having said, you don’t have to leave your friend at home. Here are 10
tips to help him cruise his way from car sickness and keep your
upholstery clean.
1. Get that Feeling. All children played at least once in their life
of a make believe game. So why should young puppies be denied of this
make believe experience. Take your pup to the stationary car. Let him
sniff and investigate the surrounding for a couple attempts. Then try
with the engine so he’s familiar of a car engine sound. Reward each
successful attempt.
2. Practice Mini Trips. Before embarking on a vacation with your dog,
it is always wise to get him used to moving vehicles. Start by driving
him around a block or two. Reward him each time he managed to stay
collect after the short ride. Gradually prolong the ride. If a blaring
siren passes by and he remains calm, reward him immediately with a tiny
food treat and praises.
3. Pleasant Destination. Avoid his first “bon voyage” to veterinary
clinics. Certainly do not make going to the vet the only time your dog
rides in the car. Make more pleasant rides to places like parks and
beaches. Set him up for fun moments not despair and sickly environment.
4. Empty Stomach. Do not go for a joy ride after a heavy meal. And
if you are embarking a long road trip, do not feed your dog six hour
prior to it. However, do give him water as it won’t upset his stomach
as much as food does.
5. Quarter-filled Stomach. While many dogs travel best with empty
stomach, others respond better after eating a light meal especially
dogs that have one meal per day.
Check out Small Dog Paradise to read the full article on preventing car sickness in pets.
by Breanne Boyle
