Did you know that #pets can get sunburns, too? Hairless, white- or thin-coated breeds and those with light-pigmented noses and eyelids are especially at risk. To keep your furry friends #safe, consider applying a #sunscreen formulated for your #pet. Also note that while it may seem like a good idea to give your pet a summer haircut, don’t do it for breeds with double coats such as golden retrievers and huskies; their coats provide protection from sunburn, extreme heat and extreme cold. Ask your veterinarian if your furry friend would benefit from a good grooming or sunscreen during the #dog days of #summer. #DogDays #PetSafety
Tag: dog days
Don’t Leave Pets Unattended in a Vehicle
Never leave a pet unattended inside a vehicle. Interior temperatures can rise quickly to life-threatening levels even when the outdoor temperatures are relatively comfortable. The interior temperature of a vehicle parked in in 70° weather will exceed 100° in less than 30 minutes, according to studies cited by the American Veterinary Medical Association, and if the outdoor temperature is 90°, it takes less than 10 minutes to spike to 109°. What’s more, cracking the windows has little effect on interior temperatures. Love your pets — and leave them at home if there’s any chance they will be left unattended — even for a minute — in a hot car. #DogDays #Pets
Know the Signs of Heatstroke in Pets
Dogs cool their bodies through their paw pads and panting, and hot asphalt or cement can easily burn their paws. Avoid walking your pet during the hottest part of the day, especially in direct sunlight. Place the back of your hand on the pavement to judge if it is too hot for your pet. Dogs and cats are at particular risk for heatstroke if they are very old, very young, overweight, or have heart or respiratory disease. If you witness signs of heatstroke as heavy panting, glazed eyes, dizziness, or vomiting, quickly remove your pet to shade or an air-conditioned space and apply ice packs or a cold towel to their head, neck and chest; then consult a veterinarian. #DogDays #Pets
Keep Pets Safe During the Dog Days of Summer
It’s “dog days” of summer, so here’s a helpful reminder: Heat and humidity can be dangerous to your animal companions. Be sure that your house pets can stay hydrated by placing several bowls around the house and consider limiting their intake of grain-based foods that cause metabolic spikes in body temperature, says the National Weather Service. Schedule your pet’s #outdoor time to avoid the hottest parts of the day, avoid strenuous activities and instead provide plenty of shade. Be alert to heat illness in pets such as a rapid or irregular heart rate, excessive drooling, lethargy, refusal to eat, or excessive panting. #DogDays #Pets
Dog Days: Decluttering With Pets
If you have #pets, you know that they can contribute to the #clutter and #grime that your home attracts. And the “dog days” of summer are as good a time as any to discover a few strategies to keep your space #organized and #tidy — whether you have a #dog, #cat, or some other furry, scaly or feathered friend.
First, tackle #decluttering #KonMari-style. “When going through your dog or cat’s items, focus on which of them bring your pet the most joy or serve a true purpose,” FreshPet says. “They usually make it pretty clear what they like and don’t like. Keep only the items that make your #pet the happiest.”
Try not to get too sentimental about pet possessions. If there’s something that has particular significance such as your pup’s first collar, frame it. Most other items can be discarded; #donate lightly used items to a local animal shelter or ClothingDonations.org. If something holds memories but is of little use, take a picture of it before letting it go.
Life Storage suggests creating pet “stations” around the house, designating bins and baskets for grooming items, outdoor/exercise needs, toys, and food and treats. If you house your pet in a crate, cage or aquarium, keep any related supplies #organized nearby for convenient care and maintenance.
PopSugar offers a list of 10 pet #organization products “sure to make your life easier,” or you can DIY your own storage solutions. Get creative with #thrift-store finds, shop the container section of a local hardware store or build an organizer. Consider labeling all boxes, baskets and bins as an additional #streamlining strategy.
Once your pet #stuff is organized and in its proper places, you won’t be tripping over toys or wasting time wondering where the leash went. And your home will be easier to #clean, too! Pets shed, track in dirt and leave other messes in their wake. But that’s a topic that The Organizing Blog will revisit another day. Enjoy the dog days!