The Pet Butler of London

  Bright sun and hot temperatures of summer may be nice for a day at the beach but they can be dangerous for dogs who live outside. All dogs are susceptible to heat stroke but dark colored dogs, overweight dogs, older or frail dogs, and brachycephalic dogs are at higher risk than others. Dogs, especially light colored ones, are also susceptible to sunburn.

  Dogs are safer in air conditioning. If at all possible, they should be brought inside during the hottest hours of the day. Even if it means crate confinement for several hours, dogs will be much more comfortable in air conditioning than outside in the heat.

  The difference between temperatures in sunlight and temperatures in shade can vary more than you might think. Having a summer picnic lunch with cold drinks in the shade of a big tree can be enjoyable but if that picnic table is in direct sunlight and drinks are warm, no one will have a good time. It’s the same for dogs who live outside. Shade moves as the earth rotates so it’s important to make sure your dog has shade all day long. A doghouse is not sufficient shade as temperatures inside climb quickly.

  If your dog stays in the garage or any outside building, it should be well ventilated and breezy. Fans can help stir stuffy air as long as cords cannot be reached and chewed. Doghouses do not provide sufficient ventilation.

  In hot summer, a panting dog, without plenty of water, can quickly become dehydrated. Warm water is not absorbed as quickly and is not as satisfying. Plenty of fresh water should be kept in the shade and within easy reach. Dogs should have several water sources as some have been known, in an effort to cool themselves, to “dig” in their water container and spill it.

    Getting wet and playing in water is a great way to keep cool in summer. Many dogs love to splash in a kiddie pool or sprinkler. Pools must be kept clean as stagnant water can be a breeding place for disease-carrying mosquitoes and algae.

  Frozen dog treats given throughout the day will help your pup beat the heat during the sweltering days of summer. He will love them as much as you love an ice cream freeze on a hot day.

Some parts of a dog’s body such as ears and nose can sunburn. A sunscreen of at least SPF 15 will help protect him from the sun’s dangerous rays.

  A parked car becomes an oven. Never leave your dog in a parked car.

Cold Weather Tips

Brrrr…it’s cold outside! The following guidelines will help you protect your companion animals when the mercury dips.

1.Keep your cat inside. Outdoors, felines can freeze, become lost or be stolen, injured or killed. Cats who are allowed to stray are exposed to infectious diseases, including rabies, from other cats, dogs and wildlife.

2.During the winter, outdoor cats sometimes sleep under the hoods of cars. When the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed by the fan belt. If there are outdoor cats in your area, bang loudly on the car hood before starting the engine to give the cat a chance to escape.

3.Never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm—dogs can lose their scent and easily become lost. More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season, so make sure yours always wears ID tags.

4.Thoroughly wipe off your dog's legs and stomach when he comes in out of the sleet, snow or ice. He can ingest salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals while licking his paws, and his paw pads may also bleed from snow or encrusted ice.

5.Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth. When you bathe your dog in the colder months, be sure to completely dry him before taking him out for a walk. Own a short-haired breed? Consider getting him a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly. For many dogs, this is regulation winter wear.

6.Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death.

7.Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs, and may be difficult to housebreak during the winter. If your puppy appears to be sensitive to the weather, you may opt to paper-train him inside. If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, take him outdoors only to relieve himself.

8.Does your dog spend a lot of time engaged in outdoor activities? Increase his supply of food, particularly protein, to keep him—and his fur—in tip-top shape.

9.Like coolant, antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle, and consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol. Visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center more information.

10.Make sure your companion animal has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafts. A cozy dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow is perfect.