Tuesday, July 17, 2018

5 Tips for Keeping Your Pets Safe in Hot Weather MT. PLEASANT, Mich. -- Considering the super hot and dry conditions we've been experiencing lately, we at Graff Mt. Pleasant feel that it's a great time to remind you that you're not the only one who needs to stay cool! Like humans, dogs are very susceptible to the same risks as we are when it comes to hot weather. Although, they need a little more of your help to beat the heat. Here are five tips to keep your four-legged friend safe when the temperatures rise! Water is just as important to our dogs' survival as it is to our own, as it's responsible for the proper function of every cell and organ in their bodies! If your dog spends a lot of time outside, make sure you put their water bowl out there with them and check it regularly. While on walks, bring a bottle of water along for them as well as for yourself, and stop for breaks! Dogs with shorter noses (such as boxers, pugs, Shar-Peis, Boston terriers, Brussels griffins, mastiffs, chow-chows, bulldogs, Shih Tzus, Staffordshire terriers, Lhasa apsos, and spaniels) and senior dogs are especially susceptible to heatstroke. Symptoms include excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, fever, vomiting, and collapse. Remember: they can't tell you if something is wrong. Keep an eye on them while they're outside and when they come in, and get them to a vet as soon as possible if anything seems off! Every summer, many dogs die because they were left in their owners' hot car, but it is avoidable! A 75-degree day can feel like 150 to your friend in the fur coat, and the temperature inside a car can quickly rise an additional 20 degrees to that within the first 10 minutes - even with the windows rolled down. The number one way you can avoid losing your buddy is by using good judgment. If its way too hot outside, leave your dog at home in a cool place. In order to help your pup beat the heat, offer them more ways to keep cool at home! Fill up a kiddie pool in the backyard for them to splash around in, leave a fan in a place where they can lay in front of it, or get them a treat like doggy ice cream from your local pet bakery! When taking your dog for a walk or letting them outside, try to avoid hot surfaces like pavement whenever possible. You know how your feet burn off when you walk on a hot sidewalk? Well, you have the luxury of putting on shoes. Try to go for walks in the park where they can walk on grass, and lay out a rug along their path if your house's backdoor doesn't immediately open up to the yard.

At Graff Mt. Pleasant, we love our dogs as much as we love our cars. And that's a whole lot! We want you and your pet to be safe this summer, and we hope the information we've provided here is helpful to do just that. While you're at it, why not stop by our service department for a summer tune-up? We're always happy to help with anything you need!
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