Show Pets need special care during summer months Aimee Baumgartner Contributing Writer T A THILE ILE many people are planning ways V V to keep cool during the summer remember that house pets need to be kept cool also Andi Steadman a technician at the All Pet Complex offers several suggestions to keep pets healthy and cool during warm weather months II Always have hav water for pets It is possible that if a pet does not have enough it can cause serious damage to the animal animaL If If yours is an out indoor door pet a good idea is to keep a water dish in both places When the animal is outside make sure to provide an area or shelter where the pet can go for shade shade suggested Steadman For afternoons when temperatures are areat areat areat at the high point an easy way to help the pet stay cool is to give it a few sprays with witha a spray bottle This is good especially with long-haired long animals Steadman says that some pets may enjoy dips in kiddie pools for cooling off However However However How How- ever let the animal decide that for itself Itis It Itis Itis is not a good idea to force an animal into the pool Never leave leavea a pet in a vehicle even if the windows are rolled down warned Steadman This is very dangerous for an animal It could result in heat stroke and death In addition do not take animals for rides in the backs of trucks Steadman Steadman Steadman Stead Stead- man said she has seen numerous animals with injuries as a result Animals should also be tested for heartworm Heartworm is a disease transmitted transmitted transmitted trans trans- only by y certain species of mosquito Pets should be tested for heartworm after the first thaw Testing usually costs from S 40 10 and prescriptions prescriptions prescript can cost 15 Heartworm is not a real big problem Prevention is the key However trying to treat it once the animal gets it is dangerous because you have to use a form of arsenic to treat the disease disease said Steadman Treatment Treatment Treatment Treat Treat- ment for heartworm is also expensive Heartworm does not affect one species m more 0 r e t than h a n an another ot he r but it 1 is s m more 0 r e dominant in hunting dogs and dogs taken camping because they are in areas where there are more mosquitos Basically being aware of pets and their needs is a good way to ensure that pets have a safe healthy and happy summer |