Warm weather calls for outdoor activities with your pup, such as hiking, traveling and spending time in the park. While more outside playtime can be great for increased exercise, it’s also important to keep your pet healthy, inside and out, especially during the hot months. These five tips can help keep your pup hygienic and cuddle-worthy throughout the hottest time of the year.5 Ways to Keep Your Dog Healthy in the Heat![]() (Family Features) Warm weather calls for outdoor activities with your pup, such as hiking, traveling and spending time in the park. While more outside playtime can be great for increased exercise, it’s also important to keep your pet healthy, inside and out, especially during the hot months. Maintaining your dog’s hygiene – including cleaning his ears, bathing him and cleaning his teeth – is a critical component of helping him live a healthy lifestyle, from head to tail. These five tips can help keep your pup hygienic and cuddle-worthy throughout the hottest time of the year.
Be sure to have fresh water accessible at all times to keep your pet hydrated, especially in warm weather. If you’re thirsty, chances are your pet will be, too.
After a day in the sun with your pup, a bath is typically a must. Not only will it get your pup clean, but it can help cool him down from the hot weather. When bathing your dog, don’t forget about his sweet puppy-dog eyes and face. Moisten a soft washcloth or sponge with room-temperature water and gently wipe your dog’s face clean.
Warm weather can make you want to spend the whole day outside. While your dog may love the extended outdoor playtime, make sure to fetch a spot that has a mix of sun and shade for when your dog needs a rest and a quick drink of water.
Your dog’s bed may be where he feels most comfortable, which is why it’s important to keep it nice and clean during the dog days of summer. Any bugs, fleas or germs your dog may pick up will follow him into the bed. Choose one with a removable cover to make cleaning it as simple a quick load of laundry.
When considering your dog’s health, don’t forget about his oral care. Dental treats such as GREENIES™ Dental Treats or PEDIGREE® DENTASTIX™ Treats help freshen breath and clean your dog’s teeth down to the gum line, helping to keep bad dog breath from getting in the way of snuggling with your pup all summer. For more information and tips for your pet’s oral care needs, visit pedigree.com and greenies.com. Photos courtesy of Fotolia SOURCE:Pedigree Greenies KEYWORDS
As scorching temperatures fade and pest season passes, pet owners may breathe a sigh of relief. Although the seasonal risks of summer are gone, your four-legged friend may need some special attention this autumn, as well.Pet-Friendly Practices for Fall(Family Features) As scorching temperatures fade and pest season passes, pet owners may breathe a sigh of relief. Although the seasonal risks of summer are gone, your four-legged friend may need some special attention this autumn, as well. Cold-weather pests. Though the dangers associated with ticks, mosquitos and other creepy, crawly critters lessen as the temperatures drop, those same colder days bring other creatures scurrying inside and that can present a whole new set of problems. Rats and mice tend to migrate indoors in search of warmth and the poisons used to eliminate them can be highly toxic to pets. Be sure pesticides are used in areas inaccessible to your animals. Stay alert. Ticks may be less prevalent in the fall, but that doesn’t mean they’re gone completely – especially if hospitable environments remain. Keep yard and garden debris to a minimum and continue administering repellents for any pets that spend time outdoors. On the move. Seasonal changes mean wildlife is on the move, making changes to settle into winter. Snakes are often more mobile during autumn months and inexperienced pets may risk bites if they tangle with intruders. Shiny, new things. Kids aren’t the only ones attracted to a collection of new school supplies. Curious pets may dive into a pile of crayons, markers, rulers and other supplies, and although the items likely aren’t toxic, they can result in digestive blockages or damage from sharp, broken edges. Anticipate energy needs. Colder temperatures can mean your pet has to exert more energy to keep warm and that may warrant bumping up meal serving sizes. Consult with your veterinarian about the appropriate feeding amounts for your pet’s specific breed, health and lifestyle needs. Auto-related issues. Many car owners use the change of season as a milestone for car maintenance and winterizing, such as changing oil or antifreeze. Antifreeze in particular is highly toxic; a small quantity can kill pets and, unfortunately, the sweet smell makes it quite attractive to curious creatures. Clean spills thoroughly and take added precaution by keeping pets away from your work area entirely while handling these substances. Not so fun-gus. Damp conditions can bring about a surge of mushrooms. Although only a small percentage of mushrooms are toxic, they can be hard to distinguish from the non-toxic variety. A good rule of thumb: keep pets clear of areas where mushrooms may be found, or if that’s not possible, conduct regular checks and remove any temptation that pops up. Comfort foods. Most pet owners know chocolate is dangerous for pets, but many other foods that are common in the fall can also be problematic. Keep pets away from rich, savory foods that can upset their digestion and leave Fido at home during your annual jaunt to the apple orchard; apple stems, seeds and cores can create plenty of digestive havoc. If you want to indulge your pet with a little seasonal flavor, instead try offering fresh or canned pumpkin. Find more pet parenting tips for fall and all year long at eLivingToday.com. ![]() 4 Benefits of Personalized Dog FoodFor dog owners, your pet is often your world and there are few things more special than the bond you share. From playtime to mealtime, you never settle for “good enough,” and your dog’s health is no different. When deciding which dog food works best for your pet, keep personalized foods like Just Right by Purina in mind, which can help address your dog’s unique needs. It combines your firsthand knowledge with nutritional expertise to create the best dog food blend for your dog. By answering a few questions about your pet’s breed size, eating habits and more, you can create a personalized blend of food that includes your dog’s name, photo and feeding recommendation that gets shipped directly to your door. Feeding your dog personalized food could help yield these benefits: Healthy skin and coat Ideal body condition Joint health and mobility Brain development Young or old, big or small, every dog’s nutritional needs are unique. Find more ways to benefit your dog at mealtime at justrightpetfood.com. Photos courtesy of Getty Images SOURCE:eLivingToday.com KEYWORDS
Warm weather calls for outdoor activities with your pup such as hiking, traveling and spending time in the park. While spending quality time with your canine companion is essential, making sure your furry friend is healthy and clean inside and out is also a must, and these tips can help keep your pup cuddle-worthy throughout the hottest time of the year.5 Ways to Keep Your Pet Healthy in the Heat![]() (Family Features) Warm weather calls for outdoor activities with your pup such as hiking, traveling and spending time in the park. While spending quality time with your canine companion is essential, making sure your furry friend is healthy and clean inside and out is also a must. "Warm weather means more outside play time, and while that can be great for increased exercise, it’s also important to be sure you’re keeping your pet healthy, starting with proper hygiene,” said Dr. Ernie Ward, veterinarian and Mars Petcare spokesperson. “Maintaining your dog’s hygiene, including cleaning his ears, bathing him and cleaning his teeth, is a critical component of helping him live a healthy lifestyle – from head to paws.” These five tips can help keep your pup cuddle-worthy throughout the hottest time of the year. Bond Over Bath Time Sit, Stay, Hydrate Freshen Up Snuggle Time Make Nap Time Cozy and Clean Keep Clean on the Road “Oral care treats such as Greenies Dental Treats or Pedigree Dentastix Treats not only help freshen breath, but they also help clean your dog’s teeth and gums,” Ward said. “They’re great to have on hand whenever traveling with your pets.” Find more information and tips for your pets oral care needs at greenies.com. Photos courtesy of Fotolia. SOURCE:Mars Petcare KEYWORDS
A happy pet is a hydrated pet(BPT) - It’s a warm summer day — the sun is shining, the sky is blue and the scent of blooming flowers fills the air. As a pet owner, you’re probably planning to take your dog on a walk, maybe even several. Meanwhile, your cat has found that sunny space underneath the windowsill. Sound familiar? If so, then you already know how much cats and dogs enjoy basking in the sun, but just like people, over-exposure to heat can cause our furry friends to become varied versions of themselves. And too often signs of dehydration, which frequently appear in the form of lethargy, dry mouth and loss of appetite, are confused with run-of-the-mill exhaustion. Considering all the things we do know about our pets, it’s hard to believe that we wouldn’t recognize the symptoms that accompany something as serious as dehydration. But the truth is that unless you know which indicators to look for, it can be easy to misdiagnose. That’s why the experts at PetSafe have compiled a list of tips and tricks for making sure your pet is experiencing healthy hydration all year long. Keeping them hydrated Water is without a doubt the single most important resource you can provide your animal, especially during hot summer months. Whether outside or inside, dogs and cats should consume around one ounce of water per pound each day. In other words, if you have a 20-pound terrier or a 20-pound tomcat, they should have access to at least 20 ounces of cool, clean drinking water every day. It’s also important to remember that liquid can evaporate quickly in high temperatures, so if your pet’s water source is outside it’s best to check on the amount of available water several times throughout the day or consider purchasing an auto-fill watering bowl like the Drinkwell(R) Everflow Indoor/Outdoor Fountain by PetSafe. How do I detect dehydration in my pet? The observable signs of dehydration will frequently include one of more of the following symptoms: · Lack of skin elasticity. You can test this by gently pinching or pulling some of their skin. If it doesn’t return to a normal position, your pet is likely dehydrated. · Drop in energy levels · Dry, sticky gums or foam around the mouth · Heavier than average panting · Loss of appetite · Sunken, dry eyes · Vomiting Treatment and prevention If your dog or cat exhibits any of these behaviors or symptoms, it’s important to seek veterinary attention where they will likely monitor the body temperature of your pet. To prevent dehydration, pet parents should consider taking active measures to encourage pets to drink more water. Products like PetSafe Brand Pet Fountains are designed to continually circulate and filter water. This not only provides dogs and cats with a steady source of fresh water, but relieves owners of the constant hassle of refilling the bowl. Plus, the sound of flowing water tends to trigger an animal’s desire to drink more. With proper care and precaution, your pet can enjoy every season — even summer — while staying happy, healthy and hydrated. Visit PetSafe.com to find more great tips, products and articles on pet care. KEYWORDS
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