Tips To Keep Your “Best Friends” Safe (NAPSA)—Asthe warm days of summer entice pet owners to par- ticipate in more outdooractivities, it should comeas no surprise that July and August are the most dangerous time of the year for companion animals, according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. “It’s important to be knowledgeable and prepared to keep pets safe during the hot summer months,” said Gary Batey, vice president, division merchandising manager—pets for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. “From making sure animals have collars and tags to bowls filled with fresh water, it’s easy to be prepared when armed with the right information.” Batey offers tips that will help pet owners keep their “best friends” safe and healthy in the upcoming months: Tag andlicense pets Make sure dogs and outdoor cats have current licenses and wear an identification tag on a goodcollar. Many discount retailers, such as Wal-Mart, sell both buckle collars and identification tags year-round and many have vending-type machines that allow pet owners to create pet I.D. tags on the spot. Be aware of summerhazards Pet owners should consider talking to a veterinarian about heartworm medication and safe flea and tick prevention. Watch for coolant leaking from vehicles. Its sweet taste can attract pets and a small amount can be toxic. Whenfertilizing or treating the lawn, remove water dishes, food bowls, pet toys and accessories and avoid letting pets walk in those areas. Dogs and cats require special care in order to be safe during the warm weather months. Keep veterinarian phone numbers and after-hours numbers for emergency situations. Watch for symptoms of heatstroke Signs of heatstroke include heavy panting, drooling, an anxious attitude and a bright red tongue and gums. Pay attention to animals sensitive to heatstroke including young, old or overweight pets; pets with heart and respiratory problems; pets with thick, heavy coats; and those with shortened muzzles. Walk dogs in the morning or evening hours. Hot pavement can burn a dog’s sensitive paw pads. Neverleave pets in parked cars Never leave an animal in a parked car to run even a quick errand. Even parked in the shade with the windowsopen, a car can quickly heat to unsafe levels. Whether water bowls are indoors or outside, always make sure pets have access to fresh, clean water. Pet ownerscan visit a discount retailer, like Wal-Mart, for summer pet supplies such ascollars, non-tip bowls, and water dispensers that hold liters of water to make sure pets have a constant supply of fresh water.
