Maverick is a fun-loving companion who is always ready to makenew friends. Courtesy
Temperatures are rising, leading people and their pets to spend more time outdoors. With the official start of summer on the horizon, knowing how to keep pets safe during fun in the sun is essential to their overall well-being. Best Friends Animal Society, a leading national animal welfare organization, is offering safety tips to help dogs and cats safely embrace the summer season.
Too hot to handle: Hot outdoor pavement can burn pets’ sensitive paws. A good rule of thumb is if a human can’t hold their hand on the pavement for more than seven seconds, it’s too hot for paws. For pets who wear booties, they can be worn as a protective barrier on steamy days. Walking in the shade at cooler times of day and in the grass also keep paws protected. Pool protocol: Some pooches love the pool, but it’s important to remember not all pets are ready to take the plunge. Using a pet life vest will help keep a dog afloat if they are new to water activity. It’s also important to not let pets drink pool water as chemicals like chlorine can cause irritation and vomiting. Lastly, remember to always keep your pool gated when not supervised!Hydration station: Pets get dehydrated quickly, making it important to have plenty of fresh, clean water on hand. A best practice is to carry a collapsible water dish to keep pets hydrated, especially if you’re traveling or enjoying an outdoor adventure.No shade on shade: Ideally, pets should be kept indoors when it’s hot. Any time a pet needs to be outdoors in the heat it’s important to make sure adequate shade is available. This is especially during the hottest parts of the day, typically from 2-4 p.m.Protect their skin: Sun and water shirts aren’t just for humans anymore. There are options for pets, perfect for providing coverage from harmful UV rays. There’s pet-friendly sunscreen, too, to ensure their skin is protected. Studies show that the internal temperature of a car on a 70-degree day can rise to 89 degrees in 10 minutes, and to 104 degrees in as little as a half hour making it imperative to not leave pets unattended in vehicles.
To learn more, visit bestfriends.org.
With a motto of “Save Them All,” Best Friends Animal Society, headquartered in Kanab, Utah, works locally with both the Farmington Regional Animal Shelter and the Aztec Animal Shelter.
Pet of the Week: Maverick
Ready for adventure is Maverick, a fun-loving companion who is always ready to make new friends. This two-year-old pup has a big personality and an even bigger heart. Maverick, about 65 pounds, came to the Farmington Regional Animal Shelter as a stray, but he hasn’t let that dampen his happy spirit. This friendly boy has never met a stranger and loves everyone he meets. He does well with other dogs and enjoys playtime, making him a great addition to an active family. Maverick is ready to leave shelter life behind and find a loving home where he can be part of the family and share all the joy and companionship he has to offer. Come by the Farmington Regional Animal Shelter, open 7 days a week, and see if Maverick could be your new best friend.
