Read Page 2 of the Newsletter for very important information

Have a great summer everyone. Once again, it is time to remind everyone of basic safety rules for your four legged loved ones!

NEVER leave your dogs in a closed car, even for a 'few minutes'. The heat in a closed vehicle increases at a very rapid rate. The inside of your car can reach 120° in a matter of minutes, even if you're parked in the shade. Dogs don't tolerate heat well. They simply don't sweat. Their bodies get hot and stay hot.

Be sure that your four legged family members have access to shade and a water bowl-full of cold, clean water.

Dogs can get blisters on their paws from hot pavement. If you would not walk across hot, sun baked asphalt barefoot, don't make your dogs walk on it either.

It is very dangerous to drive with a dog in the back of a pick-up truck. Not only can flying debris cause serious injury, but a dog may be unintentionally thrown into traffic if the driver suddenly hits the brakes, swerves, or is hit by another car. Dogs should ride either in the cab (in a crate or wearing a seat belt harness designed for dogs) or in a secured crate in the bed of the truck.

In summer heat dogs can suffer from heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Be aware of the signs of heat stress, which could include heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse, unsteadiness, a staggering gait, vomiting, or a deep red or purple tongue. If your dog does become overheated, you need to immediately lower his body temperature. Move your dog into the shade and apply cool (not cold) water over his body to gradually lower his core body temperature. Apply cold towels or ice packs to your dog's head, neck, and chest only. Let your pet drink small amounts of water or lick ice cubes. Most importantly, get him to a veterinarian immediately.