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Help Your Pooch Beat the Heat This Summer!
Summer is a great time to kick back and relax! But
don’t forget that you need to take special care of
your pets to protect them from Arizona’s dangerous
summertime heat.
NEVER leave your dog in the car. When temperatures
rise this time of year, things can get much hotter in a
parked car—even in the shade. Inside a car, temperatures
can climb quickly to well over 120° F. Your pet is probably
better off staying at
home. Our toasty
temperatures can
lead to heat
exhaustion and
worse, heatstroke,
which can cause
brain damage and
even kill your
beloved dog or cat.
- If your pet
stays outside, make
sure it has constant access to plenty of cool, clean water
and shade. Your dog, in particular, will appreciate a kiddie
pool with a few inches of water so it can cool off. During the
hottest part of the day, consider bringing your dog or cat
inside for a while.
- Dogs still need exercise during summer, so go for
walks when it’s cooler—in the morning or evening.
- Dogs with thick coats can keep their cool better if
they’re trimmed. Leave hair about an inch long to protect
against insects and sunburn.
- Learn the signs of an overheated dog: heavy panting,
glazed eyes, a racing heartbeat or pulse, a staggered or
unsteady walk, vomiting, or a deep red or purple tongue.
Dogs and cats don’t sweat to keep cool. They get rid of
excess heat by panting and through the pads of their feet.
If your pet becomes
overheated, contact
your parents
immediately. Move
your pet inside or
into the shade and
apply cool (not cold)
water to its body to
gradually lower its
temperature. Apply
cold towels or ice
packs to your pet’s
head, neck and chest only; and let it drink some water or
lick ice cubes. Your family should take it to the veterinarian
immediately.
ALSO this summer, make sure your pet has an ID tag in
case it gets lost. Remember, Fourth of July fireworks and
crowded and loud summer events can spook your dog.
Keep your pet safe at home, instead.
Dear Paw Prints,
I’m thinking of washing dogs as a business. I also
can sell gourmet dog treats and doggy toys. It can be
right next to the dog park, so when dogs get dirty they
can get washed. I’ll visit dog parks all around Tucson
and will call it Woofin’ Wheels. I love dogs, but how do I
get started?
Your friend, R.B.
Dear R.B.,
I applaud you for your entrepreneurial idea.
Looks like you are on your way to becoming an
outstanding businessperson. In the meantime, I
encourage you and your parents to find out
everything you can about small business, child labor
laws and the ordinances in your area. Believe it or
not, even owners of lemonade stands are often
required to purchase a
business permit. So, you may
need to obtain a special
license before starting your
business. There may even be
an age requirement
(especially since your
business involves working with animals).
You might think about becoming a volunteer at a local
shelter or rescue. They often have fundraisers such as
dog washes, which will help you gain experience in the
field while also providing valuable assistance to a good
cause.
Good Luck!
Monsoon Muttness at PACC!
Friday, July 9, 5 p.m.–10 p.m.
It’s raining cats and dogs at
PIMA ANIMAL CARE CENTER!
Join us for Monsoon Muttness Friday evening
at the center for great adoption specials
and gifts with each pet adoption.
This fun family event offers food,
entertainment and much more!
Pima Animal Care Center
4000 N. Silverbell Rd. • 243-5969
www.pimaanimalcare.org
Send your pet questions to Paw Prints
1037 N. Alvernon Way #150
Tucson, AZ 85711
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