Bear Essential News for Kids

Bees Foundation Inc

 

Arizona's leading newspaper for kids, families and classrooms

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