• Make sure that fresh, cool water is available for your pet at all times in a heavy bowl to avoid spills.  This is especially important when you're not at home.  Never use a metal dish in the hot sun.  Clean the bowl daily.

• Feed a little less during the summer / a little more in the winter, after consulting with a veterinarian.

• Brush and comb your pets daily to free them of loose shedding hair.

• Check every day for fleas and ticks.

• Do not use insect sprays, weed killers or allow antifreeze to spill in any area frequented by pets.  Animals can ingest poisons by licking paws or fur.

• Exercise your pet in the early morning or evening in the summer when it is cooler to avoid heat exhaustion.

• Make sure that shelter is available at all times.   In the summer your pet needs shade from the sun.  In the winter it needs protection from cold drafts.

• If you must tie your dog up, contact Animal Control for safety tips and information on the requirements.  Consider a runner rather than a chain - it is much more humane and allows more movement.

• Check your animal's fur daily to prevent plants or other things from getting tangled and matted in the hair.  Foreign  objects can work their way   into your pets ears or eyes and cause discomfort or injury.

• Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes.  A veterinarian should check your pet yearly by a blood test for this disease.  Preventative medication should be given according to their instructions.

• More information on how to discourage wildlife.

Summer Tips

Even though summer is officially many weeks away, the thermostat's already cranked up to "high" in South Louisiana. Please be aware that it's time once again to consider your pet's comfort and safety.

DON'T bring your pet along for a ride in the car unless it is absolutely necessary. You may think you'll be in the store for "just a few minutes," but delays happen, and your parked car can overheat to lethal temperatures in a very short amount of time -- even with the windows left open a crack.

CHECK YOUR OUTDOOR PET'S SHELTER: Is it clean, sound, leak proof and raised up off the ground so rainwater can't get in? Is it placed in a spot that is shady during the hottest part of the day, so it doesn't become more like an oven than a shelter?

WATER should be in a shady spot, also. Sun-warmed water isn't refreshing.

HEARTWORM PREVENTION is especially important at this time of year when mosquitoes are breeding. See your vet for heartworm prevention medication, and keep your yard free of stagnant, standing water. Refresh your pet's water bowl at least once daily.