Hot Weather Tips:

• Don’t leave your pet in a hot vehicle, especially during the daytime and in warm weather

• Limit exercise on hot days

• Walk your pet on grass if possible. Always check the sidewalk, dirt, sand, etc to make sure it’s not too hot for your pets’ paws. Consider getting booties for your pet

• Bring pets indoors when temperatures climb to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, especially if you own a thick-coated or cold-weather dog. These include akitas, chow-chows, huskies, German shepherds, malamutes, Pyrenees and Saint Bernards. Brachycephalic (flat-faced) dogs are vulnerable to heat exhaustion and heat stroke and should also be indoors when temperatures climb. These include Boston Terriers, boxers, bulldogs (English and French), bull mastiffs, Lhasa apsos, Pekingese, pugs, and Shih tzus

• Always have water available for pets indoors and outdoors

Cold Weather Tips:

• Bring pets indoors when it’s cold outside. Use caution when the temperature drops below 45 degrees.

• Coming out of the cold into the dry heat of your home can cause itchy and flakey skin. To avoid this try keeping your home humidified and towel dry your pet as soon as he comes inside, paying special attention to feet and in-between the toes.

• Use a jacket or sweater to keep your pet warm, especially if they have short coats.

• Do not shave your pets coat during the winter.

• Give your pet a little more food than normal during cold months as pets tend to burn extra energy trying to stay warm in winter.

• Give your pet a comfortable, warm indoor place to sleep, off the floor and away from drafts. A cozy bed and warm blanket will help your pet stay comfortable.