If you live in the middle of the US (or even other parts of the country as well), you have most likely been "sweltering" in the extended heat that's gripped the country for at least the last couple of months.
And for each minute that you are "hot and bothered" by the high temperatures and the inability to get cool, so too are your four-legged furriends!
While four-legged "furriends" can include cattle and horses and sheep, and bunnies and squirrels, et al, for this bit of information I'm referring specifically to cats and dogs.
So when the humidity gets unruly and temperatures soar, here are a few tips to keep your cat or dog cool and cozy-and most safe:
• Just like you need a cool place to go when it gets too hot, your cat or dog does, too.
• A cat and dog also need plenty of water, preferably clean and fresh. They'll even thank you if the water is nice and cool!
• Maybe you can hook up the hose or lawn sprinkler so you dog can run through it to help cool off
• If your cat or dog is one that stays outside in all kinds of weather, it will still be nice if you can set up a place where your "furriend" can have shelter of some sort, or so he can freely go inside-a shed or a barn, a garage or something similar.
• Or simply, maybe near a tree.
Dogs are often first in line when they see you getting ready to get into your car. However, if your dog is used to riding along when you go to the store, to the gas station or wherever, it's really better to leave just leave him home when it's so hot.
If, however, he simply must claim his spot on the seat beside you, when you park the car to go into the store leave the car running, with the air conditioner on. And crack the windows a bit so there is some circulation; although that would let in the hot air.
Now, unless your dog has the run of a fenced-in yard, at some point said dog will need to be walked.
In that instance, if at all possible, it would be best to walk your dog in the early morning hours and after the sun goes down. And carry plenty of water with you so he can easily have a drink.
There have been some instances here in town where a dog owner or two have ridden their bicycles with their dogs running alongside the bicycles. But if it's so hot you could fry an egg on the pavement, it may just be too hot for doggy feet.
It's times like these, you just can't help but wonder if the dog may be having difficulty keeping up with the bike. Unfortunately, he's not exactly in a position to tell his owner that he's too hot and thirsty and doesn't want to run any more.
Even if a dog has run alongside the owner like that quite often, when temperatures and humidity get into the 90s (or even less in some instances), it's time to give doggy a rest and let him stay home in the cool.
And your cat?
While she most likely won't be running alongside a bike or through the sprinklers, she will welcome shade, a cool drink and a quiet inside place to stretch out.
You can read more cat care insight at Kittens 'n Things.
