PET SUMMER SAFETY TIPS

• Parked Cars:
  Never, never leave your pet inside a parked car. It takes just minutes for the temperature inside the car to rise to 160 degrees, even with the windows partially opened. That's enough to cause brain damage (107 degrees) and death (120 degrees) to your pet.  Example: With car windows open, parked in the shade, 85 degrees outside becomes 102 degrees in 10 minutes, 129 degrees in 30 minutes from solar gain plus residual engine heat.
• Pet Travel and Emergencies:
  Remember to make a pet supply list while you plan for travel and emergencies. Be sure to update pet ID tags with current phone number and address.
• Beaching and Boating:
  Keep your pet hydrated with fresh, clean water. Cool him or her down with a wet towel regularly. Provide shade. Sun reflects off water.
• Auto Travel:
  Take fresh water for your pet as well as yourself. Take exercise breaks. Make sure current identification is on your pet with your up to date phone number and address. Avoid letting your pet ride with his head out the window or in the back of an open vehicle. Eye damage, lung damage, choking on flying objects, and foot damage from hot metal can result.
• Vacation:
  Take a current photo and vaccination certificates. Attach current identification and write your phone number with the area code inside the collar. Always use a collar or harness and leash.
• Hiking and Walking:
  Hiking - Tahoe trails are granite. Your pet needs pad protection and/or pad toughening before you leave. Dog trail boots work best. Your pet needs to be fit, just like you do. Protect wildlife and your pet by bringing a leash and using it. Every year dogs fall to their death over waterfalls, or are left behind on popular trails like Mt. Tallac. Pets can get dehydrated while hiking and sick from drinking polluted water. Remember to bring fresh water for them too.
  Walking - Hot asphalt burns paws and heats up low-to-the-ground pets. Choose your path carefully.
• Antifreeze-Coolant:
  Summer or winter, this deadly liquid poison tastes sweet to domestic pets and wildlife. Check under your car for leaks and wipe up spills on a regular basis.
• Indoors or Outdoors:
  Indoors and especially outdoors, pets need plenty of water. Don't forget to check your pet's water bowl for fullness and refill them as needed.
• Foxtails:
  These barbed seeds dried grasses and weeds have sharp points at one end, and microscopic barbs, so that they easily move in the direction of the point, but not the other way. They "work in", but they don't "work out". They can become embedded in the hair, especially the paws and ears, and in nostrils and even eyes. As they work their way in, they cause infection, and if not treated can sometimes be fatal. If your pet is pawing at its eyes or ears, squinting, rubbing its head on the ground, experiencing violent sneezing, or shows signs of small inflamed spots on the skin, your pet may have foxtails and should see the veterinarian immediately.
• Grooming & Sun Protection:
  A clean coat without matting helps keep pets cool by preventing fur from trapping too much heat. Trim coat to about one inch to cool while protecting skin. Consult your veterinarian about sun protection coatings for light noses and ears.
• Outfitting:
  Try the pack on the dog before you purchase. Most dogs get used to their boots within 15 minutes or so (prancing a bit in the meantime). Choose canvas or leather with open toes. Baby powder with cornstarch can be sprinkled inside to help absorb sweat.
• Older and Overweight Pets:
  All pets need special attention in the heat. However, older and obese pets require additional monitoring. For all pets, exercise in the cool of the morning or evening. Provide safe, shady hideouts during the day with plenty of water in containers that won't tip over.
• In Every Season:
  In every season, remember that loose dogs and outdoor cats can get injured or even killed fighting with other dogs, cats or "wildlife". They can be exposed to infectious diseases, can get hit by cars, or even get poisoned. Your pet is a feeling, but dependent, family member.  Please "Keep Tahoe Kind" every day of the year.

Suggested Pet Travel and Emergency Kit

[] Veterinarian Name and Phone Number
[] Collar or Harness with Current Personal ID Tag
[] Short and Long Leashes
[] Food Dish
[] Water Dish
[] Bottled Water
[] Food (and can opener if needed)
[] Medications and Instructions
[] Health and Rabies Certificate
[] Favorite Toys and Chew
[] Carrier or Crate (sized for pet to stand up and turn around)
[] Blanket and/or Bed
[] Litter and Litter Pan
[] Pooper Scooper and Plastic Bags
[] All Surface Cleaner-Deodorizer (such as XO) and Paper Towels
[] Color Pet Photo and Description (in case of loss)
[] Grooming Comb, Brush, Towels
[] First Aid Kit; gauze pads and roll; tape; bandages; hydrogen peroxide; 
    antibiotic ointment; muzzle; tweezers; small, blunt-ended scissors; 
    cold pack; thermometer (Cats and Dogs Normal Range: 100-102.5 degrees). SEE GIFT PAGE FOR COMPLETE KIT IN DELUXE FANNY PACK.

NOTE:  Date, review and refresh your Travel-Emergency Kit twice a year.

Remember To: 

• Reserve ahead for travel.

• Plan ahead for emergency housing with family, friends. ALWAYS TAKE YOUR PETS WITH YOU.   If you cannot, leave a one-week supply of water and confine pet to a safe room with current ID tag and regular type collar.  Immediately notify local animal control agencies for rescue from your home.

• Keep pet's good manners in shape so others can handle him or her if necessary, and so that he or she can be less stressed in temporary housing.

• Leash your pet at all times, particularly before opening a car or other door.

• Learn the symptoms of hypothermia and heatstroke and what to do.  Never leave your pet in a parked car or tied up alone.

• To prevent eye injuries, do not allow your pet's head to hang out the window.