THE SUMMER IS THE MOST IMPORTANT TIME OF YEAR TO KEEP YOUR PET SAFE FROM THE HEAT

So, how do you keep your pet safe?


WARM BLOODED PETS

Cats and Dogs can suffer from heat stroke and dehydrate quickly. So keep water bowls filled. Be sure the water you give them is at the appropriate temperature your pet needs. Some dogs cannot have very cold water from the fridge or ice in their water.Keep Rodents, Rabbits and Birds' bowls filled also.




 HOW ABOUT FISH?

You can actually put ice in a fish bowl or tank if you have Betta or Goldfish. But make sure to test the water temperature before putting in the ice. The water will most likely be at the home temperature when it just sits. You may NOT want to put ice in the water if you have tropical or salt water fish. Any kind of change in their environment may cause them to become stressed, or die. Just keep an eye on the water temperature and move them to a place inside where they are most comfortable, if possible. Betta and Goldfish are hardy fish and can take a little more change.


KEEP YOUR REPTILES WARM

Reptiles need the warm temperatures because they are cold blooded. Some can be put outside to absorb the sun on a nice, sunny day. Water turtles do very well absorbing vitamin D from the sun outside. Just be sure to keep a top on your container your reptile is in so other critters won't come along and hurt it. Reptiles include snakes, turtles, tortoises, lizards, alligators....animals with protective scales or shells.


AMPHIBIANS CAN BE KEPT SOMEWHAT WARM

Frogs, toads, newts and salamanders are another story. They are cold blooded, but because they mostly have soft skin, they need to stay in the shade, under something or in mud. They can become injured if they get too warm or sit in the sun. So if you have a pet amphibian, make sure to keep it away from a sunny window or very hot environment. Being outside is NOT good for it either, unless its in the mud or the rain. Amphibians are unable to maintain their body temperature above that of their environment and only become active when the temperature is high enough. (kind of muggy)