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We take measures to protect ourselves and our families against the harmful rays and the bright sunshine, but often forget that our pets need to be protected as well.

If the weather is too hot for you it is also too hot for your pets. Here are some things you can do to help keep your cat a cool cat and to make sure your dog has even more enjoyable dog days of summer.

SHADE

Be sure your yard has adequate amounts of shade that available all throughout the day. Remember, as the sun moves across the sky during the day the shade the trees provide will also move to different areas of the yard.

WALKING

The best times to walk your dog are either of an early morning or late in the evening. Walking your dog during the peak hours of heat during the day is much more stressful for the dog. When you do walk your dogs just remember that the sidewalks and streets will be extremely hot from baking in the sun all day long and if you take your dog for a walk on this the pads on the dog's paws can be burned.

WATER

Be sure and provide fresh water to your pet and have it available at all times. Pets will drink more amounts of water than normal during the summertime. You can also add ice cubes to their water if you want. Dogs love chomping down on ice like we do and it cools them off too.

SWIMMING

Most dogs love to cool off in water but they can tire out easily especially puppies. Just be sure and never leave your dog unattended if they are in a swimming pool, pond or lake.

SUNBURN

The fact is that some dogs and cats can get sunburned but it is very rare. A dog's fur is naturally a way of protecting him from the sun's harmful rays but if you take your dog to be groomed and his fur is clipped extra short this will make him more susceptible to a sunburn. The breeds of dogs that are hairless are also susceptible to sunburn such as the Chinese Crested Hairless Chihuahua and the American Hairless Terrier.

Dogs that have all white fur or have predominantly white fur such as a Maltese or Boxer are at risk of sunburn. Dogs that have extra thick fur are even more protected against the harmful rays of the sun.

Dogs that have a black nose are also less likely to sunburn. It is the dogs that have very little fur, thin fur or no fur at all that are more likely to sunburn too.

For cats that are all white or predominantly white are the most susceptible for sunburn. Even indoor cats are at risk for sunburn when they are exposed to the sun for a lengthy period of time. Cats love to soak up the sun by sitting by a window and their ears and face are at risk for sunburns.

You can apply sunscreen to the ears and tips of the nose of your cat. Just be sure to talk to your vet first and he can recommend one for your cat that will not be harmful if it is ingested. My vet recommends a sunscreen called "Sun Defense Sunscreen for Dogs", and it can be purchased at Petco. It costs about $ 7.64 for an eight ounce bottle. Apply the sunscreen to the nose and ears and you can also rub some sunscreen on to their tummies if they like to lay sunny side up a lot. Just do not ever use a sunscreen that is for humans on an animal because it is very toxic to them if they ingest it.

Most of the time if an animal does get a sunburn it will go away but in severe cases the pet needs to be taken to the vet. We are our pet's only defense against the sun.

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