Keep Cool in the Summer

It's hot outside and no one knows it better than your dog.  While we all enjoy the great weather, hot temperatures can lead to some uncomfortable if not dangerous situations.  

Here are five tips to keep in mind regarding your dog. 

1.  Never Leave Your Pet In The Car Alone - During warm summer months the inside of your car can reach up to 120 degrees in just a matter of minutes, even parked in the shade.

Pets left in the hot car, even briefly, can suffer from heat exhaustion, heat stroke, brain damage, and even death.

2.  Watch Out For Poisonous Fertilizers - Lawn fertilizers and several products used to flourish grass and flower gardens contain toxic elements harmful, and in some cases fatal, to pets. Lawn fertilizer, insecticides and plant foods can cause diarrhea and vomiting in pets if poisonous.

Look for organic, natural or pet-friendly fertilizers to green your grass this summer. 

3.  Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate! - Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so make sure a supply of clean, fresh water is always available during summer months.

When it's hot outside, make sure your pet has access to a shady spot and be sure not to over-exercise. During extreme temperatures, keep your pets indoors to avoid heat exhaustion or dehydration.

Warning signs of overheating and dehydration include excessive panting, glazed eyes and refusing to move.

4.  SPF For Pets - Pets, especially those with white hair, haircuts or extremely short hair, are prone to sunburns and skin cancer as a result of sun overexposure.

Pets can have sunblock applied to sun-sensitive areas such as tips of ears, nose the belly and groin areas that typically have sparse hair coverage and thinner skin.

Consult your veterinarian before applying sunblock to your pet to find the best type of sunscreen or sun protection product.

5.  Get a Pre-Summer Health Screening - A check-up visit with the veterinarian is a good way to begin a healthy and safe summer.

Ensure your pet is up to date on all vaccinations and goes into the summer months with a clean bill of health.

This is also a good time to ask your vet about heartworm medication and begin or continue your preventative medication routine; the deadly heartworm disease is transmitted through mosquitoes and effects both dogs and cats.

Offered through PetFirst, Kroger's pet insurance policies cover routine care and medical procedures for dogs and cats, and is available at more than 2,400 stores in the Kroger family including City Market, Dillon’s, Fred Meyer, Frye’s, King Sooper, Owen’s, Pay Less, QFC, Ralph’s and Smith’s.

In addition to being available in-store, Kroger’s pet insurance can be purchased online at http://www.krogerpersonalfinance.com/pet-insurance/. Kroger’s pet insurance works at any veterinarian nationwide, with reimbursement typically occurring within two weeks. 

Coverage is affordable and starts as low as $9.95 per month and right now, individuals who purchase online can save $10