Prince George's County, MD - Department of Environmental Resources (DER) : Seasonal Pet Care

During the summer, the heat can cause serious problems for animals. The Animal Management Group (AMG) offers the following tips to give your pets the extra care they need during the hot summer days:

Excess Heat: Dogs and cats do not sweat and must rely on panting to remove excess heat from their bodies.

Car Trouble: Animals should never be left in a car during warm weather. Even in the shade with the windows open, the heat builds up quickly and animals can become brain damaged or die. Call the Prince George's County Animal Management Facility at (301) 499-8300 to report animals left in cars.

Shade: Shade should be available at all times during the day for animals confined outdoors. A tree, fabric tarp, or a shady porch may provide the needed protection from the sun. Animals prefer to live inside with their families and are much safer there.

Fresh, clean water: dogs kept outdoors often knock over their water bowls. A heavy crock or bucket with a brick or large rock in the bottom works best as a water bowl. Remember, water left in the sun gets HOT and needs to be changed frequently!

Grooming: Both dogs and cats need help shedding their heavy winter coats. A thorough brushing each day removes excess hair.

Flea and tick control: Bathing and combing your pet and vacuuming your home helps keep these pests under control. Try to limit the use of toxic dips, sprays and collars, which can poison animals if used improperly.

Winter Pet Care Reminders

AMG offers the following tips to give your pets the extra care they need during the cold winter months. If your dog stays outdoors in cold weather, the law requires you to provide:

Dog house of proper size that is dry, draft free and raised off the ground;

Wind flap that is attached to the doghouse to keep cold air out and warm air in;

Bedding that is non-absorbent such as straw or wood shavings to help keep the dog warm; and

Drinking water that is not frozen and is in a container secured to prevent tipping.

Some other suggestions for winterizing your pet include: · Keep cats and small or short-haired dogs inside.

Increase the amount of their food; outdoor dogs need more calories in the winter to produce body heat.

Ice or chemicals used to melt snow on sidewalks can irritate your pet's paws -- wipe paws with a wet cloth after an outing.