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Carolina Footsteps May 2018 opt

May edition of the Carolina Footsteps

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Keep your pet healthy in the heat <strong>May</strong> <strong>2018</strong><br />

PET CARE 9<br />

WANTED<br />

10<br />

DECKS, PATIOS,<br />

OR SCREEN PORCHES<br />

To convert to sunrooms for<br />

year-round use!<br />

(BPT) - Spring is here, summer is approaching fast and<br />

it’s time to get outside and start taking advantage of the<br />

warmer weather. Dr. Jeff Werber, Emmy award-winning<br />

celebrity veterinarian, has a few tips and tricks on how to<br />

keep your pet happy and healthy in the heat.<br />

Before you start your jogging treks, hiking excursions or<br />

bicycle touring with your furry partner by your side, it’s<br />

important to understand these spring/summer safety measures<br />

to keep your pet happy and safe.<br />

Easing into exercise<br />

After sitting around all winter, it is not a good idea to jump<br />

right into a full exercise regimen full speed ahead. The<br />

best approach to get your pet ready for more activities<br />

outside is a gradual introduction into exercise. A game of<br />

fetch is a perfect way to get your pet up and moving. The<br />

Chuckit! Launcher and Locator Sound Ball provides an<br />

easy way for your pet to increase their stamina, with the<br />

added entertainment of retrieving a ball that emits an audible<br />

pulse sound every few seconds to help pet parents<br />

and dogs locate the ball in any terrain after launch.<br />

If your pet enjoys chasing ground pursuits (think rabbits<br />

and squirrels), the Chuckit! RingChaser is a great <strong>opt</strong>ion<br />

to satisfy their instincts. Again, short bursts of chasing and<br />

retrieving are a fun way to get your pup back into shape.<br />

It’s also critical to choose the best time of day to exercise<br />

- and noon is not it. The best time to enjoy your pet’s<br />

company is early in the morning or early in the evening.<br />

Keep in mind that in the evening after the sun is down, the<br />

pavement can still be pretty warm, as it retains heat for<br />

quite a while. Where possible, try to exercise on a grassy<br />

or dirt surface to avoid burning or irritating their paws.<br />

Keeping cool and staying hydrated<br />

What we love so much about our dogs is how loyal they<br />

are and how much they want to please us. This can be<br />

a problem when it comes to potential overexertion, as<br />

they will keep going just to be with us, even though they<br />

may be overheating. Moreover, many dogs and cats can<br />

overheat from lying around the house or backyard as well.<br />

When leaving pets outside during the spring or summer,<br />

make sure that shade and fresh water are always available.<br />

There are many devices available that can provide<br />

water automatically or on-demand, like the Petmate Replendish<br />

Waterer, which provides a constant fl ow of fresh<br />

water throughout the day for pets even when the pet parent<br />

isn’t home. If you’re out and about with your pet, consider<br />

the Replendish To-Go Water bottle that conveniently<br />

includes a travel bowl for your pet. For longer excursions,<br />

or for hotter climates, wet a bandana and place it in the<br />

freezer the night before so it will remain nice and cool a<br />

little longer. Also, make regular stops in a shady area to<br />

allow both of you to catch your breath.<br />

Indoor dogs and cats also need to escape from the heat.<br />

Make sure the house isn’t kept too warm. Keep at least<br />

one room cooler by leaving the shades or drapes closed.<br />

Enough has been written about pets and parked cars, so<br />

I’m sure you are all aware of that potential deadly hazard.<br />

Don’t do it, not even in the shade or “only for a few minutes.”<br />

Enough said.<br />

Limitless possibilities, while on a leash<br />

You and your pet are fi nally enjoying the great outdoors,<br />

and the fun activities with Fido are endless. Our pet nation<br />

has a huge population, and it’s important to be a good<br />

citizen. Remember to respect other pets’ “space” and<br />

boundaries, and don’t assume every dog is dying to play<br />

with yours. Wherever you and your pet decide to roam, be<br />

mindful of the local leash laws. You don’t want to turn a<br />

fun outing into an emergency room visit for you or anyone<br />

else.<br />

If you’re heading off to a park or hiking area, make sure<br />

you have everything you need for your trek. Travel treats<br />

and water bottles are always a good idea to keep with<br />

you, to make sure you and your pet are well fueled and<br />

hydrated. Keep essentials, like your keys, lip balm, waste<br />

bag, etc., all in one place with the Petmate Zipp Leash<br />

that features an expandable pouch built right into the<br />

leash to hold all dog-walking basics while on the go.<br />

Regardless of whether you choose to run, romp, hike or<br />

trek, spring and summer are great times of year to bond<br />

with your pets. I encourage all of you to get outdoors,<br />

enjoy the warmth and sunshine, and to include your fourlegged<br />

kids in your activities. Just remember to play it<br />

smart and keep them safe.<br />

CALL TODAY 338-8443<br />

OUR NEXT 10 SUNROOMS<br />

WILL BE AT A<br />

SPECIAL SAVINGS!<br />

*This spectacular savings will be available for a limited<br />

time and can not be combined with any other offers.<br />

www.swimmeandson.com<br />

252-338-8443<br />

Showroom located at 184 Lovers Lane, Elizabeth City<br />

TIPS TO KEEP YOUR PET SAFE DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS

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