summer.

The dog days of summer (or every day in regions that are balmy year-round) present numerous hazards and stressors associated with warm weather and summertime festivities for our pets. Summertime Climate Changes Increased heat creates a variety of health risks for pets. Unlike humans, cats and dogs primarily expel heat through their respiratory tract (trachea and lungs) and skin; they lack the ability to sweat. Therefore, acclimating to hot and/or humid climates is more challenging to our feline and canine companions. Pets that are brachycephalic (short-faced, like the English Bulldog, Pug, or Shih Tzu for dogs, and the Burmese, Himalayan, and Persian for cats), geriatric, juvenile, ...

Thermostats don't lie: it's hot! Thankfully the modern marvel of air conditioning helps us beat the summer heat and keep our pets cool as well. But what about when we leave the house? Should the AC be left on for your pet while you're out and about? According to Mother Jones, this is an issue that has the animal lovers of the world all riled up. One side says it is unfair to leave our fluffy friends at home sans AC during heat waves, especially when they are stuck in fur coats. The other side argues that cats and dogs were roaming the Earth for thousands of years in the heat before we came along and put them indoors. Additionally, they point out that running your AC full time for your ...