SAN DIEGO, May 27, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- In an effort to keep pets and pet parents active and safe this summer, Petco is providing tips and advice for letting pets join in on outdoor water activities while keeping their health and safety top of mind.
Get There Safely: Heading to a water adventure is exciting, but take precautions to make sure pets arrive at the destination safely.
- Use a dog seatbelt or a barrier to help keep them contained and comfortable while traveling in a vehicle.
- Keep pets out of the front seat unless they are secured in a booster seat that won't trigger the front airbag in the event of an accident.
- Never leave pets alone in a car. If it is 78 degrees outside, the inside of a car can reach 120 degrees in just 30 minutes. Also, 14 states currently have laws that prohibit leaving dogs confined in a vehicle.
Life's a Beach: Once you've arrived, a day at the beach, lake, river or pool can be a blast for both pets and pet parents. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure all ends well.
- Not all dogs are strong swimmers. Equip them with a lifejacket designed for dogs, like the Petco Dog Flotation Vest, which will keep them safe and easy to spot in the water.
- If a dog doesn't take to the water right away, don't force them. Let them get used to it at their own pace and always evaluate conditions such as rough seas and water currents before letting pets take a dip.
- Be observant of changes in a pet's behavior and appearance. A dog's normal temperature is about 101.5 and when a dog's internal temperature reaches 105 or above, his or her life is in danger. When a dog's tongue hangs from the side of its mouth and is weighted at the end, or they are panting excessively, this can indicate they are overheating.
- Always carry enough water and a portable bowl to help keep them hydrated.
- Much like people, the sun can burn a pet's skin, especially white dogs or pink areas of a dog's body where there is little to no fur. Be sure to apply a sun protectant like Petkin Sunwipes specially made for dogs at least 15 minutes before sun exposure and continue to reapply throughout the day.
Clean up Afterwards: Protect pet's skin and coat after water activities.
- Always make sure to give dogs a freshwater bath to rid them of dirt, sand or other irritants.
- For those who don't have time for a complete bath, using a pet wipe like Petco Grooming Wipes can quickly rid pets of toxins until there's time for a proper bath.
- Taking pets to a groomer regularly will also ensure they are thoroughly cleaned. As an added bonus, the Petco Grooming Salon even offers a shedless treatment, which will greatly reduce shedding, especially during the warm summer months.
For more information on how to include pets in all the summer water activities visit www.petco.com/summer.
About Petco and the Petco Foundation
Petco is a leading pet specialty retailer that focuses on nurturing powerful relationships between people and pets. We do this by providing the products, services, advice and experiences that keep pets physically fit, mentally alert, socially engaged and emotionally happy. Everything we do is guided by our vision for Healthier Pets. Happier People. Better World. We operate more than 1,300 Petco locations across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, including more than 100 Unleashed by Petco locations, a smaller format neighborhood shop; 10 Pooch Hotel destinations for pet daycare, boarding and spa services; and petco.com. The Petco Foundation, an independent nonprofit organization, has raised more than $125 million since it was created in 1999 to help promote and improve the welfare of companion animals. In conjunction with the Foundation, we work with and support thousands of local animal welfare groups across the country and, through in-store adoption events, help find homes for more than 400,000 animals every year.
Contact: Krista Lamp, 619-501-2756, klamp@west-pr.com
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SOURCE Petco
