How to keep your pets safe this summer
No more sleeping in. Summertime means that Joseph Scott of Palm Springs and his mastiff, Dillon, 10, hit the pavement at 5:30 every morning. Then, except for short excursions, they don’t go walking again until about 9 to 9:30 p.m.
The pair has been inseparable since Scott found a small puppy left in deplorable condition under a bush on Dillon Road near Desert Hot Springs. Instantly, the creature had a new guardian and a new name.
Dillon rounds off his hot weather exercise by swimming. He needed coaxing at first, but now he enjoys taking the plunge. Winding up with a fresh water rinse, he’s ready to go.
He’s not the only one. Jerry, a 16-year-old cat, swims daily — clear around the periphery of the pool at the house where he lives with Molly Bondhus and Wil Stiles. The senior feline first took up the sport six years ago when he moved to the desert. Before that, Bondhus claims he jumped through snowdrifts in Minnesota.
Pets 911
Sadly, not everyone keeps their pets cool. There are still instances of animals trapped in hot parked cars, where in the desert temperatures can quickly top 120 degrees. Despite constant warnings and the threat of citations, it continues.
So, what to do in case of this emergency? Tom Snyder, director of marketing and public relations for Animal Samaritans, outlines procedure.
Take the license, color, make and model of the car. Get a nearby store (or office) to make an announcement. If the owner doesn’t appear quickly, call 911. One must do what is necessary to save the animal in distress. Snyder doesn’t want to urge anyone to break the law but mentions that cars can be fixed.
Snyder doesn’t like to see dogs prancing — they’re trying to tell you the asphalt is burning their feet. Out in the midday sun, “Even sand can blister.” As for doggie booties, “it’s easiest to go early in the morning before the road heats up, or well after the sun goes down.”
Pools and ice packs
He says “a cheap trick is to get a kiddie wading pool for dogs.” In summer he keeps his pooches inside during the day in air conditioned comfort. Then he lets them play in the back yard in the evening after dark. In any case, at the very least there should be a source of shade and water outside.
If it happens that your AC is not the best, try putting an icepack near, but not on, your pet. Snyder suggests placing an oscillating fan over the icepack. He says cats are better than dogs for seeking out cool places to rest.
A summer hair cut for dogs may be cool in both senses of the word. But remind the canine beautician not to make it too short. Dogs do sunburn, especially on the pinkish skin peeking out of white fur. The nose area is vulnerable. Snyder warns that “dogs can get melanoma.”
At vacation time, a responsible pet sitter is a priority. Snyder recommends “word of mouth,” an endorsement from someone who’s had a positive experience with a caretaker. Cats, classically home obsessed, are better off remaining in their own house.
However, for elite boarding treatment, there’s the immaculate resort in Palm Desert: the Pet Hotel at Barkington Palace. Talk about services, the menu for the wellness spa, gym and pool includes Pilates. They even have doggie weddings.
One last word: Don’t take your dogs to July 4 fireworks. They’ll be nervous enough hearing the noise in the safety of their own home.