As temperatures soar to record highs in August, many pet owners are left asking what exactly they should be doing to shield their dogs or cats from the heat wave’s unforgiving side effects. Heat waves leave more humans dead than any other natural disaster and it isn’t much different for animals either. WebVet.com offers a wealth of tips for keeping one’s pets cool, comfortable and hydrated this Summer. What Your Readers Don’t Know:

• SUNSCREEN FOR YOUR PETS: Sun block can be used on dogs and cats depending on the location of the sensitive skin. Do not place where the pet can ingest.
• AVOID PAVEMENT WHEN WALKING ANIMAL: Walk dogs in the early morning or late evenings when its cooler and walk them on the grass or dirt to avoid burns on their paws.
• FUR AND COATS ACTUALLY KEEP PET COOL—DO NOT REMOVE: Double coats on certain breeds should not be removed as they actually help keep the animal cool. Make sure the pet is properly groomed and is free of mats in order to provide a circulation of the breeze as the animal moves.
• NEVER LEAVE PET IN A CAR: As you would never leave your child in a car, never leave your pet in the car no matter how short of time during summer hours. A car can heat up quickly even when it’s relatively mild outside, even with the windows cracked. On a summer day, temperatures inside the vehicle can climb in minutes and more than 40 degrees in just an hour.
• THE MORE WATER THE BETTER: If you’re walking your pet in summer heat, always carry a supply of water as they can become quickly overheated.

For these and more “Summer Pet Tips” you can check out an upcoming article on the site entitled “Cool Summers for Hot Pets,” written by a WebVet reporter and approved by a veterinarian. WebVet, launching today, August 4, is the first whole-pet resource that emphasizes both the physical and emotional needs of pets. It isthe only online resource that brings together, in one trusted place, veterinarian-approved pet health and wellness information from leading animal health experts and award-winning reporters. Unlike any other online pet resource, all content on the site – both medical and general interest – is rigorously reviewed by a veterinary member of WebVet’s Editorial Review Board and receives a stamp of approval from its Veterinary Advisory Council. If you would like additional information for pets in the summer’s heat please let me know as I would be happy to coordinate a time for you to speak with Hope Schultz, CEO of WebVet or local veterinarians. In the interim, please feel free to contact me at either 212-584-4272 or lbishop@5wpr.com.