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Creating a safe environment for your pets while living in the High Desert during the summer months will help keep your pets safe and out of harms way. It’s easy to be a responsible pet care giver. Just remember, that your pets depend on you to provide companionship, healthy food, veterinary care, shelter and safety. Your pets should have shelter available to protect them fromextreme temperatures and inclement weather. Remember, pets that are older or overweight are more likely to overheat during hot weather.

Some of the signs of heat stroke are: excessive panting or difficulty breathing, body temperature 104° or above, collapse, bloody diarrhea or vomit, increased heart rate, increased respiratory rate, salivation, depression, stupor, seizures or coma. If you think your pet is suffering from heat stroke, get them out of the direct heat. Check for shock, take the animals’ temperature, spray the animal with cool water. (If using an outdoor house, run the water for a minute or so to cool it off before spraying your pet). Spray for a minute or two, then retake the temperature. Place water-soaked towels on the head, neck, feet, chest and abdomen. Turn on a fan and point it in the animal’s direction. Rub alcohol under the animal’s feet front and back legs or on the pads. (Don’t use more that half a pint, it can be toxic to dogs and cats). Take the animal to the nearest veterinary hospital immediately.

Basic guidelines when creating a safe environment for your pets include:

_____ Provide your pets with plenty of fresh clean water daily. Try adding some ice cubes, this will help them stay cool and not become overheated. Always carry enough water for you and your pets when outdoors too!

_____ Never leave your pets unattended in direct sunlight or in a closed vehicle. Heat stroke and or dehydration can occur and lead to brain damage or death.

_____ Provide your pets with nutritional food on a regular basis. Ask your veterinarian what’s best for your pets?

_____ If your pets have access to the outside, please have an enclosed area and /or fenced yard for them. This will keep them from roaming away, which could result in injury or theft.

_____ Follow all county and /or city pet license guidelines.

_____ Always have your pets wear an identification tag at all times with your updated information; name, address and phone number so that you can be notified in case they become lost.

_____ Always keep your dogs on a leash when   outdoors to prevent incidents and /or injuries.

_____ Avoid strenuous exercise with your dog on extremely hot days and please be extra careful as the asphalt, concrete and even the dirt gets extremely hot and will burn the pads of your pet’s feet.

_____ Schedule regular checkups and provide medical treatment when necessary.

_____ Update vaccinations and boosters, not only for the protection for your pets but, also the protection for those around your pets.

_____ Always spay or neuter your pets to keep them healthier and to help reduce the pet overpopulation.

_____ Be prepared for any emergency situation that can arise, always keep a Pet First Aid Kit readily available, include a recent photo of your pet and your veterinarians number.

_____ Take extra precautions outdoors with your pets and watch for snakes and other poisonous animals or plants to prevent any poisoning, injuries and or possible death.

_____ Give plenty of love and affection.

_____ Don’t shave your pets coats off. All this hair protects them from sunburn and acts as a cooling insulation for most animals.

_____ Learn Pet First Aid/ CPR for the safety of your pets.

This excessive heat wave we’re experiencing in the High Desert can be devastating so let’s be prepared! It’s the pet owner’s responsibility to provide their pets with the proper care they deserve!

Chris Bereki is the owner operator of CB Professional Services Group which specializes in professional pet sitting, errand services, senior non-medical care, and pet safety and pet first aid educational programs for individuals ages 4 - adult. Chris can be reached at:

CB Professional Services Group, CB Professional Pet Sitting Services and

CB Pet First Aid Training, PO Box 899 Victorville, CA 92393.

By phone at (760) 963-2975 or on the Internet at: