Dog Days of Summer

Celebrate National Dog Month with this expert conversation on how to keep your pet healthy, happy, and safe during the "Dog Days of Summer." In this episode, we're joined by veteran pet sitter and co-host Angela Laws from TrustedHousesitters and Kris Kiser, President & CEO of the TurfMutt Foundation. We cover essential pet care during the summer heat, with a special focus on dogs, and offer crucial tips for preparing pets for storms and emergencies. The discussion includes insights on the importance of hydration, microchipping, and creating safe outdoor spaces, with a focus on mindful planting and maintaining a clean environment.

The TurfMutt Foundation shares these crucial tips: - STORM SMARTS: Have a safe, quiet indoor space for your pet during storms, and ensure their ID tags and microchip registration are current. - BEAT THE HEAT: Provide plenty of fresh water and shade. Walk your dog during the cooler parts of the day and check the pavement temperature—if it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their paws. - TRAVEL READY: Use a crate large enough for your pet to stand, sit, and turn around in for safe car travel. Never leave pets in a hot car. - RIGHT PLANT, RIGHT PLACE: Choose non-toxic vegetation for your backyard and opt for real grass over artificial turf, as it stays cooler and is gentler on paws. For more, consult the ASPCA’s list of toxic and non-toxic plants: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/dogs-plant-list 

Key Takeaways: - Summer heat can be dangerous for pets; hydration is key. - Microchipping pets is crucial for their safety. - Create a safe space for pets during storms. - Know your pet's hiding spots during stressful events. - Nature starts at your back door; create a pet-friendly garden.

Find out more about our guests and their organizations: - Angela Laws: https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/  - Kris Kiser: https://www.turfmutt.com/ 

🐾 Listen to more "Pet Connection" episodes: https://pet-connection.podbean.com/    

This show is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Big Daily Blend" Podcast Channel.