Christmas in July Caturday Art

Merry Christmas in July!

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Tip of the Day

Today's tip relates to the beach, a place to which many like to travel in the summer. More specifically, today's tip is about the safety of furry companions that might travel to the beach with you. Whether you take your dog, cat, or other furry family member to the beach, always keep their safety in mind. The tips we're about to mention can also be considered in the event that you go boating with your furbaby. So, what are a few beach or boating safety to tips to remember? Let's get into them.

First, don't let your dog or cat get overheated in the summer heat while at the beach or on a boat. If you are there for long, make sure you take an umbrella or canopy, or that you have another source of shade in which your furbaby can get a break from the direct sun. Also related to the sun, don't forget that sunscreen. There are are indeed pet-friendly sunscreens on the market, and the beach or a boat are the perfect places to utilize such products. After all, our furbabies can get sunburn and skin cancer just like we can. A dog or cat's nose and ears, and any other exposed skin they might have, should be protected by pet-friendly sunscreen when they are in the direct sun for extended periods of time, such as when visiting the beach or when boating.

Another aspect that needs to be considered when taking a dog or cat to the beach is the water itself. There is of course the danger of drowning should a dog or cat get in the water and be unable to swim to safety. For this reason, do not let your dog or cat stray away from you. In order to ensure this, keeping them on a leash might be the best idea. Another safety option is to of course have your dog or cat wear a flotation device, such as a life vest. There are indeed life vests on the market for dogs and cats, and wearing one could be crucial to their safety should they visit the beach or go on a boating trip with you. Another safety tip relating to the water is to not allow your dog or cat to drink salt water. Though it is indeed water, if it contains salt, it can actually dehydrate an animal or person, and drinking large amounts of salt water can have detrimental effects. So, keep an eye on your kitty or pup, do not let them drink salt water, and provide them with fresh water while at the beach or on a boat.

One last consideration to make is to ensure that, before traveling to the beach, your dog or cat is properly vaccinated and up-to-date on parasite prevention. The sand and water at the beach can contain a variety of bacteria, bugs, and other parasites. So, to protect against certain diseases that might be contracted during a trip to the beach, make sure that your kitty or pup has been properly protected against such diseases or parasites.

If a dog or cat is comfortable with and enjoys visiting the beach or going on boat rides, there are safety measures that can make such adventures less risky. Be sure to take all considerations into mind before visiting the beach or embarking on a boat ride with your kitty or pup. Should you see any concerning symptoms in your dog or cat during or following a beach or boat trip, of course have them seen by a veterinarian.