Keeping Your Pets Safe this Summer in your HOA Community

The sultry ‘dog days of summer’ is a tough time for everyone. This is especially true for our loving and loyal furry pets, as seen walking their masters along winding walkways of the HOA community. In the interest of protecting that faithful, furry bond of loyalty and love, AR Management offers the following suggestions to keep pets in the HOA community safe:

Pet Safety in your HOA

Keep the Water Bowl Fresh

Clean, cool water is essential to maintaining good health of dogs or cats in any season, but especially in the heat of summer. Besides preventing dehydration, water sustains proper kidney function, lubricates the joints in the body, and aids in proper food digestion and absorption of the nutrients in food. Do not neglect to refresh and fill up that water bowl every day!

Protect Your Pet’s Fur

As we humans opt for shorts and tank tops and trim our long locks of hair to feel lighter in summer, veterinarians will generally advise against shaving off a dog or cat’s fur. Pet fur is designed to keep your pet warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Shaving off all the hair interferes with an animal’s natural ability to regulate body temperature — especially cats! If your dog has a thick coat, shaving off some fur can help such dog endure summer heat better, but check with the vet before proceeding. The best practice for keeping pets comfortable in summer is brushing the fur to remove the dead undercoat, aiding air circulation near the skin.

Pause the Paws

Walking along the HOA community’s smooth walkways can be a pleasant experience for homeowners who own dogs. However, if you can’t hold your hand on the pavement for five seconds, it’s too hot for your furry friend. Walk in the early morning or late evening, or amidst shady tree-lined, grassy paths to protect the sensitive pads on the bottom of your dog’s paws.

Additionally, if opting for grassy walking paths, a dog’s nails cannot be naturally trimmed as when walking on cement. Have a professional dog groomer or vet trim nails. Cut the hair that grows between the toes and pads of feet to prevent twigs, sand, and debris from getting lodged between the pads.

Protect Against Heartworm

In the hot, humid summer months, mosquitoes dominate the landscape, making dogs especially vulnerable to Heartworm disease. Heartworm disease can also infect cats but is not as common. Heartworm disease is dangerous to a dog’s health, so give your furry buddy a summer check-up at the vet. Best of all, protect your pet year-round with vet recommended heartworm medication.

AR Management can help establish an HOA environment that is safe for its residents and their furry pals. If you require more information on making your HOA more pet-friendly, contact AR Management today.