Furrever Friends Rescue and Volunteers, Inc.

Furrever Friends now has a Twitter feed to provide updates on events, as well as the latest news on the cats in our care.  To follow, go to http://www.twitter.com/FFRVnj

"Shelter Me" host Adam Joseph holds his namesake kitten, Adam Joseph

Furrever Friends has been voted a favorite animal rescue group on the WPVI-TV (Channel 6, Philadelphia) “Shelter Me” contest.  As a result, Furrever Friends will be the weekly featured rescue on Saturday, Aug. 4 at 9:30 a.m.  The segment will be repeated on “FYI Philly” later that day at 7 p.m.  Or watch here.

Across the US, temperatures are soaring into the 90s and higher, and many regions are seeing record highs.  Pets — especially dogs and cats — can overheat easily, largely because they don’t perspire like people.

To keep your pets cool during heat waves, follow these tips:

• Follow your local weather forecasts so you will know when hot weather is expected in your area, and plan accordingly.
• Make sure your pets have access to plenty of cool, fresh water.  Don’t allow water to sit outside in the sun, as it can get hot quickly… and drinking hot water is bad for animals.  You can also give your pets  ice.
• Keep your pets indoors as much as possible.  Walk your dog(s) early in the morning or later in the evening, when temperatures are lower.  Be aware of hot surfaces, which can burn animals’ paws.
• Prevent your pets from over-exercising or overexerting themselves.
• Provide your pets with access to cool parts of your home, such as the basement or air-conditioned rooms (if you don’t have central air).
• Some dogs enjoy splashing around in “kiddie” swimming pools, which can be purchased at toy stores and even at some pet stores.
• Purchase hammock-style or “cooling” beds for your pets that can keep them cool when sleeping.
• Even if your pet is outside for brief periods, provide a shaded area if one doesn’t exist, and make sure it stays consistently shady throughout the day.
• Never, ever leave a pet alone in a closed vehicle! On a summer day, a vehicle with the AC off and the windows up can reach deadly temperatures in as little as 15 minutes.  To learn more about the dangers of leaving animals in hot cars, visit MyDogIsCool.com
• If you are away from home for more than a few hours, ask a friend or hire a pet-sitter to check up on your pets once or twice during the day (obviously, this is essential if you plan to be away for overnight or longer).
• It’s always good to check in on elderly friends, relatives and neighbors in the hot weather, but be especially mindful of seniors who have pets.  If an elderly pet owner needs help, make sure that their pets are kept cool and watered.
• Dogs and cats with long, thick fur should be groomed to remove excess fur that can make them hot.  At home, you can use de-shedding tools such as the Furminator to comb away excess fur.
• Be alert to any changes in your pet’s behavior, which could indicate heatstroke. Symptoms include excessive panting, drooling, vomiting and lethargy.  If your dog or cat has been exposed to the heat and appears to be behaving strangely, contact your veterinarian immediately.  In the meantime, you can bathe your pet in cool water to help lower its body temperature.  Give overheated animals small amounts of water, as drinking too much at once can make them sick.
• If your pet has a chronic health condition, is pregnant or is on medication, consult your vet on how to care for it during hot weather.
• If you see an animal that appears to be in suffering from neglect in the heat, contact your local animal control or police.  In New Jersey, you can report animal abuse and neglect by calling the NJ SPCA at (800) 582-5979.

The ASPCA also recommends taking your pets for a vet checkup that includes a heartworm test.  Your vet can also recommend a flea and tick prevention regimen if necessary.

For more information, see the ASPCA’s Hot Weather Tips.  Also, those who care for feral cats can read this article to learn about special needs of feral colonies during the summer months.