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• Learn to perform CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation). • Use plenty of sunscreen. Tips for safe boating • Do not drink alcohol while boating. • Wear a PFD (personal fl otation device) at all times. It keeps you fl oating if you are too tired to swim or hit your head and lose consciousness. • Tell someone where you are going and when you will return. • Do not allow passengers to ride on gunwales, seat backs, or outside of protective railings. • Bring a weather radio to update you on the weather. • Keep emergency supplies on board such as fl oating devices, maps, fl ares, a fi re extinguisher, and a fi rst aid kit. • Test the boat lights and anchor before you leave the dock. • Operate the boat at a safe speed. • Have a designated lookout for swimmers, other boaters, and objects. • Make sure you have enough fuel and oil for the entire trip. Pants All Around by ERINN CRIDER Summer should be a time fun in the sun and lazy pool days with your fuzzy friend. Most people are well aware of the dangers of heat for the elderly and infi rm, but it is also a serious threat for animals and needs to be taken seriously. Heat stroke is a serious problem when it comes to pets. Pet experts from the Today Show say that the basic rule of thumb is if it’s too hot for you it’s too hot for your pet, especially since they have a less effi cient cooling system. It is also more dangerous for dogs with short muzzles, elderly pooches, those with dark hair or a tendency to over exert themselves. Also, it can help to adjust your pets exercise regimen. For example move play time to the morning or evening after the weather cools off, and don’t be afraid to cut walks short if it is hot. Knowledge is power, so knowing the signs of heatstroke can help you save your best furry friend. Danger signs include: excessive panting, rapid breathing, excessive drooling, dark or bright red gums or tongue, staggering, temperature above 104, bloody diarrhea or vomiting. If you suspect that your animal is suffering from heatstroke immediately call your vet. To help cool your puppy down you can offer it ice cubes to lick, apply rubbing alcohol to its paws or give it Pedialyte to restore electrolytes. Water should be cool but not cold, to avoid shock. “A lot of people try to cool the pet too much at home, but sometimes you get into a hypothermia situation. Douse it with cool water, have a fan blowing on the dog, but don’t immerse it in an ice bath. Get it to an animal hospital fast. A dog’s normal temperature is 102º — heat stroke is around 106º and up. But when their temp gets back down to 103, stop cooling them so you don’t risk rebound hypothermia,” explains local veterinarian Dr. Lisa Jonas of Cape Fear Animal Hospital. Heatstroke can really mess up your summer, but there are defi nitely some other dangers to look out for during the warmer months, such as the sun. Many people think that because of their fur pets are not susceptible to sunburn, but that is completely untrue. Your pet is even more prone to sunburn if it has light hair or pink skin. You should consult your vet about what kind of sunscreen is good for your pet. “Many people get their long-haired dogs clipped in the summer, which really isn’t necessary unless it’s a heavily matted coat. Their natural hair cover helps keep them cool and protects them from sun damage,” said Jonas. Water safety is also something of which to be aware. A pet should never be left unsupervised in a pool because it can drown if it can’t fi gure out how to get out of the pool and becomes too exhausted. It’s a good idea to teach your pet the way out of the pool or consider using a pet ramp or pet life vest. Many people go to the beach in the summer and may bring along their pets. It’s important to remember that not all dogs are great swimmers, and even if they are, they can be caught by the undertow or rip current. If the sand is too hot for your feet it’s also too hot for your pet’s delicate paws. (That goes for asphalt, too.) The best vacation for your dog may be to leave them at home. “They do not enjoy being on the hot beach while you suntan. If they get in the water and drink the salt water, then they are going to have diarrhea,” adds Jonas. And that won’t be fun for either of you. Finally some tips to keep your buddy cool during the hot summer days: make sure that your pet has access to fresh water at all times, adjust workout routines to the cooler part of the day, and if your pet is outside make sure it has shade and maybe even a kiddy pool to cool off in, and do not leave your pet in the car even with the windows down even “for just a second” it’s just not safe. “There is no safe time frame, or amount of open windows — it’s an absolute rule — don’t leave them in the car. And if pets have to be outside, make sure they have shade and fresh water,” says Jonas. And remember, these tips are for cats, too! Also be sure to protect your pets from heartworms (transmitted by mosquitoes) with a monthly preventative medication. Stay safe, and keep your best fuzzy friend safe this summer too. WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM JULY 14-20, 2010 UCW 9 Many thanks to the sponsors that keep this event FREE to the public. Get ready for the sounds of the season with the 2010 premier FREE Concert Series Fayetteville After Five! e! Grab your best friend, a lawn chair or blanket, and get ready to rest your rump on the Festival Park lawn while taking some of the nation’s best entertainers and sipping on a refreshing beverage of choice! or le hing presents... • July 15th - Suicide Blonde • August 19th - Craig Woolard Band • September 16th - Chairmen of the Board www.fayettevillemuseumart.org 910.484.5121

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