The Oprah Winfrey Show
Oprah's Best Life Series
Harpo Films
For One More Day
The Great Debaters
O, The Oprah Magazine
Subscribe Today
Oprah Radio
Oprah's Angel Network
Oprah's Book Club
Dr. Oz talks with Dr. Marty Becker, a veterinarian, author and Good Morning America contributor, about ways to prevent injury and keep pets healthy during the summer season.
Tips for Keeping Pets Healthy
- Heat exhaustion: Dr. Becker says pet owners can prevent their pets from getting dehydrated and succumbing to heat exhaustion by making sure they have plenty of fresh drinking water and never leaving them in an excessively hot environment such as a car or a portable kennel.
Also, avoid walking pets during the hottest part of the day, he says, or on scorching concrete sidewalks. Not sure if it's too hot for Fido? Put the palm of your hand on the sidewalk—if it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for your pet's paws, Dr. Becker says.
- Backyard safety: Flying projectiles from lawn mowers can seriously injure pets, Dr. Becker says. Make sure your pet is confined to the house or another area that's away from where you're mowing.
Also, keep pets away from pesticides and fertilizers, Dr. Becker says. Look into using pet-friendly, organic pest repellants wherever possible.
- Proper diet and exercise: About 50 percent of American pets are overweight or obese, Dr. Becker says. "It's the same exact causes [as humans]—too much food in their mouths, too few miles on their feet," he says. All year long, make sure pets eat a healthy diet and get plenty of exercise, he says.
