“As temperatures reach uncomfortably high levels, pets are likely to struggle with the heat. Here’s how to keep them safe during the heatwave.

Animals kept in a cage or hutch may find it hard to escape the heat as the sun moves around the garden, so you may need to move them or create shade for them. While cats can get out and about, they often find their way into buildings such as greenhouses and sheds. If they get shut in, the risk of heatstroke is high, so always check sheds and garages for cats before you close them up at night.

For pets that are allowed outdoors, such as cats and dogs, try to provide cool, shady places for them to lie down. And make sure all pets have access to fresh water so they can stay hydrated. Providing water for pets to lie or play in can also be a great way to help them keep cool.

Other ways to help pets cope include offering cool surfaces to lie on and offering frozen treats to keep them stay comfortable and entertained. Fans and air conditioning are another great way to keep your pets cool.

The Dogs Die in Hot Cars campaign has, for many years, highlighted this particular danger; however, many more dogs develop heatstroke on a hot walk. During hot weather, keep activity levels to a minimum and only take dogs for a walk at cooler times of the day.

Dog walks are usually safest in the early morning and, where possible, restricted to shady areas with access to water. If water isn’t available en route, try to take some with you. Training sessions and puzzle feeders (devices that release food once the pet has figured out the puzzle) can be a great way to tire dogs out when it’s just too hot to safely go outside.

Over 50% of dogs taken to vets with severe heat stroke die. So the advice is: if in doubt, don’t take them out.

Any pet is at risk of heatstroke in a hot car. If you are travelling with your pet, consider how you can keep them cool both during the journey and should you get stuck in traffic or break down. Keep travel to a minimum, but if you do need to transport your pet, never leave them unattended. Ensure they have water, shade and air conditioning whenever possible.

Although older and overweight pets are more at risk from heatstroke, any animal can be affected. And animals with flat faces, such as French bulldogs, flat-faced cats and rabbits are also at increased risk of heatstroke.

Early treatment is important
If your pet does develop signs of heatstroke, early treatment is key, so check on all your pets regularly in hot weather.

Initially, any pet with heat stroke will pant and breathe more rapidly. They may also become tired, stagger when they walk, or lack the energy to move. If left untreated, this can progress to diarrhoea, vomiting, fitting, collapse and loss of consciousness. At this point, the risk of death increases significantly.

Act swiftly if you think your pet is developing heatstroke. Rapid cooling is the best way to drop their body temperature. Start by moving them away from the source of the heat, bringing them into the shade and onto a cool surface. In a genuine emergency, they need to be cooled using water.

Pour water over them, any water that is available to you, whether that’s tap water, bottled water or the kid’s paddling pool. If they have lost consciousness, make sure their head is kept clear of the water.

Avoid putting anything over your pet such as wet towels, as towels can soon act as an insulator. As soon as possible, seek veterinary advice, as delays to treatment can prove deadly.”

The Most Common Florida Weather Myths

Ahh, sunny Florida. The beaches, the breeze, the salty air, the…thunderstorms?

Although there’s no denying they call it the Sunshine State for a reason, Florida weather doesn’t always mean clear blue skies. Check out some of the most common Florida weather myths, and read about what to watch out for so you can plan an unforgettable trip to paradise.

Florida Has No Seasons.

Because of its geographic location, Florida’s weather isn’t exactly divided into the traditional Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall seasons. (Hooray for a mild climate!)

It does, however, have two distinct seasons of its own: wet and dry.

From late May through the end of October, Florida’s wet season brings about 68% of the state’s total rainfall for the year. Showers and thunderstorms happen frequently, if not daily, and humidity levels peak.

Dry season (November-April), on the other hand, brings significantly less humidity, reduced precipitation, and a more predictable forecast that’s less storm-prone.

Regardless of the season, keep a close watch on the forecast, and try downloading a storm-tracking app like Storm to get the latest info on weather that may affect your travel itinerary.

It’s the Same Temperature Everywhere in Florida.

Sure, most of Florida is known for having a subtropical climate. But not all Florida forecasts are created equal.

During the summer months, Central and South Florida’s weather hovers around the 80’s and 90’s, dropping to the 60’s and 70’s in the winter. This is the weather typically associated with Florida.

However, northern cities like Jacksonville, Tallahassee, and Destin experience cooler winters with average lows in the 40’s and high’s in the 70’s.

Make sure to reference the local forecast for the area you’re visiting, and pack accordingly.

Flip Flops, Bikinis, and Sunscreen Are All I Need to Pack.

If there’s one thing we’ve learned so far, it’s that Florida’s weather can be unpredictable. One minute you’re working on your tan, the next you’re running for cover from a surprise rain shower.

That’s why it’s a good idea to come prepared for whatever mother nature throws your way. Stash some closed-toe shoes, an umbrella, and long pants in your bag.

And don’t underestimate the power outerwear. Remember, temperatures can dip pretty low in the cooler months, so grabbing that hoodie could make or break your vacation. The same goes for heat waves, so don’t skimp on the sunscreen.

Hurricanes are the Only Storms I Should Keep My Eye On.

Officially, hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30.

Florida’s climate can produce thunderstorms. The National Weather Service recommends steering clear of bodies of water, trees, or metallic objects, and staying indoors at least 30 minutes after hearing thunder.

Florida’s climate also makes tornadoes possible. Check forecasts often if you’re visiting during the summer months. Check out the Red Cross’s tips on tornado safety.
Like any tropical climate, Florida’s weather unpredictability is just part of the charm. But with a little preparation, you can plan for water sports, kayaking, exploring, gorgeous pink sunsets, and piña coladas under warm sunshine… getting caught in the rain optional.

Tara Ross has always loved dogs, and has always had one or two fur babies by her side. But her eight-year-old Russel terrier mix, Sadie, has earned a special place in Ross’ heart since her four daughters grew up and left home.

“Empty nesting was really hard on me,” Ross says. “After more than 20 years of having my girls around every day, not having them here was really rough. I know this is a common occurrence, but Sadie has really helped me get through it. When I get home from work, the last thing I want to do is leave Sadie. So that really flavors how my husband and I live and where we go, even travel.”

So unless they’re going on a cruise or traveling by plane, Ross and her husband build their vacations around what Sadie can and can’t do. If you’re like Ross and can’t bear to part with your furry best friend when you travel, here are a few tips for successful travel with pets — or successfully leaving them at home:

Don’t forget ID.
Make sure your pet has a microchip for identification, and wears a collar and tag labeled with your name, cellphone number and other relevant contact information. Consider a temporary tag with contact info specific to your travel, and bring along vaccination records.
Be mindful of air travel rules.
Although rules vary by airline, most airlines allow dogs, cats or household birds of up to 17 pounds to ride in a carrier under your seat for an extra charge of around $100 each way. Again, rules vary, but many airlines allow pets over 17 pounds to travel in a crate in the cargo hold for a wide range of fees of anywhere from $50 to $800. If you want to fly with your pet, call the airline to learn their rules and book the flight for you and your pet.
Prepare for road trips.
Ross’ dog travels in the car’s back seat either in a special dog car seat or wearing a harness attached to a seat buckle. In addition to keeping Sadie safe, the dog seat gives her a boost to enjoy the view out the window. Her car kit includes food, water, a collapsible water bowl, a leash (never let your dog off leash when traveling), waste bags, a couple of her favorite toys and treats.

As it’s generally not safe to leave pets alone in a parked car, it’s best to have at least two humans along for the ride, so one can stay with your pet while the other uses the restroom or gets food to go. Be sure to take frequent breaks to allow pets to stretch their legs and do their business, and always offer water.
Seek out pet-friendly lodging.
About 75 percent of American hotel chains allow dogs. A smaller percentage also allow cats. When hotels do allow pets, there’s often a weight limit, a limit of either one or two pets and an extra fee.

For vacation rentals, you can generally narrow your search results for pet-friendliness on websites like AirBnB. Ross prefers vacation rentals over hotels when traveling with Sadie.

“There are fewer mystery noises so she can better relax, we have a refrigerator to store her food and we don’t have to worry about her occasional bark,” she says. “It’s usually easier to take her out if she needs to go in the middle of the night and I don’t have to take an elevator downstairs and return through a secured door.”
Search for pet-friendly restaurants.
Ross doesn’t like to leave Sadie alone in a hotel or vacation rental. Since pets aren’t allowed in restaurants, Ross and her husband either switch off picking up meals to-go to eat in the room or else they seek out dog-friendly restaurant patios — and they find that dogs are more welcome on patios in some areas of the country than others.
Know your pet.
“Sadie loves to travel, and really just loves being with me wherever I go,” Ross says. “I believe her life has been deeply enriched by travel, the new experiences and smells bond her more to us, make her happy and stimulate her brain. But our other dog, Benny, is more anxious in the car and not a good traveler so we leave him home with a dog sitter.”
When leaving your pet at home, get creative.
While some dogs enjoy the stimulation of staying with other dogs at a kennel, for other dogs the experience is stressful. Consider hiring a friend who your pet knows to come 3-4 times per day to walk or play and feed. Perhaps a family member can stay with your pet. Just remember to leave detailed instructions to keep your pet’s routine consistent and include your contact information if something comes up and they have questions.
Keep these tips in mind to help alleviate some of the stress from traveling with or without your pet. Also, be sure to speak with your financial professional to make sure the traveling you want to do is part of your retirement savings strategy.