Summer is finally here and this “fun in the sun” season also happens to bring with it some hazards – especially for our pets. To make sure your pet’s summer season is as fun and safe as possible, we would like to share some important Summer Pet Safety Tips:
SUMMER pet SAFETY TIPS
1 – Leave Pets At Home
Your pets don’t want to wait in the car while you run errands – they’d rather be at home in the cool air conditioning! The inside of your car can reach upwards of 20 degrees higher than the temperature outside in just a few minutes. Cracked windows and shade from trees do not provide enough relief and your pet is at risk from suffering a fatal heat stroke. When it comes to pets, staying at home is best!
2 – Provide Lots of Water
Your dog and cat will need some extra hydration when the weather warms up. Make sure to fill that water dish and keep it full! If you are taking your pet on an outdoor adventure, bring water and a portable container with you. Ocean, lake or river water contains bacteria and other contaminates that can harm your pet – it’s best to bring a supply from home instead!
3 – Keep Coats Long
You might be tempted to give your pet a buzz cut in the summer months. A short trim is fine, but shaving your pet can result in sunburn and bug bites. Brushing your dog or cat can help to remove excess fur and keep them feeling fine in the summertime.
4 – Avoid Pavement When Possible
Of course, your dog will still need to go for walks each day, but keep them shorter during the hotter times of day. Don’t let your pet linger on hot pavement or asphalt – that can lead to burns on the pads of paws. Ouch!
6 – Don’t Skip Flea & Heartworm Prevention
Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes, and mosquitoes thrive in the warm weather. To be safe, it’s best to keep your pets on heartworm prevention year round. Heartworms are a preventable, but left untreated, they are fatal.
7 – Know When to Act
Keeping your pets cool in the summer time is the best way to avoid heat stroke, which can be fatal. It’s important to pet owners to know the signs, which include heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, excessive thirst, lethargy, fever, dizziness, lack of coordination, profuse salivation, vomiting, a deep red or purple tongue, seizure, and unconsciousness. If you see these signs in your pet, immediately contact a veterinarian.
