Posted in Safety Tips on July 12, 2018
The summer can be a fun season to spend with your pet. But the increased temperature and humidity create higher risks of injury and heat stroke to your pet.
Here are some tips to keep your pet safe this summer:
- Provide constant access to water and shade.
- Although many cats and dogs like to sunbathe, being in direct sunlight can quickly overheat animals. If you’re thirsty, your pet is too. Make sure they have plenty of drinking water.
- Know what overheating looks like in cats and dogs.
- Symptoms of overheating include: extreme panting, thick drool, vomiting, bright red gums, and wobbly legs. If you notice any of these in your pet, get help immediately.
- Just like children, pets should not be left in a car for any amount of time.
- It takes less than 10 minutes for pets to develop heat stroke from a hot car. If you notice a pet left in a hot car, call the police immediately.
- When outside all day, use sunscreen.
- Not only should you use sunscreen, but pets need it too! Animal approved sunscreen should be applied to their nose, ears, belly and any other areas that have thin or no hair.
- Pay attention when walking your pet.
- During the summer months, you should walk your pet early in the morning or in the evening to avoid the hottest part of the day. Pets heat from the bottom up, so if their paws are hot, they’re hot too. If being on pavement or in the bed of a truck can’t be avoided, invest in some doggy boots. If you can’t stand to be barefoot, they probably can’t either.
Always pay attention to warning signs from your pet. The summer can be a lot of fun but can also be disastrous. If you have any questions about your pet’s health, you should always contact your veterinarian.
