The summer months have plenty of opportunities for fun moments to bond with your pet. With a little bit of planning, you can ensure that all your activities are safe for you and your pets. Keep reading for some summer safety tips for pets that will have you enjoying the summer without issue:
Where to Start
The heat is a major threat to summer pet safety. Heat stroke can occur rather quickly, so prevention should be the focus. Pet owners can mitigate the risks associated with the heat in these ways:
- Exercise with your pet during the early morning and evening hours.
- Always have cool, clean water on water.
- Follow this rule: “If it’s too hot for you to walk on without shoes, it’s definitely too hot for your pet.”
- Take breaks in the shade.
- Maintain adequate ventilation inside the home.
- Make delicious frozen pet treats.
- Keep your pet’s coat trimmed during the summer.
- Watch the humidity levels as this can make it feel hotter to pets.
While all pets can be vulnerable to the heat, pets that are very young/old, overweight, or battling health conditions may be at higher risk. Likewise, brachycephalic breeds have shorter snouts that inhibit efficient panting. This reduces their ability to regulate internal body temperature.
Know the Signs
Pets can sweat through the pads of their paws, but it’s not enough to cool them down if they become overheated. Similarly, panting can help to regulate temperature but if panting becomes excessive, they may quickly experience other symptoms of heatstroke, such as:
- Excessive drooling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea (with or without blood)
- Weakness
- Lethargy
- Breathing difficulty
- Mobility issues
- Collapse
- Seizures
Heat stroke in pets must be addressed promptly and can require emergency care. Move a pet to a cool, dim location with good cross-ventilation. Offer little sips of water and apply lukewarm compresses to the body. Please call us at (530) 533‑7513.
Summer Pet Safety
Even on a relatively mild or cloudy day, pets should never remain in a parked car by themselves. Temperatures inside the vehicle, even when the windows are cracked, can soar above 100 degrees in less than an hour.
General Tips
In addition to the heat, summer provides other dangers. As such, the following reminders can promote and elevate pet health and safety:
- Keep your pet’s vaccinations and parasite prevention tactics up to date.
- Make any necessary changes to the ID tag and/or microchip.
- Watch out for stinging or biting insects.
- Keep an eye out for snakes.
- Lock up any toxic yard and garden products.
- Promote a healthy coat by grooming your pet.
- Keep an emergency plan handy.
- Invest in pet sunscreen.
- Learn about swimming safety and purchase a snug-fitting life jacket for any trips to the water.
- Safely expose your pet to wilderness hikes, camping, and other recreational activities, if you think they’re ready and willing to participate.
Staying Cool and Safe
Our staff at Oroville Animal Health Center is always happy to help you and your pet achieve a safe, enjoyable summer. Please call us at (530) 533‑7513 with any questions or concerns.