Summer Heat and Pets Don't Mix!

The summer season is great! We get out and enjoy our surroundings, go on some wonderful adventures, visit with family and friends, work on some household projects, and spend time with our furry pals. We like to include our pets in everything we do, but, we need to be safe in doing so.

I just wanted to share some summer safety tips for your pets.

Water- Pets need extra hydration when the weather warms up. Make sure they have an adequate supply of fresh clean water at all times. If your pet is accompanying you on an adventure, make sure to bring enough water for yourself and your pet. And don't forget the portable container!
Never leave your pet in the car alone- Pets love to spend time with you, but maybe leave them home while running errands. It doesn't take long for the temperature inside the car to increase significantly, even with the windows cracked. Your furry friend would be much happier at home in the air conditioning than waiting in a hot car. Safe those car rides for an adventure you both can enjoy.
Avoid Pavement- Your pet still needs their exercise during the hot days of summer, just not on the pavement. The pads on their paws can become blistered with prolonged exposure. Look for those grassy areas that are easier on the paws.
Shade- If your pet stays outside or you are on an adventure, make sure they have a shady spot to retreat from direct sun. Even though we humans like to work on our summer glow, your pet doesn't! They can become over-heated and even sunburnt.
Flea and Heartworm Treatment- Make sure to get your pet a preventative treatment for fleas and heartworms. The warm weather brings out the fleas and mosquitos that transmit heartworms. This could be fatal to your pet if left untreated. This is something that should be done on a regular basis, and your vet can advise on this treatment.
Clean coats- Your pet will love a little pampering with a good coat brush and bath. Who doesn't love to feel refreshed! Your pet's coat is protecting them from sun and pest but still needs a good brush out and bath from time to time to remove any debris or pest hitching a ride. A little trim may even be desired!
Fireworks are not fun- Well, at least not to your pet! Loud noises and bright lights can scare your pets, leaving them lost and disoriented. More pets get lost on the 4th of July than any other time of the year. Make sure your pet has a safe place inside during the fireworks. Aside from being scared, they could also sustain severe burns or trauma.
Don't assume your pet can swim-Your furry friend may want to do everything you do- like enjoying a dip in the pool, a swim in the lake, or dive in the ocean. While some pets really take to this, others may not. Make sure they have an approved life vest in deep water, even if they can swim, they could become tired. Make sure there is a way to get out of the water in case of an accidental fall, such as stairs or ramp. Maybe provide their own little shallow pool for splashing around.
Food and Drink precautions- While you and your friends are having that big BBQ bash of the summer. Remember to keep alcoholic beverages away from pets, as they may become intoxicated. Snacks enjoyed by your human friends are not a treat for your pet; this may cause severe digestive ailments. Avoid raisins, grapes, onions, chocolate, and products that contain the sweetener xylitol. There are many other food items that are not recommended for pets, do your research!
Know When to Act- Keeping your pets cool in the summertime is the best way to avoid heatstroke, 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.