Summer is here, which means more opportunities for some outdoor fun with friends and family. And yes, that includes our pets. But before you take your furry friend out for swimming, hiking, or picnics, you need to prepare them for the long, sunny days
The extreme temperatures affect people and animals alike. Here are 7 summer safety tips for pet owners to keep your pet safe this summer.
Know the signs of overheating
A little knowledge can go a long way in saving your pet’s life. If your pet is exhibiting signs of weakness, excessive drooling or panting, and labored breathing, they could be in danger of overheating.
If your furry friend is showing signs of overheating, move them to a cool area, give them some water,
Keep them hydrated
Dehydration is a constant concern for many pet owners. Animals don’t sweat as people do. In fact, some animals such as dogs lose more body water on hot days.
Always keep your pets hydrated by providing plenty of clean water. If you’re going outside, don’t forget to bring a bottle of water for your companion. If you have a cat or dog, consider switching to wet food to increase their fluid levels.
Never leave your pets alone in a parked vehicle
Parked vehicles can reach temperatures of over 100 degrees. Leaving your pet alone in a hot vehicle is the surest way to give them heatstroke. You may think that leaving them for a few minutes won’t do much harm, but it only takes less than 10 minutes for an animal to become overheated.
Some states also have hot car laws that prohibit leaving pets in cars. If you’re driving around with your pet, you better make sure you take your pet with you when you park the vehicle.
Apply sunscreen
Animals can get sunburned too, especially those with pink skin and a short coat of hair. If you are planning a trip to the beach or any place with lots of sunshine, don’t forget to apply sunscreen on your pet every 3 hours.
But don’t just use any sunscreen. Ask your veterinarian for a pet-safe sunscreen.
Wait until it’s cool before heading out
As much as we all love walking our dogs around the neighborhood, the summer heat can make it more challenging for your pet to enjoy the outdoors.
Hard surfaces such as cement and asphalt retain a lot of heat and can quickly burn your pet’s paws. It’s best to walk your dog during the early or later hours of the day. Bring a spray bottle to keep your dog cool if it gets too hot out.
Don’t leave your dog alone around a pool
An afternoon in the pool might sound like a great idea, but not all dogs know how to swim. Slowly introduce your dog to the water and don’t force them into the deep end if they show signs of distress. Don’t forget to rinse your dog off after swimming to remove chlorine from their fur.
Don’t shave your pet’s coat
A trim might help your pet stay cool in the summer heat, but you should never shave off their entire coat. Their fur coat also protects them from sunburn and overheating.
Leave a Reply