Summer safety tips for pets

Summer is here and it is a wonderful time to enjoy all the awesome outdoor activities with your adorable furry friends. However, with the high temperature and heat waves attacking us, it is important to take extra precautions to ensure your pet’s safety and well-being. We will share pet safety tips to help you keep your pet safe and healthy during this period of hot weather and still enjoy all the adventures of summer.

Hydration is a Must: Our furry friends are just like us; they need to stay hydrated! No matter where you are or what you are doing, always make sure there is water available for your pet! Staying hydrated is the main key for your pet during the hottest season of the year. Please make sure your pets have access to fresh and clean water at all times. You should also consider placing multiple water bowls around your home and yard. If you’re heading out for a walk or an outdoor adventure, please ensure you carry a portable water dispenser or a travel bowl to keep them hydrated on the go!

Avoid Mid-Day Walks/Outdoor Activities: You should always limit your outdoor activities on hot days to avoid heat stroke. Plan your outdoor activities, daily walks, and exercise at dawn and dusk; that way you can prevent your pet from overheating and also avoid burns to their paws. Asphalt and concrete can heat up quickly and become scorching hot, even hotter than the ambient air. The general rule is that the pavement is 40 degrees F hotter than the air temperature. For example, if the air temperature is higher than 77 degrees F, then the pavement temperature will be higher than 125 degrees F.

Don’t Leave Your Pet in a Car Alone: No matter what or when, you should never leave your pet in a car alone. Temperature inside the car can rise very quickly even though the air temperature isn’t extremely hot. If you don’t want a BBQ pet, please don’t ever leave your pet in a hot car. Always make sure to check the back seat when you leave your car.

Provide Shade and Fresh air: Create shady spots in your backyard by using umbrella, tarps, or awning. This will provide relief from direct sun exposure, and it will help keep your pets comfortable while they are spending their time outside. If your pet is indoors, please make sure they have access to a well-ventilated area.

Protect Your Pet from Sunburn: Don’t be surprised! Yes, pets can get sunburned too! Especially if they have short hair or light colored/bare skin. You can apply pet safe sunscreen on your pet to prevent sunburns. Make sure you apply the sunscreen on their ears, nose, belly, and any other areas that are prone to sunburns. You can also consult your veterinarian for sunscreen’s recommendations.

Pool and Water Safety: If you have a pool or you are going to spend some time at the lake, river or beach, please make sure you keep your eye on your pet. Don’t leave your pet wandering around the water by itself. We understand some dogs and cats are good swimmers, but don’t assume your pet isn’t going to jump in the water or that it can swim well. It’s better to introduce them to water activities gradually, and it’s always a good idea to put on a life jacket on your pet as well. However, if your pets don’t like water, please do not force them. For the pool party people, please stop your pet from drinking pool water, because it contains harsh chemicals that are dangerous for their health.

Keep Up with Pest Prevention: Summer is prime time for fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes, which can transmit diseases to your pet. Please consult your veterinarian on what preventive medicine you should use on your pet and follow the usage instructions. Also, make sure you keep up with pest prevention treatments so you can keep your pet safe from all pests.

Watch for Heat Stroke Symptoms: Sometimes it doesn’t always have to be extremely hot weather for your pet to develop heat stroke. Exercising in a very warm or a very humid weather without good airflow could cause your pet to overheat, which can lead to heat stroke. Watch out for these early signs of heat stroke to protect your pet:

• excessive panting

• restlessness

• agitation

• drooling

• red gums or tongue

• increased heart rate

• vomiting

• diarrhea.

If you notice any of these symptoms, please move your pet to a cool and shady area. You can also cool down their body temperature by applying a cool towel on their body. Contact your veterinarian immediately.

With our safety guide, you can have safe and fun adventures with your furry friend in the summertime. If anytime you suspect your pet is overheating, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Contact your veterinarian immediately! We hope you can have an awesome summer and make a bunch of amazing memories with your adorable pet. Cheers* :)