Summer Safety Tips

As the warm weather approaches, we all get excited about spending more time outdoors having fun.  Our pets get excited about being outside and getting more exercise too!  During this time of year, we must take extra care to keep them cool, hydrated, and free from harm. Keeping the following safety tips in mind will help every one enjoy a healthy, happy summer.

1. Avoiding Heatstroke: Too much sun exposure can be dangerous to people as well as pets.  Even just a few minutes in the car while running into the store can put your pet at risk for heat stroke.  Sunlight hitting the windows can heat up a car to temperatures over 120 degrees in a matter of minutes, even with the windows cracked.  It doesn't even have to be a hot day.  Mild spring/fall days can also pose a risk to your pet.  Pets left in cars can suffer from heat stroke, heat exhaustion and even die.  If you do have to run errands in the warm summer months, only bring your pet if he can join you in the store! 

2. Water Safety: Pets love to cool down in the water, but even if they are good swimmers it is vital that they be supervised while swimming.  Pools and hot tubs can be dangerous to your pet.  Dogs may jump in to cool down and not be able to figure out how to get out.  If your pool is covered, your pet may get stuck under it while investigating.  It is best to prevent unsupervised access to pools. Some breeds, such as bulldogs and boston terriers, are too top heavy to swim unassisted and often drown in water. If you do have an inexperienced swimmer you may want to invest in a doggy-life jacket!  Life jackets will keep your dog afloat and should always be worn by your pets riding on a boat.

3. Keeping your dog on a leash:  Having your dog on a leash while outside can avoid many dangers.  Leashing can prevent them from getting lost, hurt or from eating things that could make them sick.  Many towns have leash laws to keep dogs safe.  It is also important that your dog has proper identification.  Name tags and collars are one way to make sure your dog comes back to you.  Microchips are another way to help you find your dog in the event that their collar and tags are missing.  

4.  Keep your pet cool:   On very hot days your pet should have limited sun exposure.  If your dog is very active, try switching walks/playtime to early morning or late evening when the day is not at its hottest.  If your pet spends most of her day outdoors, make sure there is plenty of shade and water out for them throughout the day.  Always keep fresh, cool water available for your pet.  If you have an elderly, very young or sick pet try to keep them from the heat, as they cannot always regulate their body temperature.  Certain breeds with "smushed" faces, (bulldogs, shih tzus and pugs to name a few) cannot always pant efficiently and should also be kept out of the heat. Also, be careful with overweight and thick coated dogs as they also have a hard time cooling down. 

5. Sun protection:  Pets with light skin and hair are prone to sunburn.  They will experience similar symptoms as we humans do from sunburn such as pain, peeling skin and skin cancer.  A bit of sunscreen on more exposed areas (nose, tips of ears, etc.) before going out can help protect them.

6. Prevent parasitic infestations:  Warm weather is heaven for parasites.  Fleas, ticks and mosquitoes are in full force during the the spring and summer. Flea infestations can cause several maladies, such as anemia and tapeworm infection. Tick bites can infect our pets with diseases such as Anaplasmosis and Lyme. Mosquitoes bites can transmit heartworm to our pets. By using preventatives such as K9 Advantix, Frontline and Interceptor, many medical issues can be avoided.  By protecting your pet properly from parasites you can avoid having them in your home as well. Be sure to stop by your veterinarians to pick up these products or to get more information. 

7. Avoiding toxic chemicals and plants:  Lawn fertilizers may contain chemicals that can be harmful, if not fatal, to your pet.  Make sure your pets are not exposed to these products.  If you have a company treat your lawn, be sure to ask how long until it is safe for your pet to be in the yard.  When planting your flower gardens, make sure you pay attention to whether or not that particular plant is harmful to your pet.  There are thousands of plants that can cause toxicity.  Antifreeze is also a concern in the summer. As a car overheats it leaks antifreeze into the environment.  This substance is sweet tasting and very appealing to animals, but very toxic.  Make sure your pet doesn't drink from puddles on your walks. 

8. Summer storms and fireworks: Many of our pets do not react well to thunder and fireworks. The loud noises and change in air pressure can be very stressful for them. Make sure your pet has a place where they feel safe, such as a crate, to help ease them through storms.  Call your veterinarian if you have concerns about your pets stress level in these situations.

9. Summer travel: If you must travel over the summer months, be sure you are prepared.  Just like people, pets should be safely secured in the car.  Items such as crates or harnesses with seat belts will protect them if ever you are in an accident.  Bring along plenty of water and keep your dog leashed so they cannot jump out of the car into danger.  Do not let your dog ride in the back of a truck.  They can not only be injured by flying debris, but they can be thrown from the car in an accident or injured from jumping out on their own.  When traveling out of state make sure you to check into local veterinary hospitals in advance, just in case and emergency arises. 

Keeping your pet safe and cool in the summer months will lead to a wonderful summer for everyone!