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Summer Safety Tips For Your Pets
Whether your furry friend goes out with you this summer or stays at home, here are some tips to ensure a safe and happy season:
- Do not leave your pet in the car for ANY length of time. Even a car parked in the shade and left with the windows partially open can reach 120 degress F within several minutes. For their safety, please leave your pets home, not in the car.
- Try to schedule exercise and walks for your dog during cooler times of the day. And try to avoid pavement on hot days because it can burn your pooch’s pads.
- Bring any outside pets inside during very hot days. When left outside, make sure your pets have adequate shelter and water.
- Make sure your cat or dog is well groomed. A matted coat will hamper their ability to cool themselves. And be careful with light-coated cats and dogs in the sun because they will get sunburnt.
- Know the signs of heat stress and how to treat it. According to the ASPCA, signs include heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse, staggering gait, vomiting or a deep red or purple tongue. If your pet becomes overheated, move him into a shady spot and apply cool (not cold) water all over his body, particularly the head, neck and chest. Let him drink small amounts of water and immediately take him to a vet or animal emergency center.
- Most dogs do not enjoy fireworks or parades as much as the rest of the family, so please leave them behind and make sure they are secured if fireworks will go off close to home.
- When entertaining, make sure your pets are secured so they don’t slip past an unsuspecting guest. Also instruct visitors not to feed them because they could get sick from all the food.
- While indoors, make sure your pets have access to the coolest parts of the house, such as the basement or a room with air conditioning. Make sure fans are out of reach so a curious pet does not get a tail or paw caught.
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