Summer Safety Tips for Pets
Summer is around the corner and now is a perfect time to go over how you can have as much fun as possible while making sure your furry friend remains happy, healthy, and comfortable.
1. Don’t leave your dog in the car
Period. Even if it’s “just for a few minutes.” Even if you leave the window cracked. Even if you have a super cool Tesla that comes with that very extra feature that adjusts the temperature automatically, so you can keep your pet in the car. We really just do not recommend doing it for the health and safety of your pet. Plus, it’s actually illegal to do in some states now.
2. Know the signs of overheating/dehydration
Pets become more susceptible to overheating and dehydration when they’re outside in the sun or being active in the summer months. Animals with “flat” faces, like pugs and Persian cats, need to be watched closely in those instances because they can quickly develop difficulty breathing. Signs to watch out for include excessive panting, hyperventilation, increased salivation, rapid pulse, vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness.
3. Practice caution on the water
If you’ve got a pooch who loves kayaking, canoeing, or jumping off docks, you’re likely pretty confident in their swimming skills. When you tell us that your dog could probably win an Olympic gold for their doggy paddle, we’ll believe it, but we’ll still encourage you to put a life jacket on your furry friend - just in case. Similarly, knowing pet CPR is helpful for any pet owner, especially those whose dogs spend a lot of time in the water.
4. Keep an eye on the temperature
Most dogs love walks - with the exception of that one dog we all know that prefers being indoors and watching TV like (s)he’s slowly morphing into their owner - which, hopefully, means your pup will be getting more time outside as the weather warms up. However, asphalt heats up quickly and it can burn your pet’s paw pads. To check the temperature, hold the back of your hand to the pavement for seven seconds. If it’s too hot, stay home.
We wish you and your pets a happy, healthy, and fun summer; should you need us, don’t hesitate to give us a call at (512) 459-7676