Summer is here! The warmer weather is perfect for getting outdoors to spend time with your pet. However warm weather can be a health risk for pets if we’re not careful.
Here are some tips for keeping your pets safe and beating the heat this summer.
If your dog loves water, go swimming!
-Even though dogs may love swimming, they can wear out quickly. Don’t let your pet get too worn out and risk drowning. Other pets may like the water, but aren’t strong swimmers. Life jackets are a great support for any dog, large or small.
– If you don’t have access to large water, get a kiddie pool! Dogs can play and cool themselves quickly. Shallow pools are also safer for dogs that enjoy water, but aren’t strong swimmers.
The sun can be a hazard.
– Make sure your pet always has shade. Pets can get sunburn. Short haired and light skinned pets are more likely to get sunburned. Cats with light skin can get burned on their ears. This can later lead to skin cancer. See your vet if you notice any lesions on your cat’s ears.
– Don’t use human sunscreen on your pet. They can easily lick it off and become sick. Talk with your veterinarian about how to handle sun protection for your pet.
Exercise is great, but be cautious!
– Overweight pets can overheat quickly. Make sure that your pet has plenty of water when getting exercise. Don’t overexert your pet. Signs of heat exhaustion include: excessive panting, redness, stumbling, vomiting, even collapse. Ease your pet into exercise.
– Give your pet icecubes to play with. You can freeze your pet’s toys in water to give them something to work on and keep cool at the same time!
– Asphalt can get hot! Pads on your dog’s feet can blister and burn. Walk your pet in the early morning or evening when the sun is not beating on the pavement or sidewalk. If you can walk on grass that’s even better.
– Breeds that have a shorter snout can overheat much quicker that other breeds. Pugs, Bulldogs, Boxers, etc are not able to cool themselves as quickly due to the shape of their nasal passage. Dogs aren’t able to sweat like people. They get rid of their body heat through panting. Since these breeds usually have extra soft tissue, it makes it harder to breathe as efficiently.
– Don’t leave your pet in a vehicle. Even with temperatures in the 70’s, the inside of a car can heat up before you know it! Pet’s normal body temperatures are already higher than ours so they can over heat very quickly.
– Don’t let your pet ride freely in the back of a pick up truck. They can burn their paws on the hot metal. They can also jump or fall out of the back, causing serious injury.
Protect from parasites
– Heartworms are found all year long in the south. They are carried by mosquitoes. Heartworm disease is easily prevented by giving your pet a monthly heartworm preventative. Indoor pets should stay on monthly prevention as well. Mosquitoes can get into the house!
– Fleas and ticks can be found all year long in the south, but they are more common during warmer months. Ticks carry diseases and fleas can cause an allergic reaction on the skin. There are several flea and tick preventatives on the market. Check with your veterinarian to see which is best for your pet.
If your pet shows signs of becoming overheated, bring him or her inside, to a cooler environment, immediately. Wet their paws, offer water and have a fan blowing on your pet. This will help to gradually reduce a high body temperature. Call your veterinarian right away.
Enjoy the warmer weather, but keep your pet cool and safe!