Summer Safety Tips for Your Pet

As pet owners, we all want the best for our furry family members. When summertime arrives it is especially important to take extra precautions to ensure their safety and well-being. From protecting them from extreme heat and dehydration to avoiding bugs that may harm them, there are many things you’ll need to consider while taking your animal friends through this hot season. By following a few basic guidelines and being mindful of potential hazards, you can give your pets the safe and healthy summer they deserve! Read on for our top tips on how to keep your pet safe in sunny weather conditions.

What happens to pets in summer?

Summer can be a challenging season for our furry friends, and it’s important for pet parents to take extra precautions. Hot weather exposes pets to various risks ranging from insect bites, and sunburn to heatstroke. The American Kennel Club advises pet parents to be aware of these tips for summer safety for your pet to keep them healthy and happy. By following simple measures like providing access to fresh water, avoiding hot surfaces, and limiting outdoor activity during peak sun hours, you can protect your pup from the summer heat. Being a responsible pet parent ensures your furry friend stays by your side throughout the hot season, healthy and well.

How do pets become dehydrated?

Dogs and cats rely on adequate hydration for their overall health, but it’s not always easy to spot when they’re dehydrated. As Dr. Jerry Klein, an expert in veterinary emergency and critical care, explains, pets can lose fluids through a range of channels, including panting, urination, and evaporation through their paws. That means it’s important to be aware of other tell-tale signs of dehydration, such as thick saliva, dry gums and nose, lethargy, sunken eyes, and loss of skin elasticity. If your furry friend displays any of these symptoms, they require prompt rehydration and replacement of electrolytes to get back to their usual, healthy selves. By being mindful of potential dehydration and knowing when to act, you can keep your pup happy, healthy, and well-hydrated.

How to Keep Your Furry Friends Safe and Cool During Hot Days

Summer will soon be here, and while it is a beautiful season, it comes with its own set of challenges for our furry friends. As temperatures climb, it is essential to be mindful of how the heat can impact your pets. Our four-legged friends are easily susceptible to heatstroke and dehydration, and it is up to us, their human companions, to keep them safe during the hottest days of the year. Here are some summer safety tips for your pet from the American Red Cross to help you care for your furry friends during the summer months.

1. Never leave your pet in a hot vehicle

This is a rule of thumb for all pet owners as hot temperatures can quickly turn a car into an oven, even with the windows cracked open. If you need to run errands and must bring your pet with you, make sure to bring them along when you leave the vehicle.

2. Limit exercise on hot days

Dogs love to run and play, but when the temperatures climb, they can quickly get dehydrated and overheated. If you do plan to exercise your pet during hot weather, do it during the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler.

3. Walk your pet in the grass

Hot pavement and sand can burn the paws of your furry friends, so try to walk them on grassy areas if it is available. You can also purchase booties for your pet to protect their paws if necessary.

4. Make sure pets have access to shade and plenty of cool water

If your pet spends most of its time outdoors, it is crucial to provide them with plenty of water and a shady area to retreat. You can also purchase a kiddie pool for them to cool off in.

5. Do not leave pets unsupervised around a pool

While some dogs love to swim, not all of them are good swimmers. If you have a pool, it is essential to supervise your pet when they are in or around it.

6. Keep pets away from the backyard barbecue grill

Grilling is a staple of summer, but make sure to keep your pets away from the grill. The scent of cooking food might be tempting to your furry friend, but they can quickly get burned, and it can also be a fire hazard.

7. Know the signs of heat stroke for pets

Heatstroke is a severe condition that can be life-threatening for pets. Some symptoms to look out for include excessive panting, vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures. Take your pet to the veterinarian immediately if you suspect they are suffering from heat stroke.

8. If you suspect your pet has heat stroke, take their temperature rectally

Knowing your pet’s temperature is crucial to understanding their condition. If you suspect that your pet has heat stroke, take their temperature rectally, and if it is above 104°F, take them to the veterinarian immediately.

9. On hot days, keep all doors and unscreened windows closed

It is easy to open up windows and doors for ventilation on hot days, but it is essential to make sure that your pets cannot escape through them. Keep all doors and unscreened windows closed to prevent your pet from wandering off.

10. Know which plants and flowers are poisonous to animals

Plants, such as rhododendrons or tulips, can be poisonous to animals if ingested. Make sure to know which plants and flowers are toxic to your pets and remove them from your home or garden if necessary.

11. Take the Red Cross Cat and Dog First Aid online course

The Red Cross offers an online course to help pet owners with basic first-aid skills. The course covers topics such as bandaging, CPR, and choking. Enrolling in this course can help you be better prepared to care for your pet in case of an emergency.

Our pets rely on us for their safety and well-being, and it is up to us to ensure they are comfortable and safe during the summer months. Always keep plenty of water and shade available and watch out for signs of heat stroke. Follow the summer safety tips for your pet and take the Red Cross Cat and Dog First Aid online course to be better prepared for any emergencies. A little bit of care and attention can go a long way in keeping our furry friends safe and cool during hot days.

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