Hot Weather Safety for Your Pet
Summer can be a fun time for all, including your pet. Follow these tips to keep your pet safe and healthy during the hottest time of year!
- Avoid Walking Your Pet Unless Early Morning or Late Evening
Your pet’s paws are very sensitive and can burn easily on hot asphalt in the summer day. If it is too hot for you to walk barefoot on pavement, it is too hot for your pet. If you must take your pet outside, you can spray their paw pads with cool water, put socks on their feet, and only walk them in absolute necessity.
- Give Your Pet Lots of Fresh Water
Your pet should always have access to fresh water at all times when the temperature is high. Pets can dehydrate quickly and water also helps keep them cool.
- Never Leave Your Pet in a Parked Vehicle
Pets should never be left unattended in a parked vehicle, even if the air conditioner is running. Cars can malfunction, turn off, etc and your pet will be at risk of heat stroke or death.
- Keep Pets with Flat Faces Indoors to Prevent Overheating
Pets with flat faces, such as Bulldogs, Pugs, Persians, etc., are unable to properly cool themselves and should be kept out of the hotter temperatures. If your pet begins to have trouble walking, passes out, begins drooling uncontrollably, etc., they should see a Veterinarian immediately as it can be life-threatening.
- Monitor Pets Around Pools, Lakes, and Oceans
Keep an eye on your pet around bodies of water. Even the most experienced swimmer can have accidents and your pet is no exception. When boating, kayaking, or swimming, consider a life vest for your pet in the event of an accident.
- Leave Your Pet at Home During Firework Celebrations
Fireworks can be terrifying for many pets. Pets should stay at home if you are going to a firework show to prevent scaring your pet. Holidays, when fireworks are most popular (July 4th, New Year’s Eve), have the highest rate of pet loss and shelter intakes due to pets becoming frightened by fireworks.
Summertime is a time for fun in the sun! Make sure you and your pet are safe when enjoying the warmer weather.
