Summer Pet Safety Tips: Keeping Your Furry Friends Safe in the Heat
Summer is a time for fun in the sun, but it also brings unique risks for our furry companions. Use this guide to ensure your pets stay safe, cool, and healthy during the warmer months.
☀️ Beat The Heat
- Avoid Midday Walks: Walk your pet early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are cooler.
- Test Surfaces: Place your hand on the pavement for 10 seconds. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your pet’s paws.
- Provide Shade: Create shaded areas outdoors for resting and ensure your pet always has access to fresh, cool water.
💧 Hydration Is Key
- Always Have Water: Always have clean, fresh water available both indoors and outdoors.
- Don’t Forget The Bowl: Bring portable water and a collapsible bowl when going for walks, hikes, or outings.
- Keep Em’ Cool With Treats: Offer ice cubes or pet-safe frozen treats to encourage hydration.
🚗 Safe Car Travel
- Never Leave A Pet In The Car: Even with the windows cracked. Temperatures can rise quickly, leading to heatstroke.
- Restrain In The Car: Use pet-safe car restraints or carriers to ensure safety during travel.
- Take Regular Potty Breaks: Plan potty breaks during long road trips and use that time to offer water and get in a little movement and stretch.
🏖️ Outdoor Fun
- Supervise Water Play: Not all pets are natural swimmers. Use life vests for pets around pools, lakes, or boats.
- Avoid Toxic Plants and Algae: Keep pets away from blue-green algae, which is highly toxic.
- Insect Protection: Use vet-recommended flea, tick, and mosquito preventatives to reduce the risk of disease.
🏡 Backyard Safety
- Keep Them Secure: Ensure fences and gates are secure to prevent escape during outdoor activities.
- Be Mindful Of Lawn Treatments: Avoid lawn treatments or fertilizers that could be harmful if ingested.
- Supervise Around Grills: Supervise pets around barbecues or outdoor cooking to prevent burns or ingestion of harmful foods.
🌡️ Recognizing Heatstroke
- Watch For Signs Of Heatstroke: excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, vomiting, or difficulty breathing.
- If You Suspect Heatstroke: Move your pet to a cool area, provide water, and contact your veterinarian immediately.
- Check out our Pet Owner’s Guide To Heatstrokes In Pets.
📞 Stay Prepared
- Have Contact Info Handy: Keep your veterinarian’s contact information and the nearest emergency animal hospital on hand.
- Microchip And ID Tags: Microchip your pet and ensure they wear a collar with updated ID tags during summer outings.
By following these summer safety tips, you can ensure your pet enjoys the season safely! If you need advice or have questions, reach out to The Veterinary Center of Parker, Inc. for support.