Keeping your pet safe and cool in Summer!

The heat during summer can make all of us uncomfortable and may pose risks for your dog. Keep the following safety concerns in mind and follow our tips to keep your dog cool and healthy as the temperature rises!

 

 

Avoid heatstroke! Symptoms of heatstroke in pets may include: rapid panting, excessive drooling, twitching muscles, bright red gums or tongue, white or blue gums, vomiting, lethargy, uncontrolled urination/defecation, and even spreading out in attempt to maintain balance.

*if heatstroke does occur in your pet, call your local veterinarian immediately. While on the way, try and apply small amounts of cool water to your pet's groin area, paw pads, and head.

Never leave your pet unattended in a closed vehicle! The temperature in cars can easily reach over 100 degrees in a matter of minutes.

Always provide plenty of fresh water daily! And if your pet is going to be outside for any part of the day, try and avoid using a metal water dish as it can heat up easily and cause the water to be hot.

Don't tie your pet to anything outside while unsupervised! Shade moves throughout the day and your pet may get tangled up and lose reach to its water dish.

Avoid excess amounts of strenuous activity! Try and limit walks to mornings and evenings when the heat is less intense.

Avoid prolonged exposure to hot asphalt and sand! These surfaces can burn your pet's paws!

Keep pets brushed and well groomed! Not only will they look nice, but it will help to better prevent against the sun. (well groomed means nail trims every 6 weeks, too!)

Make sure your pet's vaccinations are up to date! Warmer weather means more time outside and more time outside means more contact with other dogs!

Apply sunscreen! Sound silly? Not every pet is lucky enough to have a lush coat to protect them against the sun. Some suncreen on the tips of the ears, nose and the skin around their lips can never hurt!

Stay off the lawn! Keep your dogs off of lawns that have been chemically treated or fertilized for at least 24 hours and away from potentially toxic plants and flowers. (ask your veterinarian for a list of harmful plants)

Be aware of antifreeze! Your pets may be tempted to drink from puddles and when antifreeze leaks all over the roads, your pet may think it's a sweet treat but it is extremely toxic.

Not all dogs enjoy swimming! And not all dogs know how swim either! Be aware of your dog's preference and skill level before trying to make them get in the water. And try not to let your dog overdo it! Swimming is hard work and they may tire quickly.

Avoid cheatgrass! Try and avoid hikes and runs in fields with cheatgrass. Always check your pet's ears and feet for any unusual red spots and call your vet as they may have some embedded.

Indoor cats bored? Try bringing the great outdoors inside with some cat grass, window perches, etc.

Kitty loves being outside? Try and bring them in during the night as this is when fights are more prone to happen.

Protect against zoonotic disease! Don't forget to keep your pet protected against fleas, ticks, and internal parasites. Call today to find out how!