Heating Up! Summer Safety Tips For Pets
Though summer is seemingly never-ending in San Diego, the official start of the summer season is just about here. And while the heat and sun can lead to plenty of fun opportunities outdoors, it’s important to stay safe — wearing sunscreen, staying hydrated, etc. That goes for your pets, too.
Many people may overlook the dangers of summer when it comes to their pets. But just like us, dogs can have a hard time dealing with all of the potential dangers that summer brings. It’s more than just the sun, too — pets need to deal with seasonal illnesses and diseases, insects and bug bites, dangerous chemicals used on grass and in parks, and more.
So, how can you keep your dog (or another outdoor animal) safe, happy, and healthy during the summertime? Here are some expert tips to make sure they’re having just as much fun in the sun as you are!
Summer safety tips for pets: Stay cool and hydrated
Nothing beats cracking open a cold one under an umbrella on the beach, right? Well, what about your four-legged companion? If you are spending some time outdoors during the summer, you should make sure your dog isn’t sitting unattended in the sun for too long, or that it’s not exposed to extreme temperatures for a prolonged period of time.
Dogs, like humans, can get sunburns and suffer from heatstroke. They’ll start to pant, drool, and their heart rates will pick up — look for the signs — and as such, need to be attended to on the beach, at the park, etc. It goes without saying that you should never leave your dog in a parked car during a warm day, too.
So, make sure your dog has somewhere relatively cool and shady to lay down and rest. Also, it’s incredibly important that they also have access to fresh water. And if it’s really hot out, try to keep the zoomies to a minimum; the heat will have their bodies working overtime, just like ours.
Bugs, bites, and chemicals
As mentioned, the summer can also bring out seasonal pests and health concerns. That includes increased exposure to other dogs at parks or at the beach, and other dogs can bring their own unwelcome health problems with them.
For that reason, it’s critical to make sure that your dog’s vaccinations are all up to date — rabies, distemper, and more — so you don’t need to be concerned about your dog picking up something from another pup.
Dogs are also susceptible to bug bites, stings, and more. If your dog does manage to, say, chase down a bumblebee and gets stung, keep a close eye out for allergic reactions. If they’re not handling it well — or if they’ve been stung or bitten multiple times — it may be worth a trip to the vet to make sure they’re okay. And you should always be on the lookout for fleas, ticks, and heartworm. Take precautions, and make sure your pet is up to date with preventative medications.
Also, be wary of chemicals that may be used on lawns, gardens, and other, similar places. Some fertilizers and pesticides can be harmful to pets, and you’ll want to keep them away from those compounds if at all possible.
Hot concrete and your pet
One thing that many pet owners may overlook is hot concrete — and living in or around a city, there’s a lot of it! Think about it: You’ve run across a sidewalk or patio, barefoot, and have scorched your soles. The same can happen to your pets, even if they do have tougher feet than us.
That said, a dog’s paws can be burned by hot pavement or asphalt, which can be painful and cause blisters. Generally speaking, if it’s warmer than 85℉ outside, you should take caution with your pet on hot surfaces, according to the American Kennel Club. At that temperature, asphalt can be as hot as 135℉.
What can you do? Avoid hot surfaces if possible, or maybe even pick up and carry your pet over them. In some instances, there may be no avoiding walking over a hot surface, so do your best to get your pet over them as fast as possible, within reason.
All told, the summertime usually means longer days with more time spent outside. You just want to make sure that you’re watching out for your pets, as well as yourself!
Also: Get ready for summer! Make sure your dog is on a monthly flea, tick and heartworm preventative. Come in for your dog’s annual heartworm test and get $10 off during the month of May.
