Essential Pet Safety in the Summer

Cheryl Phillips

When the sun starts shining, and the gentle summer breeze is blowing, animals love to play outside and enjoy the beautiful weather. Summer barbeques, pool parties and 4th of July celebrations are right around the corner; therefore, it is essential to keep these simple pet safety tips in mind.  

If it is Too Hot for You, It is Too Hot for your Pet

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  1. Provide your pet with adequate and cool shelter from the sun, rain and thunderstorms.

Many pets are frightened of storms, please bring them inside.  

  1. Never leave your pet unattended in a car, even for a minute.
    1. A car’s inside temperature can rise by 40 degrees, even with the windows cracked. When it’s 72 degrees outside, it can rocket to 116 degrees inside a car within an hour; most of the temperature rise takes place in the first 15 to 30 minutes. Dogs and Cats can’t handle this kind of heat and can suffer severe illness, damage to their organs and death.
  2. Don’t burn your pet’s paws.
    1. Asphalt gets very hot and can burn your pet's paws, so walk your dog on the grass if possible," the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) urged. But sometimes it can be hard to tell.
    2. Luckily, there's a quick and easy test, courtesy of Moon Valley Canine Training, to see if the street temperature is safe enough for a walk with your dog. Put the back of your hand on the pavement, and if you can't keep it there for five seconds, it's too hot for your pup's or kitty’s feet.
    3. https://www.thedodo.com/how-to-tell-if-the-pavement-is-too-hot-for-your-dogs-feet-1242363093.html
  3. Make sure all animals are inside during fireworks. Some animals are terrified of the noise from fireworks. They can be unpredictable when they’re frightened of loud noises and run off. Keeping your pets inside when setting off fireworks or when fireworks are nearby will ensure your pets are safe.
  4. Make sure your pet has a microchip, or collar, and an identification tag. Remember, for your fabulous felines use a breakaway collar to ensure their safety. Check to be sure collars are not too tight. There are times when your pet can escape your site. To be safe always make sure your pet has identification and can be returned home safely if lost.
  5. Find a pet-safe bug spray. Insect repellent contains a harsh chemical called DEET, which can cause neurological issues in our animals. Purchase a pet-friendly bug spray from Amazon or at your local pet store.
  6. Make sure your furry friends are drinking plenty of fresh water. The summer heat can cause excitement and exhaustion. Animals can get dehydrated very quickly. Always make sure your thirsty animals stay hydrated, happy and healthy.
  7. Fleas and Ticks can harm your pets. Talk with your veterinarian about preventing fleas and ticks.
  8. https://www.petbasics.com/products/advantage-ii/?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Advantage_II_Vs._Brand&utm_term=%2Badvantage%20ii%20vs%20%2Badvantage%2018&utm_content=Advantage%20ii_Vs._Advantage_Broad%20Match%20Modified&dclid=CLqL4dSEs9sCFQ1OAQod-owI-AAdvantage
  9. Pay attention and listen to your animals. As a good pet parent, know and stay aware of the signals your pets are sending you. If your pet seems too exhausted, take them inside for a nice, cool nap. If your pet is overheating, let them take a dip in the pool or lake, or take them to a shady area. Pay attention to your animals and enjoy the summer weather with them.

Summertime is enjoyed the most with the ones you love. Take your pets outside, let them run around and soak up the sun. With these tips in mind, you’ll get to enjoy the sweet sunshine with a happy, healthy pet by your side.  Have a safe and enjoyable summer, both two and four paws!



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