Summer Safety For Pets
It's officially summer! For humans that usually means it's time for vacations, swimming, cook outs, and outdoor fun. But for pets, summer time can be dangerous. Here are a few tips on how to keep your pets safe and happy during the next few months.
Outdoor Safety
Make sure pets have adequate shade and plenty of fresh water. Shaded areas should be open and airy (e.g. trees, canopies, covered patios). Dog houses tend to trap heat. Consider filling a kiddie pool with water for your dogs to splash around in and cool off. And if it's excessively hot and/or humid outside, bring your pets into the air conditioning.
Walks
Walk dogs early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler. Avoid midday hours when it's typically the hottest outside.
Check the Pavement
Asphalt can reach temperatures of 125 degrees when it's only 77 degrees outside. Before walking, place the back of your hand on the asphalt and hold for 7 seconds. If it's too hot to keep your hand there for 7 seconds, it's too hot to walk your dog. Keep your dog on the grass, put protective paw boots on her, or go for a walk at a cooler time of day.
Fireworks Safety
Americans love fireworks. Unfortunately, most dogs are very scared of the loud noises made by them. It's important to keep your pets safe and secure around the 4th of July holiday. Every year many dogs escape and run away out of fear when they hear fireworks. If possible, keep your dog in the house with a special toy or treat to keep them occupied. Turn on the tv or radio to help muffle the noise. If your dogs must be outside, make sure they're wearing tags and their microchips are current.
Pool Safety
Never leave pets unsupervised near pools. They can easily fall in and struggle to get out if the pool does not have a shallow end or stairs.
Grooming
Ask a vet before shaving your pet. You may think shaving your pet's coat off will help them stay cool in the heat, but for many breeds, it's not recommended. If you do decide to trim your pet's coat, use a professional groomer.
Leave Your Pets At Home
Never leave pets in your car. Not even for a minute. Temperatures rise rapidly in cars, even if the windows are open. And don't rely on your car's air conditioning either. Leave your pets at home or considering taking them to a reputable pet daycare facility or hiring a professional pet sitter if you can't leave them home unsupervised.
Indoor Temperature
Keep the indoor temperature at a comfortable level when you're not home. It's tempting to turn the air conditioner up when you leave the house because you won't be there and might save a little money, but consider your pet's wellbeing when doing so.
Know the Signs of Heat Stroke
Keep the indoor temperature at a comfortable level when you're not home. It's tempting to turn the air conditioner up when you leave the house because you won't be there and might save a little money, but consider your pet's wellbeing when doing so.
