The hot summer months can pose a real threat to pets. Cats
and dogs simply cannot tolerate extreme temperatures. As a
responsible pet owner, you need to make sure that your pet is
safe during these warm weather months. Here are some tips to
help you and your pet.
Never leave an animal in a car: All pet owners should know the
dangers of leaving any pet in a hot car, even if it is just for
a few minutes. This especially applies to dog owners. Dogs love
riding in the car and it is very tempting to let your dog ride
to the grocery store with you. However, pet owners should never
leave cats or dogs inside a car during hot weather. Even with
the windows open, a car parked in the hot sun can reach
sweltering temperatures. Pets left in hot cars can die within
minutes or can suffer from severe dehydration. The best rule of
thumb is the leave your pet at home in the cool air conditioner
during the hot weather. You should also know that if you are a
dog owner that allowing your dog a ride the bed of a truck could
be very dangerous for a dog at any time of the year. One jolt
can send your dog flying out of the bed of the truck, resulting
in injury or worse. Even putting your dog unsupervised in the
bed of a truck in a public place can be a recipe for disaster.
Be extra careful with your pet during traveling. If you must
travel with your dog or cat, secure your pet in the car and
leave the air conditioning on at all times. Let your pets take
frequent breaks on long trips and give them a chance to get a
drink of water.
Be Careful Walking the Dog: There are many areas where the
temperatures soar in the warm months. In places where the
temperatures reach an all-time high, it is a good idea to walk
your dog either in the morning or in the evening when
temperatures are lower. During the summer, temperatures will be
at the highest during midday. You should refrain from walking
your dog during this time. Not only will you and your dog become
hot and dehydrated, the hot concrete can burn your dog’s
sensitive paws. When you do walk during hot weather, take along
water for your dog and stop frequently to let your dog drink.
Your dog will thank you for this.
Practice Proper Pet Grooming: It is always a good idea to keep
your pet properly groomed, but it is especially important during
the summer months. If your dog has very long fur, it is like
wearing a fur coat in 95-degree weather. It is not comfortable
to your pet. Also, keep an eye out for pets that have much of
their fur trimmed off, such as poodles. Longhaired dogs can
quickly overheat in the high temperatures. Poodles and other
breeds with short cuts can get sunburned. Sunscreen does not
protect dogs. With long haired dogs, regular brushing also helps
remove the winter undercoat and can help your dog better
regulate body temperatures during hot weather. Regular clipping
of long hair can also help keep your dog cool. Even longhaired
cats can benefit from a summer clipping. Longhaired cats are
easily overheated, even if they do stay indoors.
Watch for Insects: Insects can be bothersome to your pet during
the warm, summer months. Spring and summer are when fleas and
ticks are the highest. Mosquitoes are also out during this time
of year. It is always a good idea to make sure your dog and cat
are getting their monthly flea and tick preventative. Your dog
also needs to stay current on heartworm preventative, as
mosquito bites can cause heartworms. Also, keep a first aid kit
on hand for bee or wasp stings.
Outdoor safety: Summer is often when people spend a lot of times
outdoors. Whether it is working in the yard, visiting the lake
or swimming in the pool, you need to take extra caution when
your pets are with you outside. If you mow your yard or put
chemicals on the grass, be sure your pets are indoors and away
from the dangers. Also, if your dog enjoys the water, keep a
close eye on your pet. Most pets can swim instinctively, but it
is always a good idea to watch. If you enjoy taking your dog out
boating, you can buy life preserver vests for your dog to wear.
You can never be too safe when it comes to your beloved furry
friend.