Summer Safety Tips

Tips to Keep Your Pet Safe & Healthy During Hot Summer Months

Hot Car
Never leave your pet in a parked car. Even if you are parked in the shade with the windows cracked, the inside of your car can reach temperatures up to 120 degrees.

Dogs do not sweat through their skin like humans; they release heat primarily by panting and they sweat through the foot pads and nose. If a dog cannot effectively expel heat, the internal body temperature begins to rise. Once the dog’s temperature reaches 106°, damage to the body’s cellular system and organs may be irreversible. 

Leave your pet at home while running errands. If you see a pet in a parked car, call your local police department right away.

Hot Paws
When it is hot outside,  the surfaces your pet walks on can become dangerously hot and can burn or blister their paw pads. Use extra precaution when walking your pet on asphalt, wood, and concrete.  If it’s too hot for your bare feet, it’s too hot for theirs.

Tips: 
1. Walk your dog at dawn or dusk when the pavement is cool. 
2. Protect paws with booties.
3. Stay on the grass.

Hot Dog
We all look forward to going on long walks when the weather is hot, but consider doing it with a heavy fur coat! Heatstroke is common in dogs with heavy coats and often panting  will not regulate their body temperature properly.  A thorough bath, brushing and trimming will help your pet stay cool in the warm weather.

Dogs with flat faces, and overweight dogs have a much harder time catching their breath in situations of exercise or heat which can lead to distress or heatstroke.

Tips:
1. Consider giving your dog a summer haircut. Book a grooming appointment.
2. Be diligent in making sure your pet is a healthy weight. Ask your veterinarian about dietary counseling.
3. Have plenty of cool drinking water available inside and outside.  
4. Limit time outside and maintain a cool temperature in your home. If your pet is panting heavier than normal or seems distressed, stop all activity and bring your pet to a cool area.

Kitty Care 
Cats love to sit on a window sill and watch the world outside. Keep your kitty safe by making sure your window’s screens are secure and do not have any tears or holes.