Summer Tips for your Pet

Summer is a time when everyone, both parent and pet, needs to take a few extra steps to stay hydrated and healthy during the heat.

Depending on where you and your pet live, some safety tips are going to be more necessary then others. Pets911 wants to share with you our summer tips and encourage everyone to take a little extra time during the summer and keep prepared and protected!


1. Just like humans, in summer heat your pet can suffer from heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Make sure they have plenty of water to drink, abundance if shade and limit their time outside during the hottest parts of the day. Heat can also effect the paws of your pets, so limit walks to early morning or late evening and always test the concrete with your own bare foot first.


2. Pets can get sunburned too! Depending on your pets coloring, they may need sunscreen on their noses or the tips of their ears. Please consult your vet on what type of sunscreen is safe for your pet and only use sunscreens created specifically for animals.


3. During the summer, outbreaks of fleas and ticks can increase. Though your pet should always be on a flea and tick routine, it is especially important during the summer. The only flea and tick treatments you should use are ones that have been recommended by your veterinarian. This is a medical treatment and the quality of the product used is very important.


4. If you have any travel plans with your pet during the summer, make sure to research and prepare. Some airlines may have travel restrictions based on the temperature f the cargo department. For more traveling info, visit the HSUS’s information on traveling with your pet.


5. With summer swimming that pool gate is open more then normal. Make sure that your pets are not left unsupervised around water. If play time with your pet includes the pool, make sure to remove all toys or balls from the pool after playing, so you animal doesn’t try to get them when you are not around.

7. NEVER LEAVE YOUR PET IN THE CAR!!
According to the HSUS, “Dogs and cats can’t perspire and can only dispel heat by panting and through the pads of their feet. Pets who are left in hot cars even briefly can suffer from heat exhaustion, heat stroke, brain damage, and can even die.” There is no excuse for an animal left in a vehicle. If you are running errands, leave your pets at home; if your pet is in the car already, drop them off at home before doing your shopping. Also, animals should not ride in the back of trucks.

Source: http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/summer_care_tips_for_you_and_your_pets/

You can also view more seasonal safety tips on the Pets 911 website at: http://www.pets911.com/animal-academy/seasonal-safety-tips