The summer is here, and it’s a great time to have fun outdoors with your pets. Just remember to keep them safe from certain warm weather dangers with these tips.
- Be an early bird or night owl. Exercise your dog in the cool of the early morning or later evening. Daytime heat can overwhelm even the most fun-loving pup.
- No hot rods. The interior of cars reaches incredible temperatures during the summer, even with the windows down. Never leave your pet in the car during the summer, not even for a few minutes.
- Keep cool. Always provide plenty of shade and cool water for pets staying outside. A properly constructed and properly placed dog house will protect your dog from the sun. If possible, allow your pet to just stay indoors to enjoy the A/C.
- Age matters. Be especially sensitive to old, young or overweight pets in the hot weather. Keep them out of the heat as much as possible.
- Watch your step! Be careful about walking your pet on hot asphalt. Dogs’ paws do burn.
- Watch for spills. Coolant, even in tiny doses, is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Because of its sweet taste, animals are attracted to it. Clean up any spills from your vehicle and always store coolant in a safe place.
- Look out below! Be sure there are no open, unscreened windows through which your pet can jump or fall.
- Beware of too short summer cuts. Dogs and cats get sunburned, too! You can trim longer hair for the warm weather season, but do not shave your pet. Talk to your veterinarian about keeping your pets well groomed and find out if a haircut is best for your furry friend.
- Don’t skimp on safety. When it comes to heartworms, ticks, and fleas, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Keep those pets safe from common summer parasites by giving them monthly flea, tick and heartworm preventative.