It’s summertime! Whether you’re planning a big adventure, hitting the beach, or sticking close to home, make sure your pets stay safe as the temperatures rise.
Let’s Get This Out of the Way First: Don’t Leave Your Pet in a Hot Car
So many media campaigns attempt to educate pet owners about the dangers of leaving pets in the car on a warm day, but hundreds of pets still die each year from being left in the car “for just a few minutes.”
It doesn’t have to be a scorching day to put your pet in danger. If it’s 75° F, the temperature inside a car rises to 100° in just 10 minutes and to 120° in just 30 minutes. Cracking a window does nothing to help.
Animals can suffer heatstroke in as little as 15 minutes, and many locations have made it a crime to leave animals in the car on a warm day.
Leave your pet at home. It’s just not worth the risk.
If you see a pet alone in a car on a hot day, call 911 immediately. If the pet seems like he is in severe distress, use your best judgment about the appropriate steps to take.
Protect Paws from Hot Sidewalks and Sand
Did you ever walk on hot sand at the beach? It hurts! The hot sand and pavement that burns your feet can burn your pet’s paws as well. That doesn’t mean you have to leave your pet behind or stop taking him on walks; it just means a little extra precaution is needed.
Here are some tips:
- Hold the back of your hand on the pavement for 5 seconds. If it’s too hot for you, then it’s too hot for your dog’s bare paws.
- If your dog is small enough, you can carry him over the hot section of sand until you’re closer to the water, where the sand is cooler. If he’s too big to carry, get booties or pads to protect his paws. You can remove them once you’re off the hot sand.
- Consider heading to a grassy dog park in lieu of a walk on days when the pavement is too hot.
- Walking your dog first thing in the morning or later in the evening helps you avoid hot pavement.
The Importance of Parasite ProtectionParasite protection is important all year long, but since activity of fleas and other pests kicks up during warm weather, it’s even more critical during the summer months. Make sure your pet is given monthly heartworm protection and choose flea prevention that works for your pet. It’s a good idea to use a flea comb to check for fleas regularly to make sure the product you’re using is still effective.
Does Your Dog Need Sunscreen?Dogs with short or thin coats are subject to sunburns. Consider applying sunscreen when he’ll be spending time in the sun. Do not use human sunscreen as it may contain ingredients toxic to your pet. Instead, look for a quality product intended for use on dogs. If your dog has sensitive skin, ask your vet for product recommendations.
Know the Signs of Heat Exhaustion
Even if you do all the right things, spending time outdoors on a warm summer day leaves your pet susceptible to heat exhaustion. That’s why it’s essential to know the signs. When spending a day at the beach or hiking in your favorite spot, keep an eye out for these signs:
- Excessive Panting
- Difficulty Breathing
- Excessive Drooling
- Muscle Tremors
- Rapid Pulse
- Blue, Purple, Gray, or Bright Red Gums
Heat exhaustion can quickly turn to heatstroke, which can cause permanent damage or death.
If you see any signs of heat exhaustion in your dog, remove him from the heat immediately, place him near a fan, and give him cool water to help him cool down.
Summertime Treats Dogs Love
Now that the important safety tips are out of the way, it’s time for some tasty fun! Here are a few ideas for summertime treats your dog will love.
- Treatsicles
Take your dog’s favorite treats and place them in an ice cube tray. If needed, break up the treat into smaller pieces so they will fit. Fill with chicken broth or water and freeze. - Fruity Yogurt Treats
Cut fruit into small pieces, place fruit in an ice cube tray, and then fill with plain Greek yogurt and freeze.
TIP: Use silicone molds instead of ice cube trays for easier removal.
- Frozen Kong
Treat-filled Kongs provide long-lasting fun all year. During the summer, fill as usual and then freeze.
As you make memories and, perhaps, enjoy a little time off, keep the tips above in mind to ensure your pet is safe and happy during the dog days of summer!
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