The summer brings us sunshine, outdoor activities and new challenges. But it can also be a time of great joy for our pets. Pet parents must be vigilant as temperatures increase to ensure their furry, feathered or scaled companions remain safe and healthy. Veterinarians emphasize the importance to take proactive measures in order to avoid heat-related illnesses as well as other summer hazards. Here are seven summer care tips that every pet parent needs to know. They will help you stay safe and healthy during the hotter months.
1. As with us, pets can become dehydrated in summer heat. It is crucial to ensure that pets have access to clean, fresh water at all times. This will help prevent heatstroke and related problems.
- Diverse Water Sources: Consider placing multiple water bowls in your yard and home. Use different bowls, such as ceramic or stainless steel, to accommodate the preferences of your pet. If your pet is an outdoor pet, make sure their water source has shade to keep it cool for longer.
- On-the-Go Hydration: Always carry a portable water bowl and fresh water with you when out and about. Water should be offered frequently, particularly during and after physical exercise.
- Electrolyte balance: Ask your vet if an electrolyte supplement might be helpful for pets who are very active or spend a lot of time outside. These supplements can replenish minerals lost by excessive sweating or panting (yes, even dogs sweat through their paws! ).
- Recognizing Dehydration: Dehydration can cause excessive panting, sunken or dry eyes, and a loss of skin elasticity. Consult a veterinarian immediately if you suspect that your pet may be dehydrated.
2. It is important to never leave your pet in a parked car. Even on a mild day, temperatures inside a car can soar to dangerous levels in minutes. It becomes a deadly oven. A cracked window provides little or no relief.
- Rapid temperature increase: According to studies, on a day with 85degF (30degC), the temperature in a car could reach 102degF in 10 minutes or 120degF in 30 minutes. These temperatures can be lethal to pets.
- Organ damage and death: Heatstroke is a serious condition that can lead to irreversible organ damage and seizures. It may even cause death within a short period of time.
- Legal Consequences: It is against the law in many jurisdictions to leave an unattended pet in a car under conditions that could endanger its health. You may be fined or charged with a crime.
- Plan ahead: Leave your pet at home when running errands. When traveling, make sure your pet-friendly destination has the right climate control. Never leave your pet in your car alone, not even for a quick stop.
3. Protect your pets’ paws from hot surfaces: Asphalt, pavement, and even sand, can be scorchingly hot under the summer sun. This could cause them to burn.
- “The Seven-Second Rules”: As a rule of thumb, place your barefoot or the back of your hands on the surface of the water for seven seconds. It’s not safe for your pet’s feet if it is too hot to hold comfortably.
- Walking in Cooler Weather: Choose to go for a walk in the cooler hours of the day such as the early morning or the late evening.
- Protective Gear: Use paw balms or pet booties to protect your pets’ paws. Booties should fit your pet properly, and they should be comfortable. Paw balms are a great way to moisturize your pet and create a barrier.
- Regularly Check Paw Pads: Inspect your pet’s pads after walks for signs of redness or blistering. Consult your veterinarian if you notice any injuries.
4. Be Aware of Heatstroke, and Know Its Signs. Heatstroke can be fatal if a pet’s temperature rises to dangerous levels. Early recognition of the signs is vital for survival.
- Risk Factors: Heatstroke is more common in pets with brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds, overweight pets, seniors, and pets with health problems.
- Early signs: Early warning signs include excessive sweating, heavy drooling and restlessness.
- Advanced Symptoms: As the heatstroke progresses you may notice signs such as disorientation, stumbling and vomiting. You may also observe rapid heartbeat, seizures, or collapse.
- Take immediate action: If you suspect that your pet is suffering from heatstroke, take them immediately to an area with shade and a cooler temperature. Small amounts of cool water (not ice cold) can be given. Apply cool, wet towel to the body of your pet, particularly on their neck, armpits and groin. Seek immediate veterinary care – heatstroke can be a medical emergency.
5. Be Aware of Water Hazards. While swimming is a great way to cool down, it can also be dangerous.
- Pool safety: Make sure your pet is aware of how to enter and exit the pool safely if you own one. Never leave your pet unsupervised around the pool. Consider installing a ramp or steps to make it easier for your pet to exit. After swimming, rinse your pet with fresh water to remove any chemicals from the pool water.
- Ocean and Lake Safety: Be aware of strong currents and tides as well as potential hazards such a jellyfish or sharp items when your pet swims in natural bodies. Do not allow your pet to drink excessive amounts of saltwater.
- Blue-Green Algae: In hot weather, toxic blue-green algal blooms can occur in lakes and ponds. Ingestion of toxic blue-green algae can lead to serious illness, or even death. Avoid allowing your dog to drink or swim in water that is discolored or appears scummy.
- Pet Life Vests: Consider using a pet vest for pets that aren’t strong swimmers, or who will be around or in water for an extended period of time.
6. Protect Your Pet Against Parasites : Summer is the peak season for ticks, fleas and mosquitoes that can transmit diseases to your pets.
- Year-Round Prevention: As recommended by your vet, continue to administer heartworm, flea and tick preventatives all year round. Do not skip doses in the summer.
- Environment Control: Take steps to control parasites around your pet, in addition to topical and oral preventatives. Included in this are regular vacuuming and cleaning of carpets, upholstery and pet bedding, as well as keeping your yard clean.
- Regularly check your pets: After outdoor activities, check thoroughly for ticks on your pets, particularly in the areas such as the ears, neck and between toes.
- Mosquito-Borne Diseases: Mosquitoes are known to transmit heartworm and many other diseases. Use a mosquito repellent formulated specifically for pets or ensure that your heartworm prevention also protects against mosquito bites.
7. Grooming your pet for summer comfort: Proper grooming will help keep them cool and prevent skin issues during the summer.
- Regular Brushing: Brushing regularly helps remove loose hair that can trap heat and prevent proper circulation. Double-coated dogs in particular need to be brushed regularly.
- Consider a Summer Haircut (with Caution): A trim may help some breeds with long hair to stay cool. Avoid shaving your pet’s fur completely as it provides insulation from the sun, and can help prevent sunburn. Ask your veterinarian or professional groomer about the best summer cut for your breed.
- Paw Care: Trim the hair between your pet’s pads to increase traction and prevent debris getting stuck.
- Sunscreen for pets: Pets can also get sunburned just like humans. This is especially true for pets with thin or light colored coats. Pet-safe sunscreen can be applied to sensitive areas such as the nose, ears and belly of pets who spend a lot time outside.
These summer care tips are approved by veterinarians and will help you to keep your pet happy, healthy, safe, and comfortable during the warm months. Always consult your veterinarian with any concerns you may have about the health of your pet during summer. To protect your pet from potential dangers of the summer, it is important to be proactive and well-informed.
