Summer Dangers for Pets and How to Avoid Them

During the summer months, many of us will be spending more time outdoors with our pets. As the heat goes up, the dangers to pets increase too. Learn more about summer dangers for pets and how to avoid them.

Summer Danger – Hot Temperatures

Due to the heat, pets can dehydrate quickly, so make sure they have access to plenty of fresh, clean water. Make sure your pets have a shady place to get out of the sun, and keep them indoors when it is extremely hot outside. Dog houses do not protect your dog from the heat.

 

 

 

Never leave animals alone in a parked vehicle. Even when the temperatures are a moderate 70 degrees, it can still be a summer danger for your pet. You should leave the windows cracked, the temperature inside your vehicle can climb quickly to 110 degrees.

 

 

 

 

Watch the humidity. It’s not only the hot temperatures that can affect your pet, high humidity can also  be dangerous.

 

 

 

Pets with flat faces like Pugs and Persian cats are more susceptible to heat stroke. Pets that are overweight, geriatric, or have a heart or lung disease should stay in the air-conditioning as much as possible.

Avoid exercising your pet during the midday summer heat. Exercise your pet in the early morning or late evening and carry portable water bowls on walks and long car rides.

            

 

 

 

Don’t let your pet linger on hot asphalt if the temperatures are very high. As a result of being on hot concreate,  your pet’s sensitive paw pads can burn.

 

Know the symptoms of overheating in pets. Signs of heat stress can include: excessive panting or difficulty breathing, glazed eyes, unsteadiness, deep red or purple tongue, drooling, mild weakness, and even seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomiting.

If your pet is overheated, move him to a cooler area and take these steps immediately. Gradually lower his body temperature by applying cool (not cold) water all over his body or soaking him in a cool bath.

Place cool wet towels over the back of the neck, in the armpits, and the groin area. Offer fresh cool water if your pet is able to drink. Take your pet to a veterinarian as quickly as possible. Heat stroke can be a life or death situation.

Summer Danger – Water

Do not leave your pets unsupervised around a pool. Not all dogs are good swimmers, as a result they could drown. Never try and force your pet into the water.

 

 

 

 

Keep all unscreened windows and doors closed in your home. Make sure your screens are tightly secured. 

 

 

 

Summer Danger – Pests

As with people, bee stings can cause your pet discomfort. Observe your pet after a sting incident to ensure an allergic reaction does not develop. The signs of a severe reaction can include general weakness, difficulty breathing and a large amount of swelling. Call us immediately if you notice any of these signs.

 

 

 

Food and drinks found at family cookouts can be poisonous to pets. Avoid foods with raisins, grapes, onions, chocolate, products made with the sweetener xylitol, alcoholic beverages, corn on the cob, and any food with bones, which could pose a choking hazard.

 

 

 

 

If you take your pet for walks through a wooded area, or an area with tall grasses, check your pet thoroughly for ticks.   

 

 

 

Flea and tick products that can be safely used on dogs can be deadly to cats. Never use insect repellent meant for people on your pets. Dogs and cats are very sensitive to DEET.

 

 

 

 

Commonly used rodenticides and lawn and garden insecticides can also be summer dangers for pets.

Keeping a watchful eye on your pet will help keep them happy and safe from summer dangers during the coming months.