Summer Safety Tips

Summer Safety Tips

It's starting to get hot out. Okay, okay, it is hot out. It's only going to get hotter as we head into summer. We all know that as it warms up, our pets need to have fresh water at all times and a shady area to go to so they can cool off. But there are so many other things to take into consideration for your fur-babies when the weather starts to heat up. For instance, if your pets don't have that fresh water and shade, they can actually have a heat stroke. Which leads me to the next thing. Pets in cars. It happens every year. Animals, and kids, die in locked cars every year. "But I left the windows cracked!" Yeah...have you sat in a car with the windows cracked for 10 minutes? In the sun? When it's "just" 80 degrees out? You start to get miserable after just 10 minutes! Imagine how you'd feel after 30! So, with these things in mind, we're gonna move on to this list of do's and don'ts for your furbaby in this heat.

1. Access to fresh water everywhere. One bowl on the porch isn't gonna cut it. Put it in the shade and then add a couple more around the yard. 

2. No pets left in hot cars. Period.

3. Make sure your playful pet doesn't overexert themselves. This means you may have to limit their exercise if you have a super playful pup.

4. Walk your pets in the morning or later in the evening. If that asphalt is too hot for the back of your hand, it's too hot for their little feet!

5. Protect your pet from sunburn. Yes, you read that right, sunburn. If your furbaby is a hairless breed or has lighter hair, it's easier for them to burn. Take precautions to protect their skin. And don't shave your pet.

6. All pets are susceptible to heat stroke, but those with flat faces are more susceptible since they can't pant as effectively. 

7. Keep your pets away from fireworks. Most pets don't like the noise anyway, but fireworks are toxic to your pets.

8. Pets and BBQ grills and food don't mix. Grills can get knocked over and most of the foods and drinks found at BBQ's are toxic to pets. 

9. Keep all lawn, garden, insecticides and rodent killers away from pets. 

Know the Signs and Symptoms of Overheating and Heat Stroke

Excessive panting and trouble breathing, excessive drooling, discolored gums, mild weakness and mobility problems, confusion, vomiting, diarrhea, and high temperatures. If your pet is showing any of these symptoms, please get them to a vet immediately.