As temperatures rise and you make your way outdoors to enjoy blue skies and fresh air, be sure your best friend is as prepared for fun in the sun as you are.
If You Can’t Take The Heat…
Pets can become dehydrated and suffer from heat exhaustion just like humans. It is important to keep them hydrated and to watch them closely for signs of overheating like excessive panting, increased heart rate, drooling, mild weakness, wobbly legs or collapsing.
Failure to recognize and treat overheating can result in seizures, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and in extreme cases death.
Some pets are more susceptible than others, including overweight, elderly or sick animals as well as animals with flat faces like pugs, boxers or Persian cats. These animals should be kept cool when temps are high.
Pets should never be left alone in vehicles on a warm day. Even with the windows open, a parked car’s internal temperature can be several degrees hotter than the outdoor temp.
Crispy Critters
Did you know that pets with thin or light colored fur can get a sunburn? It’s true! They can even burn their noses! Make sure your pet is not over exposed to those warm rays.
Dangerous Landscapes
As you prepare your lawn for the warm weather, remember that many of the chemicals used to landscape are hazardous to pets. Insecticides (including citronella), herbicides, and fungicides can be ingested by your pets as they lick their fur after a romp in the yard. Make sure your yard isn’t a hazard for your pet.
Don’t Feed the Party Animals
When you break out your grill and dust off the picnic basket remember that the foods you eat may not be appropriate fare for your furry companions. Foods like onions, grapes, raisins, chocolate and foods with xylitol are toxic to animals. Chicken bones are choking hazards and alcohol can intoxicate your pet. Make sure your guests respect your rules about feeding your pets.
Mosquitos and Fleas and Ticks! Oh, My!
Don’t bring any unwanted guests home from your outdoor adventures this summer. Before you plan your first outing make sure your pet is heartworm negative and current on its monthly heartworm medication and flea and tick preventative.
Off with a Bang
It’s best to keep your pets indoors when fireworks are in use. Most animals are frightened by the loud noise and subsequent excitement evoked by firework displays. When pets become anxious and disoriented they are more likely to run away. Each year, shelters across the country experience high intake volumes during Fourth of July festivities. Many of these stray animals never find their way home.
