Keeping Pets Safe in the Heat

Keeping pets safe in the heat of the summer can be easy.  Just use common sense and don’t keep them outside more than needed.  If you absolutely have to keep them outside, make sure they have plenty of shady spots to keep them cool.  Under trees, under decks, under a homemade tent or even a store bought tent is always a good idea.  Make sure they have plenty of water and even place ice cubes in their water bowl.  Pets that are more susceptible to heat are long haired cats, short nosed dogs, puppies, kittens, senior pets, obese pets and pets with respiratory disorders.

Never keep dogs or other pets in a car while you run errands.  Even with the windows open just a little bit, the car can reach 90 degrees in five minutes and over 110 in 30 minutes. Also, while riding in the car, don’t let your dog put his head and/or face out the window of a moving car!  Rocks or even pebbles can hit your dog in his face and injury can be caused to his nose, mouth or eyes.  Keep them confined to the back seat with a leash or in a carrier or crate. You can also use a booster seat and use a leash to seat belt him safely.

Dogs left outside all day will get bored and roam around the back yard.  They can get into other areas of the yard if left unattended.  Some plants can be very dangerous if ingested such as tulips, daffodils, azaleas, amaryllis, dieffenbachia and philodendron.  Train your pets so that some areas of the garden are off limits or put a barrier so that your dog cannot go into that area.  Also, if you have fertilized your plants or lawn, this cannot have a detrimental effect.  They also can lick it off of their paws and this includes cats too, not just dogs.  Symptoms can include vomiting and diarrhea and death. 

Tick and flea infestation can occur so make sure you groom and check your pet every time they come in from the outside. Make sure you check the head and neck area, ears, bellies, armpit area and the base of the tail.

Don’t worry if your pet eats less in the summer months.  This is normal.  Just make sure he has plenty of fresh water available.  Symptoms of heat stroke can include panting, not responding to usual commands, warm dry skin, rapid heartbeat and collapse.  If you believe your pet has heat stroke, move them to a cool dry place.   Do not immerse him in cold water because their body temperature can plummet causing hypothermia.  Just take your pet to your veterinarian as quickly as possible.

Some animal parents live to give their pets a short hair-do during summer months.  Your pet actually can get sunburn and the short haircut does not necessarily keep your pet cool.  Just groom your pet often and this should suffice.  A short hair cut is not recommended. 

Have your pet checked for heart warm and if he gets bitten by a snake, rush him to a veterinarian.  With prompt medical attention, most pets can survive a snake bite.  

 Good luck and stay cool!