Keeping Your Pet Safe in The Warm Weather Months
The hot summer months can create a great risk to pets. Cats and dogs simply can’t do well in extreme temperatures. As a pet owner, you must vigilant and protect your pet during the warm weather months. Here are a few helpful hints to help protect your pet.
Never leave your pet closed up in a car: Pet owners must be aware of the danger of leaving their pet in a hot closed car, even if it is just for a few minutes. This is especially true for dog owners. We all know dogs love to ride in the car and stick their heads out the window. It’s tempting to let your dog ride to the grocery store with you. However, you must not leave your pet in the car during hot weather. Even with the windows open, a parked car can reach sweltering temperatures when parked in sunlight. Pets that are left in hot cars can die within minutes. The best think you can do for your pet is to leave him at home during the hot summer months. You should also know that letting your dog ride in the bed of your truck is extremely dangerous for the dog. The slightest bump in the road could send your dog out of the vehicle onto the hard ground or pavement. This is true all year long, not just in the summer. Be especially careful with pets when traveling. If you must travel with your pet, make sure they are secured just like a human would be and leave the air conditioning on at all times. Be sure to let your pets take frequent potty breaks on long trips and give them a chance to stretch their legs and get a fresh drink of water.
Be Careful Walking the Dog: Temperatures soak to unbearable highs during the summer in some parts of the country. In these places it is a good idea to walk your dog either in the morning or in the evening when temperatures are lower. During the summer, temperatures will be at the highest during midday. You should refrain from walking your dog during this time. Not only will you and your dog become hot, the hot concrete can burn your dog’s sensitive paws. When you do walk during hot weather, take some water with you and stop often for a drink for you and your pet.
Practice Proper Pet Grooming: It is especially important to make sure your pet is groomed properly during the summer months. A dog’s long hair is comparable to a human being wearing a long fur coat in 90+ degree temperatures. In addition, pets that have had their hair trimmed short can get sunburned quickly in high temperatures. There is no sunscreen for dogs. If your dog has long hair then regular brushing will help to remove his winter coat making him more comfortable in the summer. Clicking his hair on a regular basis will also help.
Watch for Insects: Insects can be very uncomfortable for all pets, especially in the summer time. Fleas and ticks are much more active in the spring and summer. Mosquitoes are also a problem during this same time. Make sure your pet has been treated for fleas and ticks. Your dog also needs to stay current on heartworm preventative, as mosquito bites can cause heartworms. Be sure to keep a first aid kit handy for bee stings.
Outdoor safety: Pet owners tend to spend a lot of time in the outdoors during summer. Make sure you take extra measures to protect your pet. If you mow your yard or put chemicals on the grass, be sure your pets are indoors and away from you during this time. Also, if your dog enjoys going in the water, keep a close eye on him. While most pets can swim, it isn’t a bad idea to keep an eye on him anyway just in case something goes wrong. If you enjoy taking your dog with you when you go out on your boat, be sure to buy your pet a life preserver vest. You can never be too careful when it comes to your best four legged friend.