The increase of sunshine and length of days in summertime means that people spend more time outdoors than in any other season. Though the climate varies depending on the location, responsible pet parents everywhere must re-adjust their routines when seasons change in order to protect their pet. As the majority of cat and dog breeds have permanent fur coats, it is up to us to make sure they are kept cool and protected during the summer. Below are some of the great threats that the summer poses to pets; when the temperatures increase, so should our awareness.
Dehydration: One of the primary dangers that pets face during summertime is the potential for dehydration. Regular activities like walking, running, hiking, and exploring need to be viewed with greater caution when the animal is losing more fluids due to heat. One of the best ways to avoid dehydration, is to keep a bottle of water and a small bowl with you for your pet whenever you leave the house. At home, keep the water bowl full with a few ice cubes, and to give your pet electrolyte-enhanced water when they look particularly low or drowsy.
Heat Stroke & Overexertion: Another factor to guard against is heat stroke. Even the most of enthusiastic dogs should curb their regular zeal for activity on sweltering days. But if you notice your pet is particularly wired, make sure to keep him calm, cooling off in the shade so that he does not get faint from overexertion. If you are worried your pet might be struggling from heat stroke or exhaustion, here are some tell-tale signs to watch out for:
- lack of urination
- dry mouth, tongue and gums
- lack of appetite
- sunken eyes
- decreased skin elasticity
To avoid heat stroke, provide your pet many ways to stay cool. Fill a small puppy pool, lay a damp towel in the shade, spray him with water and keep a hand-held fan nearby, etc. Another practical step is to increase the frequency with which you brush your pet. If up until this time, brushing hasn’t been a daily ritual for you, it now needs to be. If a dog or cat is carrying unnecessary extra fur, they are subjected to higher temperatures, and consistent brushing with a fur-removing tool would relieve their discomfort.
Scorching Surfaces & Burnt Paws: In summer, the word “burn” usually makes us think of tomato-colored skin and harsh tan lines after a day by the pool. However, we shoe-wearing humans rarely remember that one of the worst potential burn areas is the surface right beneath our feet. From glaring sand, to the black asphalt, we often take out pets out for a walk without considering what might be happening to their paws along the way. Even something as simple as stopping to chat with a neighbor while our pups patiently pant and prance on the piping hot pavement, might result in severe blistering on their paws. Choose shaded areas, or only go on walks in the cool morning and evening hours.
Water Dangers: Walking on the beach and playing in the waves or in a private pool generally should raise any concerns about pet safety. However, with the high levels of salt or chemicals in the water, sunscreen on the pool deck, strong currents and undertows, your view of water has to change as a pet-parent. What is a relaxing location for you, actually poses several serious threats to unattended pets. So keep your guard up, and check out our summertime water warnings for more details on how to keep your pet safe in the h2o.
Insect Bites & Stings: Bees, mosquitos, bugs, flies and ticks all seem to have heightened activity in warm weather. Diseases like Lyme’s disease and letospirosis travel through bites or water sources where infections can pass through bodily tissues. To avoid parasitic problems, do your research on the troublesome ticks in your area, and learn how to safely remove a tick from a dog’s coat. Keep bug spray close by, along with tick collars, repellent shampoos or whatever booster shots your vet recommends for parasites in your region. Help keep your pet’s health intact while you enjoy adventurous summer days together.
