Now that summer is here it makes us all want to get out and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine, and for many of us pet owners that means including our pets in our summer fun. Just be aware that with warmer weather comes added dangers to our fuzzy friends. Here are a few tips to keep your pets safe this summer.
NEVER LEAVE YOUR PET IN YOUR CAR
The temperature inside your car can reach up to 120 degrees, even in the shade, in a matter of minutes. Just a quick trip into the store can be fatal. Temperatures can increase up to 40 degrees inside a car in less than 30 minutes. Cases of children dying in cars on 70 degree days have been recorded and dogs are even more susceptible.
WATCH OUT FOR FERTILIZERS, INSECTICIDES, AND DEADLY PLANTS
Be sure that your lawn has completely dried after spraying insecticides and/or fertilizers. Also make sure that you are using a pet-friendly mulch. Cocoa mulch, made from cocoa bean shells, is very tasty and very toxic to pets. In addition, there are over 700 plants that are poisonous and can be fatal if ingested*.
BASIC SUMMER PET CARE TIPS
Make sure that your pets always wear proper identification. If you get separated this is their ticket home. Microchipping is the best option because even if the tags get lost the chip is permanent with a unique number that cannot be altered.
All pets should be on heartworm prevention and flea control all year long. Heartworm disease which is transmitted by mosquitoes, can be fatal in both dogs and cats. Another summertime threat is fleas and ticks. Use only flea and tick treatments recommended by your veterinarian. Some over-the-counter flea and tick products can be toxic, even when used according to instructions.
Have fresh clean water available at all times. In the summer heat it is easy for pets to dehydrate or overheat.
A simple rule to remember is that if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your pet. Pets can suffer heat exhaustion and heat stroke which can be fatal, just like us. On very hot days, limit exercise to early morning or evening hours. Keep in mind that asphalt gets very hot and can burn your pet's paws. Signs of heat stroke could include heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse, unsteadiness, a staggering gait, vomiting, or a deep red or purple tongue. If you notice any of these signs contact your veterinarian immediately.
Keeping to these summer pet care tips will help to ensure a wonderful and safe summer for you and your pet!
*Visit
www.aspca.org for a complete list of toxic plants
