Stay Cool This Summer: 5 Vital Safety Tips for Your Pets
Embrace the warm weather by enjoying the great outdoors with your furry companions this summer. Whether it’s playing fetch in a park, going on scenic hikes, or simply relaxing in the backyard, your pets love being outside. However, summer also brings risks like high temperatures and outdoor hazards such as ticks and snakes. To ensure your pet’s safety and happiness throughout the season, we’ve compiled these 5 crucial summer safety tips:
- Keep Your Pet Hydrated
As temperatures rise, it’s vital to prevent dehydration and heat stroke in your pet. Always provide a generous supply of fresh, clean water, especially during outdoor activities. For an extra refreshing treat, freeze low-sodium broth or plain water into ice cubes to help your pet stay cool and hydrated.
- Protect Your Pet from the Sun
Pets can suffer from sunburn too, just like humans. Limit their exposure to the sun during peak hours (10am to 4pm) and consider using pet-safe sunscreen on their exposed areas, like the nose, ears, and belly. Make sure to choose a sunscreen specifically formulated for pets, as regular sunscreen can be harmful to them.
- Avoid Hot Surfaces
Pavements, concrete, and asphalt can become scorching hot in the summer, which can burn your pet’s paws. Schedule walks during cooler parts of the day and steer clear of hot surfaces. A simple test is to place your hand on the pavement for seven seconds – if it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your pet’s paws.
- Check for Ticks
Summer is prime time for ticks, and they can carry diseases that harm both pets and humans. After your pet spends time outside, especially in wooded or grassy areas, thoroughly check their body for ticks, paying close attention to hairless areas like armpits, ears, and belly. If you find a tick, promptly remove it with tweezers and monitor your pet for any signs of illness.
- Beware of Snakes
During the summer, snakes can be more active and pose a threat to your pet. Train your pet to avoid snakes and keep them on a leash while hiking or in wooded areas. If your pet is bitten by a snake, seek immediate veterinary attention.
In conclusion, summer can present risks to your pets, but by following these 5 essential safety tips, you can ensure their well-being and happiness all season long. Should you ever have concerns about your pet’s health or safety, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for advice and support. Prevention is key, so take the necessary steps to safeguard your furry friend this summer.