NEVER Leave your Pet in the Car!

Even on cooler summer days, the temperature inside your car can reach 120 degrees Fahrenheit in minutes! NEVER leave your pet in a parked car, even with the windows rolled down. Parking in the shade offers little, if any, relief on hot, humid days. If you must run errands, leave your furry friends safely at home.

No Fleas for Me!  

Keep your pet free from harmful fleas and ticks! Check your pet daily for “new arrivals.” Consult with the veterinary staff about preventing and treating flea and tick problems.

Exercise Cautiously on Humid Days Exercise early in the morning or late in the evening, when temperatures are lowest. Remember that humidity interferes with an animal’s ability to rid themselves of heat. Animals can only sweat around their paws, which isn’t enough to cool the body, and panting can only cool them down so much on humid days.

Don’t Sneak a Drink from the Street

Hot weather can tempt a pet to drink from puddles on the street which can contain antifreeze and other chemicals. Antifreeze may taste sweet, but it is extremely toxic! 

Hot Asphalt Can Burn!

Never leave your pet standing on hot pavement. You pet doesn’t wear shoes to protect his/her feet and they can get hot and burn quickly. Be cautious when jogging, running, or bicycling with your dog in the summer. Check the pavement and your pet’s paws often.

Provide Plenty of Fresh, Cold Water at All Times!

Whether you’re indoors or outside, your pet should always have access to fresh, clean, cold water. Pets need more water on hot days. Check the water bowl often, as water can warm quickly and bowls can get spilled.

Keep an Eye Out For Heatstroke Heatstroke is a medical emergency and can be life threatening! If you suspect you pet has heatstroke, act quickly and calmly. Call your veterinarian immediately. In the meantime, lower your pet’s body temperature by soaking him/her in cold water or cold, wet towels. Get your pet to the vet as soon as possible to initiate life-saving treatments. Even with treatment, heatstroke can be fatal, so prevention is the best medicine.  Signs of Heatstroke:

• Panting

• Warm, Dry Skin

• High Fever

• Rapid Heartbeat

• Collapse

• Vomiting

• Staring

• Anxiety

• Refusal to Obey Commands

Pets Ride Inside!  

Do not allow your pet to hang out of a moving vehicle. Not only is it dangerous, but also illegal for dogs to ride in the back of pick-up trucks. Pets can get hurt, jump, or fall out of moving vehicles, causing serious injury. Animals can be thrown from a car if a sharp turn is taken or the brakes applied quickly. The safest place to ride is inside!

Thunderstorms Can Be Scary!  

Be aware of thunderstorms and prepare accordingly. Many pets frighten easily during storms. Bring your pet inside if possible. Consult with your veterinarian if you think your pet may need medication to take the edge off during thunderstorms, or better yet, ask us about Thundershirts!

Pets Need Sunscreen Too!

Pets with thin, light colored fur can sunburn too! Try to keep your pet out of the sun. Apply sunscreen to unprotected areas like the tips of ears, tip of nose, and around the lips.

Keep Your Pet Well-Groomed

A pet’s fur is designed to protect from the sun and insulate from the heat. Keeping your pet groomed can prevent summer skin problems also. If your pet has extremely thick or matted fur, you may want to have him/her clipped. Cats should be brushed often.

Beware of Escape Artists

To prevent escape or accidental falls, make sure all windows and doors are properly screened.

Stay Cool  

If your pet must spend time outdoors on hot days, make sure he/she has adequate shade or shelter from the sun at all times. Remember that shade moves as the sun moves throughout the day. 

Remember Those with Special Needs Elderly, very young, or ill animals have a hard time regulating their temperature, so be extra careful with these pets. Overweight pets and pets that have flat faces, such as Pugs, Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos, and Persian cats have a more difficult time also.

Thank Goodness for Air Conditioning! When it’s just too hot out there, bring your pet indoors. Pets should not be left outside unsupervised on long, hot days, even with shade and cold water to drink.

Have Fun!

Summer is a time for fun and relaxation. Everyone enjoys the outdoors; the warmth of the sun, going for walks, playing in the water, and all the other things we do in the summer time. Remember these simple tips for safety and you and your pet will have fun all summer long.