Warm weather is gone and HOT weather is here! With the extra sunshine and climbing temperatures, pet owners will need to be on the lookout for safety concerns with their cats and dogs this summer.
Heat
Pet clothing for the summer will need to be more breathable to avoid heatstroke, and pet owners should keep under advisement that sidewalks and asphalt will heat up significantly in the sun. Hot cars are another health concern for cats and dogs alike, and pet owners are always discouraged from leaving their pets in a car unattended. Often it will result in heatstroke and even death. Pets with long or thick hair should also be groomed to a standard in which they will remain comfortable in a warm environment, for some that means a trim or a full shave. Consult your regular groomer for the best option to suit your pet’s needs.
Hydration
Humans and their pets need more water in the summer months to beat the heat. Keep water on hand for yourself, and a bowl for your furry friend. Dog owners can purchase a collapsible or lightweight bowl to bring on walks to refill with their water bottle. Indoor/outdoor cats need to have a clean source of water in a shaded place inside and outside to maintain ideal hydration levels.
Water Safety
Pets with a love for water may benefit from a flotation device, as well as more frequent ear cleanings to avoid infection. Research and keep up-to-date on safety concerns with public bodies of water, as ponds or lakes can grow noxious algae that is a serious danger to dogs.
Allergies and Food Concerns
Barbeque and picnic season poses a risk to pets, with plenty of snacks for them to snag from the table. Take care with what food is in reach of your pet, and be sure that you are vetting what table scraps they are scrounging up.
Dangerous foods for dogs include: high-fat foods, raisins, grapes, onions, xylitol, chocolate, corn cobs, peach pits, alcohol, bones (especially from birds).
Dangerous foods for cats include: raw fish, onions, chives, uncooked eggs, bones, alcohol, fat trimmings, caffeinated beverages, milk, dog food, chocolate.
Also be sure to keep your animals from ingesting alcoholic beverages; and away from hot surfaces such as grills, hot metal, or fire pits.
Pests, Insects, and Parasites
Humans aren’t the only creatures to dislike mosquitoes, their bites can be itchy and spread diseases to your pets as well. Ticks and fleas also become a larger concern in warmer months, so it is important to keep your pet up on their preventative medications to avoid Lyme Disease or flea infestations. Another concern for pet owners is to try and avoid bees and wasps. Stings from such insects can cause pets to experience pain and discomfort, and swelling.
Increased Human and Animal Traffic
Humans have more free time during the summer months with the longer days, and so do local wildlife. Your pet is more likely to encounter children and wild animals such as rabbits or snakes in warm weather, and it is important to keep your pet on-leash at all times in areas where such conflicts may occur. More human traffic in cars happens in the summer too, putting your pet at risk for traumatic injury should they run off without you. Follow all requirements by the state and local municipalities regarding a leash on your pet, and take precautions with indoor/outdoor cats to keep them out of harm’s way.
Firework Safety
It is imperative to be aware of when local municipalities will be utilizing fireworks, that way you can plan around the sound to reduce their anxiety. Also be sure to renew your pet’s tags, and keep your pet’s microchip up to date just in case they do get lost. For more on firework safety and stress reduction, read our most recent blog post on fireworks and the risks they pose to your pet (https://jhacc.org/fireworks-what-pet-owners-need-to-know/).
Stay safe this summer, and be sure to address any accidents or safety concerns in a timely manner to give pets the best chance for recovery.
DISCLAIMER: This post has been reviewed by any pertinent staff members of JHACC. Artificial Intelligence has in no way been used to create this content, and it is considered correct to the best of our knowledge as of the date of publication.
