Summer is a wonderful time to take a break from work and enjoy the outdoors with your fun-loving canine friend. However, summer can be hazardous for several kinds of pets. Danger can come from high temperatures, playtime in the water, violent storms, and loud bangs from fireworks. During the hot season, you need to pay attention to summertime safety for pets. Stay alert and keep your pets safe, healthy, and happy until fall comes around. Here is a discussion of what to watch out for.
Thunderstorms and Fireworks
Summer is not a particularly quiet season. It comes with thunderstorms and Fourth of July noisy celebrations. Summertime safety for pets means bringing your pets inside out of harm’s way. Put them in a sanctuary room – a space that they are used to and where they can feel safe. Here’s a list of aids that can help:
- Rescue Remedy flower essences can help calm nervous pets.
- For cats, a sprinkling of catnip will take their minds off outside noises.
- If you have a particularly high-strung pet, your vet can recommend calming medications or sedatives. Avoid over-the-counter medicines, especially for cats.
- Thundershirts are designed to “swaddle” dogs and cats and provide them with a feeling of being comforted.
- A radio can counteract loud outdoor sounds — regular stations work fine, but your pooch could also tune in to All Dog Radio.
Fireworks
Loud fireworks could cause hearing damage to pets, so keep them a safe distance away from the display. Also, keep in mind that dogs may try to “fetch” a lighted firework and could chew on lighters or matches.
- In case you do end up with a runaway pet, make sure their microchip and collar tags are up-to-date. Also, have a recently taken photo available to help locate them.
High Temperatures
Depending on where you live, summertime safety for pets can involve scorching heat and high humidity. Avoid heatstroke by not taking your pets outside during the hottest part of the day. If this is unavoidable, make sure they don’t stay out too long and have access to shade. If the humidity level is 70% or above, dogs should be kept inside as much as possible because they will not be able to cool themselves effectively.
- Another hazard is hot pavement, which can hurt your dog’s paws. So try to walk your dog before 10 a.m. or after sundown. And, take fresh water and a portable water dish with you.
Lakes and Rivers
While dogs love playing in water and water is a great way to beat the heat, you should be aware of some water-related hazards.
- Chlorine in pool water and toxic algae in lakes can make dogs sick.
- Dogs can drown if they don’t know how to swim. If you have a new dog unfamiliar with being in the water, introduce him to swimming in a controlled environment – a doggy life jacket is a good investment. Just like outside play, dogs may not pace themselves and get exhausted from swimming. So, make sure your dog takes breaks at regular intervals.
Final Summertime Safety Thoughts
Both pets and their owners should be able to enjoy what summer has to offer. By keeping an eye on your pets and following the advice given above, you can keep your pets safe, healthy, and happy during the hottest months of the year.
- If you have any kind of pet emergency related to summertime safety and you live in our area, don’t wait – bring your pet to CVETS for the best emergency care all year round.
