Summer is a time for both you and your pet to enjoy the sunshine and outdoors, but along with the fun, the season also offers up situations that can endanger your pet. By taking precautions, you can decrease the chance that disaster will happen. Animal Control offers these tips for pet owners to keep their furry friends safe this summer:
1. Do not leave your pets in parked cars for any period of time. Every summer, animals left in parked cars suffer brain damage and die from heatstroke. On a warm day, even with the windows cracked, the temperature in a car can reach 120° in a matter of minutes. Dogs and cats can’t perspire and can only dispel heat by panting and through the pads of their feet. If you see an animal in a parked car during the summer, alert the management of the shopping mall or grocery store. If the owner does not return promptly, call local animal control or the police.
2. It is very dangerous to drive with a dog in the back of a pick-up truck. Not only can flying debris cause serious injury, but a dog may be unintentionally thrown into traffic if the driver suddenly hits the brakes, swerves, or is hit by another car. Dogs should ride either in the cab (in a crate or wearing a seat belt harness designed for dogs) or in a secured crate in the bed of the truck.
3. Summer is often a time when people fertilize their lawns and work in their gardens. But be ware: Plant food, fertilizer, and insecticides can be fatal if your pet ingests them.
4. Make sure your pet is always wearing a collar and rabies tag. If you are separated from your pet, the rabies tag may very well be his or her ticket home.
5. Pets and pools can equal disaster. Prevent free access to pools and always supervise a pet in a pool.
6. Provide plenty of water and shade for your pets while they’re enjoying the great outdoors so they can stay cool.
7. Pets need exercise even when it is hot, but extra care needs to be taken with older dogs, short-nosed dogs and those with thick coats. 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.
8. 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.
9. Don’t take your pets to crowded summer events such as concerts or fairs. The loud noises and crowds, combined with the heat, can be stressful and dangerous for pets. For your pet’s well being, leave your pet at home. Be especially aware of these threats during holidays.
