Everyone knows not to leave a pet in a hot car during summer — but there’s much more to keeping pets safe during the warmer months. Whether you’re planning to travel with your pet, or they will be spending more time outdoors or exposed to other potential seasonal risks, here some important pet safety tips to make sure your dog, cat or bird have a safe and happy summer. Check them out!
VISIT THE VET
Make an appointment for your pet at the vet for a seasonal checkup at the vet. Be sure vaccinations are up to date and ask for advice if you have any specific, seasonal concerns. Also, have dogs checked for heartworm, a parasite transmitted by an infected mosquito.
WATCH OUT FOR OPEN DOORS
Summer is the season for propping doors open — and going in and out of the house more often. This increases the risk of an indoor cat ending up outdoors or a dog roaming beyond the yard. Be mindful and don’t forget to be sure any windows you open throughout the house have screens.
GET ID TAGS
If your dog or cat runs away or is lost, you want to be sure the person that finds him or her can identify the owner and arrange a safe return. Invest in a sturdy collar, an ID tag and if possible, a microchip to find your pet in case he/she gets lost.
PREPARE FOR VISITORS
Your visitors may be strangers to your pet and upset his or her routine. The stress may lead to bad behavior, including barking, jumping, nipping, or hiding. Keep an eye on both your guests and your pets.
CHECK TEMPERATURES
Just because you’re at work all day doesn’t mean you should let the house temperatures run too hot or too cold. If you have a pet that’s home, make sure the temperature is cool (or warm) enough for their comfort throughout the day.
REMEMBER POOL SAFETY
Before inviting guests to jump in the pool, remember the invitation shouldn’t extend to pets. If you let your dog to take a quick dip, make sure to supervise and assist.
WATCH OUT FOR FORBIDDEN FOODS
Beware of pets having what they shouldn’t, especially when it comes to summer foods that might be accidentally left within easy reach such as greasy foods or corn cobs. These “treats” can lead to upset stomachs or worse.
CHECK FOR TICKS AND FLEAS
With pets spending more time outdoors, be sure to check them carefully if you live in an area prone to ticks and fleas. Inspect their fur and be sure they haven’t been bitten or worse, have an infestation of bugs on their skin.
BEWARE OF PESTICIDES
Pesticides may help some gardeners ward off unwanted insects — but you don’t want your dog or cat to be eat or roll around in anything that may have been recently treated.
KEEP PETS HYDRATED
Pets need to be kept properly hydrated, especially in warmer weather. Make sure ample water is available at home and on the road. It’s a good idea to carry bottled water and a portable bowl.
PREPARE FOR FIREWORKS
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals suggests making vacations happier for pets by playing music for them in an interior room with no windows or checking with the vet to see if some calming medication is appropriate.
ROLL UP CAR WINDOWS
It feels good to drive with the wind blowing your hair — but reconsider letting your dog stick his nose out the window. It might seem cute — but they can not only fall out but, be hit by foreign objects like leaves, insects, or rocks.
GET PETS OUT OF THE CAR
Everyone knows not to keep pets in the car on a hot day — but even a 70-degree day is too hot for your pet. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the temperature inside a vehicle can rise almost 30 degrees in 20 minutes. Either take your pet with you or leave him at home.
AVOID HOT SURFACES
Know how it feels to hit the hot sand barefoot? Well, your pets experience that on sand, sidewalks and more. Consider booties if your pet will wear them and limit walks to grass instead of sand or sidewalks.
RECONSIDER PET TRIPS
While you might enjoy having a companion, your pet is encountering strangers, confusing new places and smells, other animals, and more. Remember, even the tamest dog, parrot, or snake may frighten people not used to animals, especially children.
KEEP BIRDS SAFE
Move your bird’s cage to a safe, separate room if a strange pet will be visiting. If you’re gardening, cleaning the pool, or touching other dangerous substances, remember that birds can absorb chemicals through their feet, so always wash your hands.
REMEMBER GROOMING
Summer grooming is important, as it can help in looking for fleas and ticks, removing foxtails or brambles, and expose any bites or scratches. However, don’t shave your dog down to the skin. A dog’s coat is designed to keep him cool, and extreme shaving can expose him to sunburn.
LOOK FOR CHANGES
Your dog might take a swim in the lake and come down with an ear infection, for example, or a bee might sting her when you’re not watching. Pay extra attention to any behavioral changes and take immediate action if you see something.
HAVE FUN
Remember to combine care with fun! Pets can sense that you care about them, and playtime can be a critical part of keeping them healthy and happy. So, go ahead, enjoy summer and have a great time with your furry, feathered, or scaled friend.