Now that schools out and warm weather is here there are some important things to think about to keep your pets safe this summer.
Summer Safety List
- Keep your dog out of parked cars
No more taking Fido on car trips to wait while you run into the store. Even with the windows down a dog can die in a hot car in less than 10 minutes! And in just 5 they can begin to go in to heat shock.
- Protect the paws
You may not notice how hot the side walk and black tops are getting beneath your flip-flops, but your dog sure is! Do your walks in the morning or evening to prevent damaging their paws on hot cement. Also consider some doggy foot wear if you enjoy off road paths with your dog. Goat-heads and other painful weeds could be just waiting to make their way into your pooches paw.
- Check for pests
Late spring and summer are also when parasites show up to make a home in your dogs coat. Make sure you treat your animal with a vet prescribed flea and tick repellent and always give them a good brushing after an out door adventure.
- Be ready for the 4th!
The week before and after the 4th of July are full ones for local shelters. Fireworks are foreign and scary to dogs. Many families will leave for a firework show only to come home and find their beloved pet has made it over, under, or through [!] a fence. DO NOT LEAVE ANY PET ALONE while there are fireworks going off. Remember that people set off fire works days before and days after the actual 4th of July so be ready.
- Vacation safety
If you are going on vacation without your pets this summer be sure to make accommodations for them and plan ahead. If you leave them with a friend leave several emergency contact numbers, your vets number, and a 24 hour vet number. Question the person you will leave your dog with about where your dog will sleep, play, and be when they are not at home. Check to make sure they have proper fencing to keep your dog safe and question them on their dog handling skills. It is better to be overly cautious than to come home to a missing pet.
- Watch for over heating
Dogs can over heat quickly, remember they are packing a heavy coat around. Don't leave your dog outside in the heat. Always make sure they have shade and plenty of water. Dogs only sweat slightly from their paws so panting is how they cool down. Light panting is normal for dogs in the summer, but don't let your dog get so heated they are shaking with panting. If your dog does get too hot remember they cool from the bottom up. If you need to cool your dog down fast lay them on a cool wet towel or gently wet their stomach to help cool them off.
- Be careful where you let your dog swim
Swift moving canals can look fun to your dog but the current can be too strong for them. Make sure you pick safe places for your dog to swim where they can easily get in and out of the water. Remember that as they swim they will get tired and not be as strong as they were when they first went into the water, that is the point when your dog is at risk for being swept under by a strong current. Chose places that have shallow, slow moving water rather than fast rivers or canals.
*Plan ahead for the safety of your pet this summer and you will both enjoy the season!
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