Summer Pet Safety Tips
With warmer weather in full swing, it's the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors with your pets! While the sunshine brings plenty of opportunities for fun, it also comes with risks. At HART, we want to help keep your furry family members safe and comfortable all summer long.
Here are 12 summer safety tips to keep in mind:
1. Schedule a Summer Vet Visit - Make sure your pet is up to date on vaccinations and tested for heartworm if they’re not already on year-round prevention.
2. Keep Pets Hydrated - Always provide fresh, clean water, especially on hot or humid days. Make sure pets have a shady spot to cool off, limit exercise during the heat of the day, and keep them indoors when temperatures rise.
3. Know the Symptoms of Overheating - Be aware of the symptoms of overheating, including: heavy panting, difficulty breathing, drooling, weakness, vomiting, seizures, or collapse.
4. Never Leave Pets in a Parked Car - Even a few minutes can be deadly. Car interiors heat up fast, even with the windows cracked. It’s also illegal in many states.
5. Consider Breed-Specific Needs - Flat-faced breeds like Pugs and Persian cats are more prone to heatstroke. Older, overweight, or pets with heart or lung conditions also need extra care. These pets should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.
6. Use Caution Around Water - Never leave pets unsupervised near pools or open water. Offer clean drinking water, and avoid letting pets drink pool, lake, or ocean water. Introduce them to water slowly, and use pet life jackets for boating or swimming.
7. Secure Your Home - Keep unscreened windows and doors closed. Curious pets can fall out or escape through open windows, especially if they spot a squirrel!
8. Groom Safely - You can trim long hair, but never shave your dog! Fur protects against sunburn and overheating. Only use sunscreens that are specifically made for pets.
9. Protect Paws from Hot Pavement - Asphalt can get scorching and burn sensitive paw pads. Stick to early morning or evening walks and always check the pavement with your hand first.
10. Choose Pet-Safe Plants - Some plants are toxic to pets. Before planting or bringing greenery into your home, make sure it’s safe. Check out our garden safety blog post here.
11. Watch Out for BBQ Hazards - Cookouts are fun, but human food can be dangerous for our furry friends! Keep pets away from fatty foods, bones, alcohol, and other toxins. Stick to their regular diet and keep trash out of reach.
12. Skip the Fireworks - Fireworks can frighten pets, causing them to panic or run away. Keep pets safe indoors in a quiet, secure spot. Fireworks also contain harmful chemicals! Even unused ones can be dangerous.
By following these simple tips, you can enjoy a safe, happy summer with your four-legged friends. For any pet care needs or questions, call the HART Animal Center a call at 301.387.7729.
Stay cool, stay safe, and have fun!