7 Tips to Protect Pets this Summer from Your Veterinarian Near Picayune
Summer can be a great opportunity to spend some time outside with your pet. However, it can also come with risks. Excessive heat and sun exposure can be harmful to your dog or cat, so be sure to take the necessary steps to protect your pet from harm. Read below to learn some tips on how to care for your pet this summer.
- Know the signs of dehydration. It is so easy for your dog to become dehydrated in the summer. Make sure you are providing your pet with lots of water, and do not keep them on asphalt for too long. Your pet’s paws are sensitive and can be easily burned. Their close proximity to the asphalt can also cause their body temperature to rise. Dogs with flat faces are more likely to become dehydrated because they do not pant as effectively as other dogs. If your dog is panting heavily, or if they become lethargic, suffer from vomiting, or even have a seizure, get them in the shade immediately and give them fresh water to cool them down.
- Never leave your pet in a hot car! Not only will your pet suffer greatly, but it is also illegal in many states. Leaving your pet in the car, even for a short period of time, can lead to dehydration and even death in some serious cases. It only takes a few minutes for the inside of a car to become dangerous. On a 70º F day, the inside of your car can be 110º F. Cracking the windows is never enough. Be sure to take your pet with you everywhere you go, and if you can’t then it may be better to leave them at home.
- Protect their skin. This means that you should not be shaving your pet. While some pets need a haircut to keep them cool in the summer, shaving them can lead to sunburn. Their fur is meant to protect their skin from the sun. You can also apply sunscreen to dogs to help prevent sunburn, just make sure you are choosing pet-safe products. Be sure to ask your veterinarian near Picayune what they would recommend. Most sunscreens contain zinc oxide, which is toxic to dogs, so be sure to find one that is free of zinc oxide. However, sunscreen is toxic to cats and should never be used. Keep your pet in the shade as much as possible to ensure that their skin is safe from sun damage.
- Time your walks appropriately. Exercise is still important in the summer, but that doesn’t mean your pet needs to be out in the heat. Go for your longest walks before the sun is at it’s highest point, and again after the sun goes down. Walks in the middle of the day should be kept as short as possible to avoid dehydration. If you do plan on going for walks in the middle of the day, get your pet shoes to protect their paws from the hot asphalt.
- Supervise them near the pool. Chemicals in pool water can be toxic, so do not let your pet drink out of it. Never let them near the pool unsupervised, even if you think they can swim. Not all dogs are capable of swimming, and even a trained dog can panic in a pool. If you are going out on a boat with your pet, make sure they have a life vest in case of emergency.
- Keep parasites away. Be sure to protect your pet from summer parasites like fleas, ticks, and mosquitos. Consult with your veterinarian near Picayune about what treatment options would be best for your pet’s health.
- Keep them away from fireworks. Pets should never be near fireworks. Be responsible for your pet’s safety and keep a close eye on them or leave them at home. Loud noises will scare your pet, so it may be a good idea to stay at home with them. If you leave them at home alone, be sure to keep them in a controlled room that will make them feel safe. They may cause damage to your home out of fear, so keep them away from any valuables.