Tips on Keeping Your Pet Safe This Summer

Have you ever heard the phrase “if you’re cold, they’re cold”? It’s commonly used to tell people not to leave their pets out in freezing temperatures that humans themselves can’t comfortably sit in for long periods of time.

This is especially true for pets; our dogs and cats are not able to survive out in extreme temperatures because they are domesticated and are no longer able to adapt to such environments.

Well, the same goes for the heat. In fact, it can be even worse. Unlike humans, dogs and cats do not have the luxury of possessing sweat glands, which are the main way their owners are able to cool off in the heat. Because of this, you may need to take some precautions to help your pet stay cool during the summer. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. I’ll give you everything you need to know in order to keep your pet safe in the heat.

Heat Stroke and Dehydration

When an animal gets heat stroke, it could very well be fatal if they don’t cool off. Here are some symptoms you should look out for if you suspect your pet is in distress from overheating:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Drooling
• Excessive restlessness
• Lethargy
• Shaking
• Excessive panting
• Purplish gray gums/tongue
• The inability to stand

If you notice these symptoms, contact a vet immediately.

What about dehydration, though? How do you figure out if a dog hasn’t had enough water? Well, it’s all about the nose. A dog’s nose should be wet and cold. If it is not so, get them some water.

Pets and Vehicles

Unfortunately, this is not common knowledge for everyone. In case you didn’t know, then make sure this is ingrained into your head for the rest of your life: do not leave a pet in a sealed car. You might as well be leaving them in an oven, and it can and will kill them. This goes for every pet ever; even if you have a goldfish in a bowl of water. You can crack open the windows, but don’t leave them in there for too long.

Spread this like gospel, because far too many accidents happen nowadays.

Hot Pavement

Have you ever stepped on hot pavement and thought to yourself “Geeze, that’s hot enough to cook an egg!” Well, the same goes for your pets.

Your pets’ little toe beans may be tough, but they’re not invincible. They can easily burn if they come into contact with pavement and sidewalks. We don’t realize this because we don’t have to touch the pavement ourselves.

So how do you know if it’s too hot to let your dog take a walk? If you think it may be too hot, go outside. Put your hand on the pavement or sidewalk for ten seconds. If you have to pull your hand away before time is up because it’s just too hot, then it’s too hot for your dog. Instead, try walking your dog early in the morning or late at night to spare their paws.

Can Pets Get a Sunburn?

Yup! Dogs and cats can get sunburnt, and this is especially true for dogs with shorter hair. Now, this doesn’t mean you should layer your pooches with SPF. Just make sure there’s places where they can get some shade.

What Can You Do for Pets in the Summer?

Well, if you think you can follow all the rules and tips labeled in this piece, you’re good to go. If it’s a particularly hot day, you’re going to want to keep your pet inside. Play a few games to make sure they’re properly entertained and have a good amount of exercise.

If it’s not too hot, it’s still a good idea to keep a decent amount of shade available for your pet to cool off and a good amount of water for them to keep from being dehydrated.

If you have an outdoor dog, make sure to keep an eye on them on hot days. As the summers get hotter and hotter, things become more dangerous for our animal companions.

At least your fish will be okay. They have plenty of water to keep themselves cool.