How To Take Care Of Your Pets In Summer?
Summer is a fun time, but the hot weather poses some unique challenges for summer pet care. Although wild animals adapt well to the elements, companion animals can be just as sensitive to extreme temperatures as their owners. What does this mean for your pet? Here are 12 ways by our Jacksonville Insider experts to stay safe while enjoying summer activities with your pet:Â
- Provide plenty of water and shade
Dehydration is a real possibility in pets during the summer. Our dogs are thirstier than we are when it’s hot. Symptoms of dehydration include dry gums and excessive salivation. Make sure your pet always has access to fresh, clean water indoors, and bring a bottle for your furry companion when you go out, just like you do for yourself. You can also switch to wet dog food during the warmer months to increase fluid intake. Keep your pets in the shade as often as possible. While dogs and cats love to bask in the sun, direct sunlight can overheat them (especially dogs) and lead to heat stroke.
- Know the signs
You might have always wondered: How hot is too hot for my pet? Or – how hot is it to walk the dogs? What temperature can a cat tolerate? A dog’s normal body temperature is between 100° and 103°F, while a cat’s body temperature is between 100.4º and 102.5ºF. Anything more than that is risky for your pet. So do cats sweat? No, dogs and cats don’t sweat as we do. They drink water to maintain their body temperature. Watch for these possible signs of overheating: heavy panting; dry or bright red gums; thick drool; vomit diarrhea; Shaky legsIf your pet shows signs of heat exhaustion, take them to a cool place, give them water, put a wet towel on their body and take them to the vet as soon as possible. Do not put your pet in cold water, which can shock them.
- Don’t leave your pet in a car
Most pets love to ride in cars. But they won’t enjoy being stuck in a parking lot when it’s over 100 degrees. Leaving your pet in the car for a few minutes might be a no big deal say the experts from Jacksonville Veterinary Hospital. However, it can take less than 10 minutes for dogs and cats to develop heat stroke inside a hot car. So make sure that if you have to go out, always leave the dog in the car with the AC running, but if possible it’s better not to do it at all. Leaving your pet in cars is not only dangerous for your pet, but it’s also illegal in the 16 states that have specific “hot car” laws. So, either take your pet with you or leave them at home. If you see a pet left alone in a car in dangerous conditions, take immediate action – try to find the owner as soon as possible or even call the police.
- Apply sunscreen
Believe it or not, pets get sunburned too, especially those with short or light hair and just like humans, it can even lead to skin cancer. If you’re planning to spend a day out in the sun with your beloved companion, apply sunscreen every 3-4 hours to the areas least covered by a hair: belly, ears, and nose. Use only sunscreen made specifically for pets. Pets lick it off and sunscreens made for humans may contain ingredients that are toxic to animals (such as zinc) and can cause an emergency. Your vet can advise on the right product for your pet’s fur baby.
- Do not shave your pet
You may think that shaving your dog’s cat in the summer is the best solution to overheating. But a pet’s coat is naturally designed to keep cool in summer and warm in winter. Feel free to trim your pet’s fur but never shave in summer. Be sure to leave at least an inch of hair to protect your pet’s skin from sunburn. And don’t forget about a regular grooming schedule for your pet, no matter the season.
- Be mindful of your walking times
If you have a dog, walk and exercise your dog only in the early morning and evening suggests the experts from vet monument road. Never walk your pet in the middle of the day. Take breaks in the shade and have water available if you are already outside.
When temperatures become extreme, pet safety must be kept in mind.
- Keep your dog’s paws cool
Pets heat and cool from the bottom up. If you go out in the sun together, try to keep your pets away from hot surfaces like cement and asphalt. Not only can it burn the paws, but it can also raise the body temperature and lead to overheating. When spraying your dog with water, be sure to spray the paws and belly to cool the skin. If you’re using a wet towel, it’s best to rub their paws and belly with the top coat. If you can’t walk your dog during the early and late hours of the day, dog shoes are a good way to protect their paws. Follow this guide to keep your pets cool in this summer.
- Keep parasites at bay
Fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and other parasites are practically everywhere in summer. These include tapeworms, heartworms, and diseases like Lyme or Bartonella that can put your pet at risk. Ask your vet for proper prescriptions to keep your Fido or kitty free of worms.
- Consider a life vest
Just like us, dogs enjoy cooling off in the water, pool, lake, or ocean. But be very careful where you let them go. Not all dogs swim well. And even those who do, may not know how to get out of the pool. Also, strong currents and riptides can carry dogs out to sea. If you decide to take your dog sailing or on a boat, make sure she wears a brightly colored life vest to keep her visible and alert in the event of an accident. Always keep an eye on your furry companion when near water suggests experts from emergency vet race track road.
- Keep your pets away from fireworks
Summer is the perfect time for barbecues, picnics, and overall outdoor celebrations, the biggest of which is the 4th of July, with the most anticipated fireworks display. While we all enjoy a big bright Bada Boom, our pets run away in terror. Also, fireworks are made with chemicals like potassium nitrate that can poison your pet if they eat them. If you set off your own fireworks display, keep your pets indoors and clear your yard of fireworks debris before letting your dog or cat outside suggests animal clinic near me. When heading into the 4th of July celebration, keep your little ones safe from the noise in a quiet area of ​​your home. You can keep an eye on your furkid remotely with an interactive pet camera or a GPS pet-tracking collar
- Avoid antifreeze
During the summer, antifreeze can leach out of vehicles when they are hot, leaving puddles on the ground that your dog can easily lap up and swallow say mobile vets near me. The sweet taste of antifreeze is attractive to dogs and cats, but when this toxic substance is ingested, it is potentially fatal. Pay attention to your neighbors’ cars and potholes in your street, and make sure your pets stay out of them.
- Respect the heat
Humans aren’t the only animals that can feel the heat on a hot summer day. But unlike you, your pet’s ability to handle the heat is limited. Dogs release heat through their paw pads and panting, while humans can sweat through all the skin on their bodies. Dehydration can also be a big problem for pets during hot weather. According to the ASPCA, animals with flat faces, such as pugs and Persian cats, cannot pant effectively and are therefore more prone to heat stroke. You should also watch out for elderly or overweight pets or animals with heart and lung disease. In the summer, make sure Fido and Fluffy always have access to plenty of fresh food.
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Conclusion
Summer pet safety isn’t difficult, it just requires some thought and attention say pet care near me. Keep an eye on your pets like you would a toddler — protect them from excessive heat, sun, and other summer hazards — and everything should be fine.
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