Keep Your Pets Safe This Summer

The days are heating up as we inch toward summer. In Central Texas, this is an exciting time with so many fun outdoor activities. While it might be tempting to take your pet along, there are a few things to be aware of to keep your pet safe this summer. 

Higher temperatures can also mean higher risks for your pets. Summertime means more skin and ear infections, more injuries, and more chance of a heat stroke.  So, here are a few summer safety tips for pet owners. 

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Never (Ever) Leave Your Pets Inside the Car

We’ve all seen the dogs with their heads hanging out of the moving car windows - ears and lips flapping - with what seems to be a great big smile. So cute! Some dogs just love going in the car. However, leaving your pup in the car anytime - especially in the heat of summer - could be deadly. 

Hundreds of pets die from car-related heatstroke each year.

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), a car can heat up from 85°F to 102°F in just 10 minutes, and to 120°F in just 30 minutes. 

These high temperatures are very bad news for an animal. 

Leaving a pet in a car should never, ever be your plan. If you are out running errands or headed to any place where pets aren’t allowed, it’s best if you leave your four-legged buddy at home. 

Don’t Shave Your Pets

Speaking of furry friends… we all know some pets are furrier than others. It might seem like a good idea to shave the fur to help keep them cool. After all, you would be melting with all that fur, right? 

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The reality is that the layers of hair protect them from overheating and sunburn. Feel free to trim longer hair down to at least an inch, but it is never a good idea to shave your pet in the summertime. If your pet is especially furry, you can brush them regularly to help keep them cool by removing excess fur. 

Keep Your Pets Away From Loud Music and Fireworks

Dogs and cats have better hearing capacities than we do. In other words, their ears are much more sensitive. 

Fireworks, loud music, and noises can scare your pet. It can stress an animal and result in anxiety, growling, and restlessness. Many animals are so scared and disoriented by fireworks or loud noises that they run away.  

Not just that, fireworks are made with potassium nitrate which if ingested can poison your curious pet. 

So, for safety's sake, keep your pets safely away from loud noises and secure them in a safe, quiet spot during your summer celebrations. 

Limit exercise on hot days

Take care when exercising with your pet during the warmer months. You might need to adjust the intensity and duration of outdoor activities depending on the temperature. 

On very hot days, limit exercise to early morning or evening hours.

Asphalt gets very hot and can burn your pet's tender paws. It is best to check the ground with your hand before exposing your pet’s paws to the hot pavement. Also, walk your dog on the grass when it is possible. Always carry water and a dish with you to keep your dog from dehydrating. 

Keep walks during the peak heat hours to a minimum.

Know the Signs

Extreme temperatures can cause heatstroke in humans as well as in animals. Know the warning signs and keep an eye on your furry friends. Some signs of heatstroke in pets include: 

• Heavy panting
• Glazed eyes
• Rapid heartbeat
• Difficulty breathing
• Excessive thirst
• Lethargy
• Fever
• Dizziness
• Lack of coordination
• Profuse salivation
• Vomiting
• Deep red or purple tongue
• Seizure
• Unconsciousness
• Heavy panting and noisy breathing
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Thick drool
• Bright red tongue and gums 
• Sweaty paws
• Lethargy

If your pet shows these signs of overheating, you should first move them to a cooler place, provide them with enough water to drink, and try to cool their body by putting a damp towel over their body. 

If their symptoms don’t improve, take them to the vet as soon as possible. 

Stay Cool and Furry

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Pets respond differently to heat than humans do. Dogs, for instance, sweat primarily through their feet. While you might think leaving a fan on while your pet is outside will help cool them, think again. Fans don't cool off pets as effectively as they do people. So what to do?

One of the most important things you can do is to make sure fresh, cool water is always available to your pet. Some people like to put a few ice cubes in to keep it cool. 

Some people like to leave a shallow pool of water available so that their furry friends can cool themselves off. 

There is plenty of fun to be had in the sun. Just make sure your four-legged friends stay safe and healthy this summer.