As your family enjoys all the wonders of the summer months, Ask Granny wants to remind you to take extra-good care of your pets in the hot weather and in outdoor situations that may be new to Fido. Here is a list of pet safety tips to keep in mind as you include your pets in the summer fun.
Never, never, never, leave your pet in a parked vehicle. The temperatures will soar much faster than expected and put your pet in danger of heatstroke.
Be especially careful to keep your pet on a leash while traveling or while enjoying a new recreational area. Follow the leash laws, but in addition choose to use the leash when there is any danger of pet runaway or unsafe interaction with other animals.
Provide lots of water for your animal in the summer months and keep it fresh.
Have sunscreen available for your pet. Crazy at it sounds, your pet can be sunburned on areas not protected by fur such as around the eyes, tips of ears, around mouth and on the nose.
Groom your pet especially well in the summer. Remember that a shorter hair cut may be kind as overheating is a major issue in the summer months.
Beware of toxins from a variety of chemicals found in puddles during the summer months. When animals are hot, they’ll look for liquids and may unwittingly drink toxins such as garden chemicals or antifreeze.
Know the signs of heatstroke in animals. Excessive panting, staring, rapid heartbeat, vomiting or collapse may occur rapidly necessitating a trip to the vet for IV fluids and medications. An ounce of prevention in providing water and shade from direct sunlight will keep this emergency from occurring.
Take special care of your elderly pets in the summer months. They are more fragile in their elder years just as we humans are.
Provide safety for your pet near water. Strangely although most animals can swim, they may become frightened or disoriented in unfamiliar places and can drown. If you spend a lot of time on or near water, you may want to consider providing a pet life vest for your pets.
Animals enjoy being with their families for all the wonderful summer events. With a little forethought and care they can be safe as well.
Check out this useful feature on pet safety:
http://www.expertise.com/home-and-garden/pet-safety-guide
