Safety Tips

SUMMER SAFETY TIPS FOR YOUR PETS

Summertime! You and your pet look forward to enjoying the outdoors, the fresh air and the warmth of the sun. This season brings with it some situations that require your attention and vigilance. Because we care about your pet’s safety and well-being, we offer some useful summertime tips. As always, please contact your veterinarian for questions or concerns that may occur during this season.

Your Pet and Your Vehicle: Taking your pet with you for a summertime drive often appears like lots of fun. However, here are some important items to keep in mind:

• The inside of your car can be dangerously and lethally hot within minutes, even in the shade. This can mean trouble if your pet is left in the car, even briefly. Heat exhaustion or stroke can kill your pet almost instantly. Play it safe! Leave your pet at home where he can stay cool and fresh. If you happen to see a pet alone in a car, alert the management or call the local police department immediately.
  
  
• Do not drive with a pet in the back of a pick-up truck. It is dangerous, and in some states illegal.
  
  
• Plant food, fertilizers, and insecticides can be fatal to your pet. Also, many plants can produce toxic substances that can be very harmful to animals.
  
  
• Dog bites often increase in the summer because we are outdoors more frequently. Spaying or neutering your dog reduces the likelihood that he will bite, and provides many other health benefits.
  
  
• An ID tag may bring home your lost pet! Always place a collar and identification on your pet.
  
  
• Check with your veterinarian about heartworm disease and preventive medication
  
  
• Heartworm is transmitted by mosquitoes and can be fatal in both dogs and cats.
  
  
• Always supervise your pet in a pool.
  
  
• Is your pet spending time outdoors? Be sure to provide plenty of water and shade.
  
  
• Traveling with your pet: Always prepare in advance by checking with your airline, train or ship carrier. There are many different rules governing travel with pets.
  
  
• Your pet needs exercise, even in the heat. Extra care needs to be taken with: Older dogs; short-nosed dogs; and those with thick coats. Exercise should take place in early morning or evening hours. Caution: Asphalt gets very hot and can BURN your pet’s paws.
  
  
• Fleas and ticks: A summertime threat. See your veterinarian for the appropriate flea and tick treatment.
  
  
• Be alert to the rays of the sun, and prevent pet sunburn. Your pet may require sunscreen on the nose and ear tips. If your pet has a light-colored nose or fur on its ears, he may be particularly vulnerable to sunburn and skin cancer.
  
  
• Pets and crowded summer events are not a good mix. Loud noises and crowds can be very stressful and dangerous. Leave your pet at home for his well-being.
  
  
• Heat exhaustion and Heat stroke: Can cause death. Signs of heat exhaustion and stroke include heavy panting, glazed eyes, rapid pulse, unsteadiness, staggering walk, vomiting, or a deep red or purple tongue. If that happens: Move your pet into the shade. Apply cool (not cold) water of his body. Apply cold towels or ice packs to the head, neck and chest ONLY. Give small amounts of water or lick ice cubes. GET HIM TO A VETERINARIAN IMMEDIATELY.

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