Summer Pet Safety

There’s so much going on during the summer months, and so many things to enjoy, that it’s easy to forget that it’s also a season of serious risks to pet safety. Between thunderstorms and fireworks, parasites and heat stroke, the summer dangers for pets can feel a little overwhelming. That’s where we come in. With our ten safety tips, you and your pet can not only get through the summer, you can make many special memories together.

Safety, Comfort, Well-Being

We are always here to help your pet. If they need urgent or emergency care, please call our team at (479) 750-7474. To prevent accidental illness or injury this summer, we recommend the following:

Heat Safety Precautions

High temperatures can pose a serious risk to our pets. Be sure to:

• Never leave your pet unattended in a parked car, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Temperatures inside a parked car can skyrocket to triple-digits within a short period of time. For obvious reasons, we do not recommend leaving a pet inside a running vehicle with the AC on either.
• Because pets cannot regulate their internal body temperature as effectively as humans, they can overheat and dehydrate quickly. Always provide cool, fresh water at various locations throughout the house and yard, and be sure they can relax in a cool, shaded, cross-ventilated space.
• Schedule your pet’s workouts in the hours around sunrise and dusk. Hot pavement can scorch their paws and the heat midday sun can increase the risk of heat stroke and UV exposure.

Outdoor Safety Considerations

Looking for a hike in the shade? A trail in a wooded area might sound like good medicine, but not if a pet is off their parasite prevention medication. Fleas, ticks, and heartworm-carrying mosquitoes can be found in the woods and prey upon pets. Do not use DEET products on pets.

Cooling off in a pool, river or lake is a great summer salve, but be sure to outfit your swimming pet with a snug-fitting life jacket. Even good swimmers should wear one.

Sunblock designed for pets can reduce the risk of burn to their delicate skin on the nose, ears, and belly.

Summer Celebration Safety

While we’re enjoying time with friends and family this summer, be sure to think about how different events can affect pets. Here are some of the biggest summer celebration safety concerns for pets:

• Many pets suffer from noise phobia during summer thunderstorms and fireworks. Please let us know if you need strategies, including medication, to help your pet cope with the stress.
• Keep your pet away from open flames of BBQ grills and campfires.
• Be careful of their possible access to fatty BBQ meats, bones, corn on the cob, alcoholic beverages, caffeine, and xylitol.
• Your pet’s leash, collar, and/or harness is a major component of summer safety. Be sure to follow leash laws in public parks, and keep them close to you when off the grid to prevent interactions with wildlife. A vehicle restraint could save their life.

Please let us know if we can help your pet this summer. We’re always happy to answer questions or concerns at Crossover Veterinary Clinic.