Top 5 Summer Pet Hazards
by Dr. Boyd Harrell
Oh, the dog days of summer are upon us! The seasonal bright sun and warm days mean more outside activity and fun for many of us. Along with the fun, warm weather also brings some hazards to pets and their people. Let’s visit the top 5 pet hazards of summer.
Heat
The sun’s can heat cause concrete and ashphalt to reach temperatures hot enough to burn our pet’s feet when they walk on it. And just like us, over exposure to the sun can lead to sunburn on the nose and ear tips or the skin of lightly pigmented pets. Without adequate shade and fresh water summer temperatures can cause pet’s to dehydrate and make breathing difficult especially for short nosed, heavy coated or older pets. When pets over exert themselves or are left in a closed automobile for even a short time, life threatening heatstroke may overtake them.
Here are some tips to protect your pet from the sun. Provide them with plenty of shade and fresh water and be certain the bowl is secure so that it can’t be tipped over. A children’s swimming pool can provide a fun way to cool down. Consider getting your pet a shorter hair cut. Exercise early in the morning or later in the evening. Apply pet-safe SPF 15-40 sunscreen to the nose and ear tips. Lastly, absolutely don’t leave your pet in the car for even a short time, the inside temperature can rise 30 to 50 degrees in just minutes.
Anxiety
Changing summer schedules, more people activity, additional travel and thunderstorms can all cause our pets a great deal of anxiety. Try to keep a routine as much as possible and provide a safe quiet place for your pet to escape if they feel the need.
Water Sports
Home swimming pools provide a refreshing dip for either us or our pets on a hot day. Don’t let your pet drink pool water because the chemicals can cause digestive upset. Rinse your pet’s coat with fresh water after using the pool to avoid skin irritation. Lastly be sure to secure your pet away from the pool when you are not there. Many pet’s drown every year because they jump or fall into the pool and can’t get back out by themselves.
If you take your pet to the lake, a beach or boating be proactive by strapping on a life jacket for safety’s sake then do the same for yourself.
Toxins
Deadly plants, paints, lighter fluid, coolant leaks and insecticides used on our pets, on the lawn, in garden or stored in our garage are all hazards to be aware of. Most lawn chemicals are safe after they have been “watered in” and given a chance to dry completely. Allow your pet to avoid freshly treated lawns whenever possible.
Injury
Pets sustain more injuries in the summer due to increased activities and distractions. Keeping your pet on leash or in a securely enclosed exercise area is a recommended practice. Many dogs love to hang their head out the window during car rides putting themselves at risk for serious eye injury. If you ride with a car window down be sure your pet cannot jump out of the car and never let your dog ride in the back of a truck without a secure tether short enough to prevent jumping overboard.
Being aware of these summer pet hazards and taking preventive action will allow both you and your pet to have an enjoyable and safe summer. So what are you waiting for? Let’s have some summer fun!
Dr. Boyd Harrell can be reached at boyd@PetProBusinessCoaching.com
Do you have an example of an issue that happened with your pet? Share with us so we can learn.
