"It’s summertime and the living is easy," or so goes the Sam Cooke song. Summertime means fun, sun, and hopefully lots of play outdoors. But as much fun as summer can be for you and your pet, there are a few safety tips that will hopefully make the warmest of all seasons safe and carefree for all concerned.
Apply Sunscreen
That’s right, you should apply sunscreen on your pet if he
or she spends more than just a few minutes outside every day in the hot summer
sun. Pets with light skin and short or thin hair coat are particularly prone to
sunburn or skin cancer. The sunscreen should be fragrance free, non-staining,
and contain UVA and UVB barriers similar to sunscreens made for humans. Consult
your veterinarian, but there are some sunscreens available made specifically
for pets.
Provide Plenty of Water, Plenty of Shade
Dehydration in dogs and cats is a real possibility during
the summer, especially if your pet is the type to run and play outside for
extended periods without drinking sufficient water. Telltale signs of
dehydration include dry gums, loss of skin elasticity, excessive drooling.
Don't let it come to this. Give your active pet plenty of playtime breaks in
the shade with access to fresh water.
Don't Leave 'Fluffy' in the Car
You may think leaving your pet in a car for a few minutes is
no big deal, but it can quickly lead to heat stroke in dogs and cats. In bright
sunshine, your car acts like an oven, becoming much hotter inside than the
outside air even. In fact, on a sunny 70 degree day, your car can heat up to
over 100 degrees within minutes. So, either take your pet with you or leave him
or her at home during shopping trips.
Watch for Unknown Grassy Knolls
Pets love to run, play and just investigate grassy areas.
But did you know many lawns are treated with fertilizers and pesticides during
the summer? Keep your pet safe this summer by keeping them off unknown grassy
areas or find a safe spot in your neighborhood or city, like a dog park.
Remember, not all grass is created equal.
Avoid Antifreeze
Even though antifreeze is something to watch out for year
round, cars tend to overheat more and leak antifreeze during the summer. Pets
find it delicious and even in very small amounts antifreeze is poisonous to
dogs and cats. So be attentive when walking your dog around the neighborhood or
letting your outdoor cat roam the streets.
