Image Credit -
Pixabay.com/
Summertime means sun, fun and a lot of outdoor playtime if you
are a dog โ or even a pet owner for that matter. But, no matter
how fun summer is for you or your dog, there are a few safety
tips that will make it carefree and safe for everyone concerned.
-
Sun, shirt and shade โ Apply sunscreen, slip
on a shirt and wear a hat on your head. This technique works
for dogs as well, especially if he is not of the short-haired
variety. Put a shirt on your dog, put on some pet-safe
sunscreen on his nose and ears, and make sure that he stays in
the shade often โ this will make sure that your pup is not
affected by sunburn or heatstroke.
-
Heatstroke โ This is not a fun activity for
anybody, especially for your dog. If you want this potential
summer dampener to be nipped in the bud, make sure that your
dog has easy access to shade and plenty of water. A pair of
cool summer shades would not hurt either. Signs of a heatstroke
include excessive drooling, panting, fever and rapid pulse.
-
Grassy knolls โ Dogs love to run amok and play
on grassy areas. But, make sure that your pup stays in
designated areas, because there is a good chance that he will
ingest fertilizers from non-dog areas, which will be harmful to
him. The safest bet is to take your pup to the local dog park.
-
Christineโs wrath โ Do not ever leave your dog
in the car during the peak summer months, even if you are just
going to the store for a few minutes. The heat inside the car
can rapidly rise to lethal levels. So, leave him at home or
take him along with you when you go shopping.
-
Antifreeze โ This is something that you always
need to be on the lookout for. Dogs find antifreeze delicious
and it can be poisonous even in very small amounts. In the
summer, cars tend to overheat more and leak antifreeze. Keep an
eye out for it when you are walking your dog.
-
Life vest โ If you are planning to take your
dog out on the boat, then make sure that he knows how to swim.
Keep in mind that not all the dogs know how to swim. And even
if your canine companion can swim, a life vest is absolutely
necessary. Rip currents can be a real killer, even for dogs
that have excellent swimming abilities. You can never tell when
accidents can happen when you are sailing on the high seas.
-
Extra pointers โ You should also make sure
that your dogโs registration and ID is up-to-date. That way,
even if he gets overexcited and takes off, you will be easily
able to track him down. And if the day is really hot, take him
for walks when it is cool โ early morning or early evening is
the best time. Last, but not the least, ensure that you are up
to date on tick and flea medication. This is the time of the
year when they come out in droves.
Summer Is Here. Hereโs How To Keep Your Pet Safe
Picnics, cool drinks, watermelon slices and a day well spent at
the pool are some of the thoughts that come to mind when one
thinks about summer. But summers can also be a hotbed for
infections and hazards when embarking on outdoor adventures with
your furry pal. Here are some tips to keep your best friend safe
during the season.
Cars Can Become Furnaces, Keep
Your Pet Hydrated and Safe
According to a report by PETA, the inside of a car can get up to
3ยฐ F hot per minute. If you do have to leave your pets in the
car, make sure you roll down the windows or crank up the air
conditioning to ensure that the heat inside the car is being
constantly regulated. Heatstroke and dehydration are not just
human problems; your pets get affected too. Keeping your pet
hydrated during hot summer months. Always make sure there is a
bowl of cold water available for your furry friend.
Be on a Parasite Patrol
While summers can be a playful time for your pets, it is also the
time where veterinarians see the most number of cases of ear or
skin infections. When on a picnic or exploring the outdoors with
your furry playmate, keep them away from sniffing too many
flowers or eating plant food. Even the grass is sprayed with
insecticides and ingesting it can prove to be fatal for your pet.
Ensure that the paws of your pet are well protected against
ringworms, tapeworms or any other parasite wiggling on the
streets. Anti-flea and tic medication should also be applied all
over your petโs body to maintain good hygiene.
Love Your Scissors, Ditch the
Razor When Grooming
How one grooms their pets is largely dependent on the area they
live in and the breed they have. Your petโs fur coat is what
helps them to regulate their body temperature and block harmful
sunlight. This summer season, trim your petโs majestic coat to
keep them cool but do not shave it off. The most common illness
amongst most pet is skin cancer due to a high exposure to the
sun. Pair the short coat with an effective sun block to keep
their skin healthy and happy.
Be Your Petโs Lifeguard
Pools or just a good time at the beach can be a great stress
buster during summers. When stepping inside the cool water with
your pet, make sure they have a life jacket strapped on. The
first thing to teach them is the exit route from the pool to
prevent them from drowning. One should always be near when
swimming in a lake or an ocean to rescue them immediately if they
get stuck in a sand pit and fail to find solid ground underneath.
