It’s finally summer! The hot weather and outdoor activities are exciting for us but can lead to dangerous situations for our pets. While enjoying the warmer weather, take a moment to think about these safety tips to ensure you and your pets have a safe summer together.
Rising Temps
Days are warmer, and more people are spending time outside. You may be inclined to bring your pets along while spending time outdoors or going for walks, but it’s important to keep in mind that they get overheated faster and easier than humans. To make sure your pets are comfortable:
Ensure your pets have consistent access to fresh, clean water.
When temperatures rise above 85 degrees, minimize time outside.
Be cautious of the temperature of concrete which gets hot and can cause damage to a dog's paw pads.
Look out for excessive panting, difficulty breathing, drooling, and increased heart rate which can be signs of over-heating in dogs.
If you have concerns your pet is experiencing heat stroke, do not delay and go see your vet. Breeds that are more sensitive to warm and hot weather, such as bulldogs and huskies, should minimize the time they’re outdoors during the summer months.
Fireworks
Summertime brings lots of exciting activities and outdoor entertainment, including fireworks. While we may enjoy the beautiful sight, many pets are sensitive to loud noises, and firework displays can be scary to them. To reduce anxiety around firework noise:
Ensure your pet is inside before dark on summer holidays when fireworks are likely to go off.
Refrain from bringing your dog to locations actively displaying fireworks.
During these summer holidays, we see an increase in lost pets due to them being frightened or disoriented. To reduce this risk, leash your dog when they go into your yard during a time when there is an increased chance of fireworks -- even if it is securely fenced. You may not expect your dog to run away but when startled, they sometimes panic and get through or over a fence they otherwise wouldn’t attempt.
BBQs, Picnics, and Backyard fun
Kids are out of school, sundown gets later and later, and it's a perfect time to get together outdoors with family and friends. Outside gatherings are common and pet owners may become distracted by hanging out with others. To make sure your dog doesn’t slip out of an open gate, ensure your yard fencing is secure and warn guests to be cautious when coming and going.
Backyard gatherings also mean outdoor dining. Some of the most common summer foods can be dangerous to dogs if they digest them. Some examples of foods to avoid include grapes, onions, skewers, and corn cobs.
If you believe your pet has eaten something they shouldn't, please contact your veterinarian for further guidance.
