During the warm summer months, you need to take extra precautions to ensure your furry pal remains safe and healthy. Our Town Centre Animal Hospital team shares pet summer safety do’s and don’ts to help you prevent your four-legged friend from experiencing potential perils.

DO keep your pet hydrated

Your pet’s dehydration risk increases on hot summer days. Dehydration occurs when water loss exceeds water intake and can cause permanent organ damage. A pet’s dehydration signs include:

  • Appetite loss
  • Confusion
  • Depression
  • Dry mouth
  • Excessive panting
  • Incoordination
  • Lethargy
  • Skin inelasticity
  • Red, inflamed gums
  • Respiratory trouble
  • Seizure or collapse
  • Sunken eyes

An easy way to determine if your pet is dehydrated is to pinch the loose skin between their shoulder blades. If the skin remains pinched or is slow to return to its normal position, then your pet is likely dehydrated.

To prevent your pet from becoming dehydrated, ensure they always have access to cool, fresh water, and refill their bowls throughout the day. Encourage your pet to take frequent water and rest breaks. You can also set up a drinking fountain to ensure your pet always has access to fresh, cool water. To keep the water extra refreshing, toss in a few ice cubes.

DON’T leave your pet unattended in a vehicle

No matter the outdoor temperature, never leave your pet unattended in a vehicle. However, doing so can be especially tragic when the weather is extremely hot. The temperature in a vehicle rises rapidly, even if the windows are cracked. If you leave your pet for even a few minutes, they can suffer unnecessarily and experience heatstroke, which can be fatal. To eliminate their overheating risk, leave your pet safely at home while you run errands.

DO provide shade for your pet

The sun’s intense ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause problems for pets. Although your pet has fur, exposed areas, such as their ears, nose, and belly, can develop a painful sunburn. In addition, that fur coat can cause your pet to overheat quickly, and your four-legged friend can easily experience heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Any time your pet is outside, encourage them to take breaks in the shade, cool off, and rehydrate. 

DON’T miss the signs that your pet is overheating

Prolonged heat exposure or excessive exercise when the temperature is high can cause your pet to experience heat exhaustion or heatstroke, which is a serious condition that can quickly become fatal. While all pets are at risk, some pets, including flat-faced (i.e., brachycephalic) breeds, senior pets, and pets who are overweight, are more likely to overheat. Early heat exhaustion and heatstroke signs can be difficult to identify, as they’re typically characterized by heavier than normal panting. As your pet continues to overheat, signs can progress to include:

  • Thick, stringy saliva
  • Bright red gums and tongue
  • Disorientation
  • Lethargy
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Collapse
  • Seizures

An overheating pet requires immediate attention. If you are outside with your pet and they exhibit overheating signs, bring them inside quickly, cool them down, and contact our Town Centre Animal Hospital professionals for emergency veterinary care. 

DO protect your pet’s paws

Hot surfaces, such as asphalt, cement, and sand, can easily burn your pet’s sensitive paw pads. Before you set out on a walk with your pet, place your hand on the sidewalk or road surface to determine whether it is too hot. If you can’t hold your hand on the surface for 10 seconds, it is too hot for your pet’s paw pads. Stick to shaded dirt or grass paths, and walk your pet early in the morning or later in the evening when the outdoor temperature is cooler.

DON’T leave your pet unattended near water

A dip in the pool is a refreshing way to cool down on a hot summer day, but all pets require supervision near water. Not all pets are natural swimmers, and even if your pet is a strong swimmer, drowning is always a possibility. Consider outfitting your four-legged friend with a pet life vest. No matter a pet’s swimming ability, any of them can easily get tired after a long period in the water, and a less confident swimmer will especially benefit from a life vest because the garment enables them to float.

DO keep your pet cool by giving them tasty frozen treats

Nothing is tastier on a hot day than a cold treat, and you can help your furry pal cool down by giving them a pet-friendly frozen snack. The following treats will leave your pet cool, hydrated, and licking their lips:

  • Smoothie — Blend nondairy yogurt and pet-safe fruit, such as blueberries, bananas, strawberries, pineapple, or kiwi. Freeze the concoction and serve.
  • Frozen fruit — Frozen seedless watermelon slices can be a delightful, refreshing treat. 
  • Stuffed Kong — Stuff a Kong or similar toy with wet dog food for a long-lasting and hydrating treat.

When you follow these do’s and don’ts, your pet will enjoy a fun and safe summer. However, if your pet has a heat-related emergency, contact our Town Centre Animal Hospital team.