With summer here it is a time for both you and your pet to enjoy the sunshine and outdoors. But, along with the fun, the season offers situations that can be dangerous for your pet. By being aware of the following precautions, you will decrease the chance for disaster.
NEVER leave your pet in a vehicle!
It is startling how quickly the inside of a parked car can heat up – severe heatstroke is only minutes away, and death not far behind for animals left in parked cars during warm weather.
When it is 85F outside, the inside of a vehicle can reach 102F within 10 minutes, and then reach 120F moments later, even at 72F outside, the inside of a vehicle can reach 105F within 30 minutes.
A dog’s normal temperature is 101F – a temperature of 105F can mean moderate heatstroke, and 108F can mean a heatstroke that can result in death.
The warning signs of heat stress are heavy panting, glazed eyes, rapid pulse, unsteadiness, staggering gait, vomiting, or a deep red or purple tongue.
A dog is designed to conserve heat and only has sweat glands on their paw pads and nose. A dog regulates his temperature by panting, expelling warm air and inhaling cool air, in a vehicle he will be breathing in warm air and fighting a losing battle.
Pets should NEVER ride in the back of a truck.
Make sure your pet ALWAYS wears a collar and identification tag.
ALWAYS provide plenty of water and shade, while preventing access to pools.
ALWAYS lock your power window locks, a pet can step on these and open or close a window, this can cause them to either get caught or get out.
Pets can get sunburned; sunscreen can be applied to the nose and ear tips.
Use caution, or avoid fairs, fireworks, concerts, or activities with large crowds.
KEEP your pets protected with regular applications of flea and tick preventative.