Keeping your pet cool during summer months

Make this summer safe for both you and your pet.

Summer is a time for both you and your pet to enjoy the sunshine and outdoors, but along with the fun, the season also offers up situations that can endanger your pet. By taking precautions, you can decrease the chance that disaster will happen. PawZoom offers these tips for pet owners to keep their furry friends safe this summer.

Safety

First and foremost, make certain that your pet is always wearing a collar and identification tag. Micro-chipping your pet is also an excellent idea - as it offers an even greater chance of locating and finding your pet if she is lost.

Never Leave Your Pet in the Car

In nice weather you may be tempted to take your pet with you in the car while you travel or do errands. But during warm weather, the inside of your car can reach 120 degrees in a matter of minutes, even if you're parked in the shade. This can mean real trouble for your companion animals left in the car.

Watch Out For Fertilizers and Deadly Plants

Summer is often a time when people fertilize their lawns and work in their gardens. But beware! Plant food, fertilizer and insecticides can be fatal if your pet ingests them.

Exercise your pets during the coolest parts of the day

Early in the morning and late in the evening using short intervals. Only exercise during the heat of the day if absolutely necessary making sure your pet does not overexert herself.

Protection from the Sun

Most people don't think about their pets getting sunburned but they certainly can. White and lightly colored pets can suffer sunburn just as we can if they experience too much exposure to the sun. Long-term sun exposure can lead to skin damage and in some cases skin cancers. Limit the amount of time your fair-haired pets stay in direct sunlight. Even basking in a sunny window counts as time in the sun. If any type of discoloration or sore appears, consult your veterinarian for a check-up. Areas that are commonly affected are the ears, eyelids and nose.

Water

Make sure that your pet has a constant supply of fresh drinking water. You should try to have several bowls scattered around the house.

Driving with your pet

When you are driving, make sure to keep your pets properly restrained and inside the vehicle. Special seat belts and secured carriers can protect pets during accidents and prevent them from distracting the driver. The back of a pick-up truck is never a safe place for a pet to ride.