Is your pet ready for some summer fun? While the upcoming summer is sure to bring many fun adventures for you and your furry friend, warm summer temperatures can cause some new risks for your pet. At Minnesota Veterinary Hospital, your pet’s safety is our top priority, and we are here to make sure your pet stays healthy and happy.
Here are some of our top tips for keeping your pet safe this summer!
1. Know the Signs of Heat Exhaustion
Hot summer temps mean an increased risk of heat exhaustion. Before spending time outside, it’s essential to know the signs of heat exhaustion and what you can do to reduce your pet’s risk.
Some of the first signs of heat exhaustion include excessive panting and difficulty breathing. Your pet will likely become less active and may even try to lie down. In more severe cases, pets can experience weakness, incoordination, vomiting, diarrhea, and even sudden collapse.
If your pet is experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s critical to get them out of the heat as soon as possible. Heat exhaustion is a serious emergency and can be fatal if not properly treated. Move your pet to a cooler location and offer them some freshwater. Once you have completed these steps, you should also call us to discuss your pet’s symptoms and determine what additional care may be needed.
2. Avoid Hot Surfaces
If your dog enjoys going for walks, it’s important to be mindful of the surfaces they are walking on. During the summer, sidewalks and roads can get extremely hot. This can cause paw pad burns and significant pain for your pup.
Before setting out for your summer walk, test the sidewalk temperature. If the surface is hot to the touch, it’s best to wait until the temperature cools down or look for a grassier place to play.
3. Keep Your Pet Hydrated
In general, pets need approximately 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight. However, hot weather and increased activity can increase your pet’s water needs. Always make sure your pet has access to fresh water, especially when it’s hot. If you are going for a walk or hanging out outside, take water with you to keep your pet hydrated.
4. Be Mindful of Open Doors and Windows
As the weather improves, it may be tempting to leave your windows or doors open so you can enjoy a cool summer breeze. However, this can be a hazard for your pet. Leaving a window or door open increases the risk of an accidental pet escape. Even if your windows have screens, it’s best never to leave an open window unattended.
5. Stay on Top of Your Pet’s Preventatives
For many pets, summer means spending more time exploring the outdoors. Unfortunately, this can increase your pet’s risk of coming into contact with pests such as fleas, ticks, and mosquitos. These pests can carry diseases that can significantly impact your pet’s long-term health.
Before summer arrives, make sure your pet is on the appropriate preventatives. If you have questions about your pet’s preventative plan or want to make sure your pet is fully protected, please give us a call. We are happy to discuss your pet’s needs and make sure they remain pest-free!
Final Thoughts
As the summer approaches, it’s essential to take additional precautions to keep your pet safe. We hope these tips will keep your pets happy and healthy while enjoying some fun in the sun. If you have additional questions about summer safety or would like to schedule an appointment, please give us a call at 651-484-3331.
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