Beat the Summer Heat: 5 Safety Tips for Your Furry Friends
Welcome to the Animal Hospital of Hinesburg’s summer safety guide for your beloved pets. As temperatures rise, spending quality time outdoors with your furry companions becomes a delightful idea. Whether it’s frolicking in the park, exploring scenic trails, or simply relaxing in the backyard, we want you and your pets to have a safe and enjoyable summer. To help you achieve that, here are five essential summer safety tips to keep your furry friend happy and protected all season long.
1. Keep Your Pet Hydrated
With soaring temperatures, staying hydrated is vital to prevent dehydration and heat stroke in pets. Always ensure a steady supply of fresh, clean water for your pets, especially when they’re outdoors. You can also make hydrating fun by freezing low-sodium broth or plain water into ice cubes as a refreshing treat that will help them stay cool and well-hydrated.
2. Protect Your Pet from the Sun
Just like us, pets can get sunburned too. Shield your furry friends from the sun’s harmful rays by limiting their outdoor exposure during peak hours, typically between 10 am and 4 pm. If they must be out during these hours, consider using pet-safe sunscreen on areas like their nose, ears, belly, and other exposed skin. Remember to use only sunscreen specifically formulated for pets, as regular sunscreen can be toxic to animals.
3. Avoid Hot Concrete and Asphalt
As the temperature rises, so does the heat of concrete and asphalt surfaces. These can cause burns on your pet’s delicate paws. To keep them comfortable and safe, schedule walks during cooler times of the day and steer clear of hot surfaces altogether. An easy way to gauge if the ground is too hot for your pet is by placing your hand on the pavement for seven seconds. If it feels too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your pet’s paws too.
4. Check Your Pet for Ticks
Ticks are prevalent during the summer and can carry diseases harmful to both pets and humans. After outdoor excursions, thoroughly inspect your pet for ticks, especially if they’ve been in wooded or grassy areas. Pay attention to hairless spots on their body, such as armpits, ears, and belly. If you spot a tick, promptly remove it using tweezers and keep a watchful eye on your pet for any signs of illness.
5. Keep Your Pet Away from Snakes
Summertime may bring increased snake activity, posing a potential danger to your pet. Train your furry companion to avoid snakes and keep them on a leash while hiking or exploring wooded areas. If, by any chance, your pet gets bitten by a snake, seek immediate veterinary attention.
In conclusion, with these five essential summer safety tips, you can ensure a safe and joyful season for your pets. At the Animal Hospital of Hinesburg, we care deeply about your furry friends’ well-being. If you ever have any concerns about your pet’s health or safety, don’t hesitate to contact us for advice and support. Prevention is the key to safeguarding your cherished companions during this summer season.