A Summer Health & Safety Guide for Your Pet
With summertime around the corner, we are excited for beach days, sunshine, and outdoor adventures. However, higher temperatures come with the fun of Summer. We all want our furry companions to enjoy the outdoors with us as much as they can, but we must take precautions during the hotter months to keep them safe and healthy.
Pets can suffer from heat exhaustion, heat strokes, more injuries, and other mishaps during the summer season. We are here to offer some valuable tips that will help provide a safe and healthy summer for your pet. If you’re located in Bainbridge, GA and need to schedule an appointment with a veterinarian for your dog or cat, contact Bryan-Hight Veterinary Hospital in Bainbridge, GA, today.
Don’t Leave Your Pet in Your Car
Maybe you are just running into the store to pick up something quickly or need to go inside somewhere fast. It doesn’t matter. You should never leave any pet in a vehicle, whether it is running or not. It can only take a matter of minutes for an animal to suffer from heatstroke, organ damage, or even death when stuck inside a hot car.
If you must drive around with your dog in the car on a hot day, be sure to make water and air conditioning accessible, and take them out of the car when you get out. You can make all the difference and save your pet’s life.
Visit the Vet for an Early Summer Checkup
You want your furry family member to enjoy the summer season just as much as you, so get them appropriately prepared. During the summer season, your dog or animal could be at risk for Lyme disease, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, or heart worm if they are not protected.
There are plenty of other nasty and dangerous conditions that pets can fall victim to during the hotter months. It’s better to be safe than sorry and schedule a visit with your vet as soon as possible before the hot days creep in.
Provide Lots of Water & Shade
Our pets don’t sweat the way we do, which is why we have to keep them cool in other ways. It is essential that you make fresh water and shade are easily accessible for your furry friend during the summertime. We even recommend setting up a little kitty pool, sprinkler system, or hose outside for your dog to play in and keep cool at the same time.
Just like humans, our pets need water and shade to stay healthy and safe in the heat. Since our dogs can’t let us know what they need, it’s our job to do our best to provide them with it.
Protect the Paws
Pets can also suffer from sunburn and heat blisters, especially on their paws. We love taking our pups on long walks and enjoying the fresh air together. However, it is in their best interest and health during the hotter months to keep the walk duration to a minimum.
Hot asphalt can not only burn paws, but the heat can transfer to the body, causing overheating. You should be aware of the following symptoms, which indicate overheating:
- Heavy breathing
- Panting
- Increased heart rate
- Drooling
- & more!
Help Your Pet Enjoy Summer
The mentioned tips are just a few ways to keep your pet protected and safe throughout the hot months. There are various ways to help your pet enjoy the summertime and remain healthy and happy. You don’t have to restrict your activities or leave your pup at home. We are pleased to help you modify your ways to accommodate your furry friend’s needs.
For more tips on keeping your pet safe and healthy for the summer, please contact Bryan-Hight Veterinary Hospital in Bainbridge, GA, today. We welcome pets throughout Southwest Georgia to our animal hospital!
