Learn the different ways to maintain your dog cool and comfortable during the summer.
The heat is the biggest threat to summer pet safety. Pets have a higher risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke since they don’t perspire like we do to maintain their internal temperature low. Dogs do sweat through their paw pads, but it’s not as effective as panting. So, they heavily rely on evaporating the saliva on their tongues. Keep reading to learn the different ways to maintain your dog cool and comfortable during the summer.
Prevent Dehydration
Summer pet safety depends on how much water your pet drinks every day. Unlimited access to fresh, cool water is fundamental to their health. Maintain your dog cool and comfortable during the summer by placing water bowls all over the house and backyard. Once the water warms up or becomes slimy, then it’s time to clean and refill. Also, don’t permit your dog to drink from community water bowls or lingering water pools. Leptospirosis is a risk during the summer months.
Keep Your Pet in the Shade at All Times
As a general rule, it’s definitely too hot for your furry friend to walk on the ground if it’s too hot for the palm of your hand or barefoot. Even asphalt, gravel, concrete, and dirt paths can be painful to their paw pads and toes. Prevent injuries by limiting walks/runs to the early morning or evening.
In addition, seek lots of shade if you are ever outside with your dog during the heat of the day. Remember that your pet will continue to keep up with you, it’s critical to schedule breaks in the shade with a drink of cool water.
Additional Summer Pet Safety Tips
Lastly, here are a few more summer pet safety tips to follow:
- Your pet should always have a life jacket whenever on or near the water.
- Apply pet-friendly sunscreen to your pet’s nose and ears.
- Never leave your dog in a stationed vehicle, even for a short time.
- Stay home when weather conditions become extreme!
We Would Love the Opportunity to Care for Your Furry Friends!
Alexander Animal Hospital is a full-service animal hospital located in Severna Park, Maryland, serving the Severna Park, Pasadena, and Arnold Areas. Our goal is educating clients on the needs of their pets and understanding the importance of individualized veterinary care in order to strengthen the human-animal bond between owners and their pets.
We understand you have a choice when deciding on the care for your pets, and we strive to provide you with unparalleled services including wellness exams, vaccines, lost pet microchip ID, dental care, surgical services, digital radiography, and in-hospital laboratory services and diagnostics. Other highlights of Alexander Animal Hospital are the separate cat and dog waiting and exam rooms, as well as after-hours on-call emergency services.
Please take a look around our website and then give us a call at 410-777-8678 to set up an appointment.
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