Summer offers the chance to spend more time outside with your pet. The longer hours mean more walks and outdoor activities. The heat, however, presents dangers for your pet.
A Squamish Chief article provides tips to help pet owners of all experience levels during the summer months. The article provides examples like hot cars and pavement, as well as fireworks and food.
Always consider your pet when a restriction is placed on you and your family. Pet owners know best where their pets are happy and safe.
Important Summer Safety Tips for Your Pet
This rule is extremely important. Do not ever leave your pet in a car by himself/herself. A car can heat up very quickly and windows don’t let the heat out quickly enough to cool the car and help your pet.
Some signs of heat stroke are heavy panting, excessive drooling, vomiting, weakness, and loss of consciousness. If you see these signs, get your pet to a different, cool area as quickly as you can and then take your pet to the vet. Heat stroke can kil, and you shouldn’t take a chance.
Protect Your Pet’s Paws
Pavement can burn your pet’s paws. Asphalt can absorb the sun’s heat and become very hot.
The best time to take a pet walk is in the morning or evening. This is when the pavement is coolest. If you think the pavement is still too hot for your hand then it is too hot for your pet to walk on. Always take your pet out on walks and adventures with plenty of water.
Provide Water and Shade
The water and the shade outside should be used together. The water should be fresh and the pet bowls should be heavy so the pet can’t tip it over.
Animals with thick coats should be groomed regularly to avoid matting. However, do not shave the coat too short. The fur helps protect the skin from the sun.
Keeping Cats Safe from Open Windows
Cats love to sit in window seats, but an unscreened, open window poses a great danger to your cat.
If you want to let some air through your house, make sure your windows screens are secure. Cats can suffer injuries and heat stroke. To keep your cat healthy, provide a cool environment.
What Your Pet Eats This Summer
Summer means barbeques and get-togethers. Many guests can mean many opportunities for your dog or cat to eat something they should not. Many foods and beverages can be dangerous and poisonous to your pet. Chocolate and grapes are a few examples of foods that can harm your pet.
Be on the lookout for your pet’s safety this summer and make sure they do not run away.
Fireworks
July 4th means a lot of fireworks and a very scared and stressed out pet. The loud noises can make your pet run away.
Make sure your pet is indoors this July 4th and provide them with a safe and secure place to stay with their things to help them feel more at ease.
Our Veterinary Hospital Tips for Summer
Summer means a lot of fun for the family, but you also need to keep an eye on your pets for heat exhaustion. Be smart when taking your pets on outings this summer.
Enjoy the summer and your time with your family and your pets! Alpenlofts Veterinary Hospital offers veterinary services for pets in Squamish and other areas in the Sea to Sky community. The team provides various services to help clients understand the options available for their pets’ health.
Pet owners may also consider cat and dog insurance to help manage eligible veterinary expenses and prepare for unexpected ilnesses or injuries.
If your dog shows signs of heatstroke or other illnesses and injuries, do not hesitate to contact a veterinarian. Other injuries may include lacerations or paw injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do dogs get heatstroke?
Yes. Dogs get heatstroke when they are not able to get rid of the excess heat in their bodies. This may occur because of hot and confined environments like a closed car.
2. How can I prevent my dog from getting heatstroke?
Walk your dog during the cooler parts of the day. You may also test the temperature of the pavement before heading out to determine if it’s too hot for your dog.
Yes, there are types of heat stroke and illness that affect cats as well. Provide water, keep air circulating and provide shaded or cooled areas for your cat to access.
3. What about windows? Is it ok to keep a pet in a car with the windows rolled
down?
No, windows rolling down don’t prevent a car from heating up. Never leave your pet in a car during warm weather.
4. When should I call the vet?
Call the vet if your pet isn’t better after cooling down, or if your pet shows signs of distress such as lethargy, diarrhea or vomiting.
5. What should I do for my pet during hot weather?
Do not leave your pet in a hot car, provide water and shade for your pet, and avoid walking your pet on hot surfaces. Keep your pet away from food that is hazardous to them, and of course don’t leave them in a hot car.
Pets deserve vet care just like people, so give your pet year round care and call for an appointment with us at Alpenlofts Veterinary Hospital in Squamish.
