Summer is Sizzling – Keep Pet Safety in Mind!

With Independence Day approaching, summer fun and outdoor activities are on the rise – and so are the temperatures! Being aware of heat safety is vital for pets, and should be on all pet owners’ radar. There are several tips and tricks to ensuring your dog has a healthy, happy summer and it’s starts with preparedness and attention. We’ve rounded up basic guidelines to ensure your pet has a fantastic summer! We’re also sharing what to do if you ever see a pup in trouble and at risk for heat stroke. Keep reading to learn more and have a spectacular summer!

Water Safety

Dogs are great companions and when it’s time to celebrate summer poolside at a BBQ or beachside on vacation, it’s more fun when Fido can join. However, when taking your pup along for the fun it’s important to keep water safety in mind. When spending time around a pool, consider your dog like a small child. Not all dogs are great swimmers, and even experienced water dogs need to be monitored when in the water.

Introduce your dog to water gradually to ensure they’re comfortable. Once they’re fully acclimated, don’t forget to keep an eye on them and never put them in an overcrowded pool. When spending time at a lake or beach near the ocean, water safety is just as important. When out on a boat make sure your dog is wearing a floatation device, and if near the ocean be sure to watch for swells and dangerous waves. Don’t forget to rinse your pup after pool or beach fun, it’s important to wash away chemicals, sand, and debris.

Sun Risk and Heat Stroke

Just like humans, dogs are very susceptible to heat stroke. This is particularly true for breeds with thick coats. Feel free to trim your dog but never shave them, the inner layers of fur protect them from overheating and sunburn. Any sunscreen or insect repellent should be pet safe, and keep an eye on breeds with flat faces (like pugs) who are more susceptible to heat stroke due to labored panting.

Heat stroke in animals can take on many warning signs. Be mindful of excessive panting, difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, sticky drool, excessive drool, weakness, and seizures. Elderly dogs are also prone to higher levels of heat stroke, so be sure to watch over our aging pups!

How to Help a Pup In Need

There’s many summertime situations where you may find a pup in need. From ingesting holiday treats to discovering an animal that’s been left in a hot car, it’s up to us to help be guardians of our four-legged friends. Check out these quick safety tips below and don’t ever hesitate to ask for help if you see a dog in need!

• Dogs should avoid raisins, grapes, avocados, onions, chocolate, and any food that contains the sweetner xylitol.
• If a dog ingests any of the above, call the vet immediately.
• Watch out for hot asphalt. Dogs can burn the pads of their paws and it may not become apparent until they’re in severe pain.
• If you see a dog locked in a hot car, call the authorities. They are trained for emergency pet rescue and can assist.

For more information and to schedule a free consultation for your dog visit www.ItsADogsWorld.biz.