List of General Tips

• Beware the Sidewalk

Cement, asphalt, and even truck beds can be hotter than they look! The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends trying to stay off hot surfaces during the summer as they can burn your pet’s paws. If you can’t hold the back of your hand to sidewalk for 10 seconds without feeling the heat, consider moving your walks to the morning or late evening.

• You pets can get sunburn too!
  Pets can get sunburn too, and pets with light colored, short coats are especially susceptible. To beat the heat, apply a pet safe sunscreen to their ears and nose 30 minutes to outdoor activity.

• Set an appointment with your groomer!

Keeping your pets well-groomed in the summer months helps them regulate their temperature. The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends keeping your pet’s properly groomed to provide better circulation and temperature relation.  Call your local veterinarian to figure out the best cut for your pets.

• Heatwave

Because your pets can’t sweat like you do, it’s harder for them to keep cool during the summer. The Humane Society of the United States recommends making sure your pets have access to fresh, cool water and shady places during the summer, and keep an eye out for dehydration while they are outside.

• Splish-Splash!

Consider getting a doggie pool for your pets to play in during the heat. A doggie pool will give your pets a way to keep cool while also provide them with a new toy to play with at the same time. It’s a win-win!

• Gardens, Garages, and Grass oh my!

Summer temperate can cause antifreeze to leak from overheating cars, leaving sweet tasting puddles that are harmful to pets. Keep an eye out for leaking cars, and make sure to keep your pets away from the mess. Some lawn and garden products could be harmful to your pet’s health. Keep fertilizers and other garden related products up and out of your pet’s reach.

• Day at the Beach (Lake)?

While the cool water may be tempting to a hot dog, make sure they don’t drink too much (lake? salt?) and the salt in the water could make them sick. Did Fido make a splash? At the end of the day, make sure to rinse their coat with freshwater, as salt and other minerals found in ocean (lake?) can cause damage to your pets coat.

• BBQ and Fireworks

With BBQ season in full swing, Make sure to keep your dogs and cats out of foods containing grapes, avocado, chocolate, fatty meats, and onions, as these foods are harmful to your pets. When it’s time for fireworks, remember your pets might get scared! According to the ASPCA, more animals go missing around 4th of July than any other time, so give your pets a safe, comfortable place to hide during the festivities, and make sure their collar tag is up to date.