Summer time is a great time of year. Days are longer, you can spend more time outside, and Summer vacations! What’s to love about Summer! If you are a cat or dog there may be a lot not to love. Let’s look at some of those things
Plan walks for late in the day or early morning. If you do need to take your dog out midday just let them do their business then bring them in for some games. Keep in mind that your dog does not have to walk 10 miles to get tired. Using their brains can be just as tiring. Ask your professional pet sitter/dog walker or dog trainers for some game ideas.
While we are on the subject of being outside, always check the ground. Asphalt or concrete can heat up to 125 degrees when it is 75 degrees out which can burn your dog’s feet. Walk your dog in shaded areas if you need to walk them. Remember you can use boots but don’t take long walks with them on.* Dogs sweat through their feet and the boots will keep the heat in.
Don’t forget the sunscreen! An animal’s fur is there for their protection in cold and hot weather. It provides insulation to keep warm or cold. Most people think it’s a good idea to shave their dog to keep them cool but that is not the case. Also, some dogs and cats may need sunscreen. Check with your veterinarian about types of sunscreen and whether shaving your dog is a good idea.
Don’t forget flea and tick prevention. You may want to take your pets for a hike and the woods can be full of ticks. Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever are some diseases you can get from a tick bite. Fleas can carry flea-bourne typhus, plague, cat scratch disease, Mycoplasma haemofelis and tapeworm. Check with your veterinarian for vaccines and a preventative plan.
Hydration is just as important for pets as it is for people. Make sure you bring water for your pets on every trip. It’s important to get your pet to drink while they are out. I have heard of pets that will not drink when they are not at home, it may be best to leave your pet at home if that is the case. You can reach out to your veterinarian if they have any tips to get your pet to drink while on the road.
Unfortunately, some pets may get heatstroke. It is important to know the signs and get help quickly. If you are out with your pet and they start to panting heavily, drooling, are uncoordinated, and/or if their gums become bright red gums, pale, or bruised-looking gums. They may vomit, diarrhea, seizures or collapse. First, it too get them to a cool place. Then use cool or room temperature water and apply to their bellies. DO NOT USE COLD WATER OR ICE. This will shock their system and traps heat in their core. This is an emergency and you will need to bring your pet to the veterinarian. You will want to call ahead so they will be ready for your pet.
If you are heading off to the beach your dog may want to join you for a swim. Keep in mind your dog’s swimming ability. Not all dogs are Labradors! If you take your dog boating make sure they have a life preserver. Make sure that it fits well for your dog’s body. If you decide to take your cat along on a boat ride, get them a life preserver as well.* If you do bring your pet to the beach don’t let them drink the saltwater. It will upset their stomachs. Another danger is Blue-Green Algae. Pets can get sick from drinking or swimming in water that contains Blue-Green Algae.
This is not meant to scare you or to take away from your fun. It is meant to help keep your pet healthy during the Summer with a few precautions so you can enjoy your time with your best friend.
*Remember to desensitize your pet to life preservers, water and anything else you will try this summer. You may want to enlist the help of a dog or cat trainer.
For more information check out our other blog: https://joanofarkpetsitting.com/blogs/summertime-and-the-pavement-is-hot/
Infograph used with permission from National Association of Professional Pet Sitters.