As the summer months approach, people tend to spend more time outdoors, and so do their pets. Warmer weather allows for more outdoor activities, but it also comes with increased risks. It is important for all pet owners to exercise caution and take the steps necessary to ensure that their pets are safe from summer hazards like overheating, sunburn, and overexertion.
The ASPCA recommends that pet owners bring their pets to a veterinarian for a spring or early summer check-up. This will give pet owners an idea of the condition of their pets, and will let them know whether their pets are at high risk for overheating in the summer temperatures. Certain breeds are more prone to overheating than others, and pets that have a history of health problems may need to stay out of the heat. Your veterinarian will be able to tell you what will be best for your pet.
If your dog or cat has a clean bill of health and is given the pass to spend some time out in the summer sun, there are some guidelines you should follow to ensure that your pet is kept safe while out and about. Most importantly, make sure your companion has plenty of shade and fresh water. That way, when the heat is getting to be a little too much, your pet can get out of the sun and stay hydrated. Without water and shade, you run the risk of having your pet suffer from heat stroke.
When it?s especially hot outside, keep exercise to a minimum and don?t push your pet. The sun can be particularly brutal when your pet is being active, so if you want to bring your dog jogging, try to do it at night when it?s a little cooler. If that?s not an option, bring plenty of water and take breaks to make sure your dog isn?t showing signs of overheating.
Under no circumstances should you leave your pet in a vehicle unattended. The ASPCA cautions that leaving your pet in a vehicle can lead to a heat stroke, and opening the windows is not enough to keep your pet cool. Either leave your pet at home or take your pet out of the car once you arrive at your destination.
Another way of combating the heat is to groom your pet. Brushing your dog or cat to remove stray hair and to get rid of any loose undercoat can help your pet stay cool. Cutting your pet?s fur can also help, but it?s important to avoid shaving your pet down to the skin. Your pet?s coat helps prevent sunburn ? if you take the coat away, your pet will be more vulnerable to it.
Being knowledgeable about what overheating looks like in a pet can help you intervene if your dog or cat begins to show signs. Excessive panting and disorientation indicate that your pet may be overheating. Red gums and thick saliva are other signs. As symptoms progress into a heat stroke, your pet may vomit, collapse, and even lose consciousness.
If it seems as though your dog or cat may be overheating, bring your pet out of the sun and into the house or some shade. Then, call or visit your vet immediately. If you pet is dehydrated, he or she may need to receive fluids intravenously. In the meanwhile, try to cool your dog or cat with a damp wash cloth, but make sure you don?t use ice cold water, otherwise you may shock your pet. Do not douse your pet with water or submerge your pet in a bathtub or pool, either. Your pet will need to cool down gradually, or the shock can lead to further complications.
Finally, pools are great ways to cool down in the summer, but don?t leave your pets around a pool unattended. Not all pets can swim, and even if your pet is a good swimmer, he or she may not be able to find a way out of the pool once in it. You also want to avoid allowing your pet to drink from the pool, as pool water is filled with chemicals, so keeping your dog or cat supervised when around a pool will help you avoid dangerous consequences.
As long as you take the necessary precautions to keep your pet safe in the heat, summer can be a great time for outdoor fun. Just be sure to monitor your pet and keep plenty of shade and fresh water on hand, and you will be able to enjoy the season.
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