Top 9 Summer Pet Safety Tips

Let’s beat the heat with these top 9 most essential tips to keep your pet safe this summer.

Signs of overheating:

• Heavy panting and drooling.
• Trouble breathing.
• Fast heartbeat.
• Dark and red gums and tongue.
• Dizziness and weakness.
• Agitation.

If you see any signs of overheating, contact and bring your pet to your emergency veterinarian immediately.

Top 9 Summer Pet Safety Tips

1. Cooler Hours – Exercise your dog in the morning or evening and avoid going outside midday during the intense heat.
2. Monitor the Humidity – When the humidity is high, the air is full of moisture and dogs are unable to pant enough to keep themselves cool.
3. Hot Paws – Avoid hot surfaces to prevent burns and blisters. Always do the “Hand Check” before going out for a walk or play. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your pet.
4. Stay Hydrated – Providing fresh, cold water to your pet is essential to staying cool during hot days while playing indoors or outdoors.
5. Frozen Treats – You can make pet-friendly popsicles or ice cube treats to help keep your fur babies cool on warmer days.
6. Grooming – Keeping your pet adequately groomed, mat and tangle free or shaved down will also help keep your pet cooler.
7. Sun Protection and Shady Retreat – Pet-friendly sunscreen for dogs that are white, hairless and those with light coloured fur is critical to protect them from the sun against sunburns. Always provide a shade covered area to give them a break from the sunrays.
8. Hot Car – NEVER leave your pet in the car, not even if you think you’ll only be a few minutes or if you leave the windows cracked, the inside of a car can heat up very quickly.
9. Caution with At-Risk Dogs.

Some pets can overheat quickly, educate yourself about your pets needs before going out in the heat:

• Brachycephalic breeds (smushed nose breeds).
• Senior pets.
• Overweight pets.
• Heart and breathing problems.

Written by Moncton Animal Hospital