Limit exercise/walks to early morning and evening hours.
�Pets will overheat just like humans do when out in the hot sun.
�Being out in too much heat for extended periods of time can cause heat exhaustion, stroke, brain damage, and even death in severe cases.
Freeze a bucket of water for outdoor pets, and allow it to thaw throughout the day for cool drinking water.
Grooming your pet will remove excess undercoat and allow him/her to stay cool. Remember the coat also serves as protection from the sun, and shaving may allow them to sunburn.
Signs of heat stress include: panting, glazed eyes, rapid pulse, unsteadiness/staggering, vomiting, and a tongue that is deep red to purple in color.
Pets overheat easily due to the lack of sweat glands on their bodies. Sweat glands can only be found on their feet.
What do you do when you suspect heat stress??
Move the pet to a cool or shady location and apply cool (not cold) water over their body.
After applying the cool water, place a fan in front of them, or use some other means of obtaining airflow.
Ice packs may be used on head, neck, and chest but nowhere else.
Offer small amounts of water at a time, or allow them to lick ice.
Your pet should then see a veterinarian to ensure that there are no additional problems.
Do not leave your pet in the car.
On an 85o day, even with the windows cracked, a car can reach temperatures up to 102o within ten minutes, and up to 120o within thirty minutes.
Pets do actually sunburn.
You may need to apply sunscreen on your pet's nose and ears, especially if the skin there is light in color.
Placing a t-shirt on your pet is another way to prevent sunburn.
Heartworm Disease
Heartworm disease is transmitted easily by mosquitoes and is fatal to untreated pets.
A heartworm preventative should be given once a month year round to prevent the disease.
Fleas and Ticks
Use only flea and tick products recommended by your veterinarian. Some OTC products contain harmful toxins.
Both fleas and ticks may carry parasites and diseases that can be harmful to your pet.
�Some of these diseases are zoonotic and can affect humans as well.
A preventative should be given once monthly to ensure proper protection.
Identification
Make sure your pet wears a collar with ID at all times.
Collars with identification are the easiest method of locating a lost pet's owner.
Microchips are another effective way to ensure your pet will be returned home safely.
Water
Always supervise pets when around water.
Lakes and pools can be a good way for your pet to cool off during the summer.
Putting an ear cleaner into your petâ?s ears when they have finished swimming is a great way to discourage ear infections caused by resting water in the ear canal.
Mulch
Allowing your pet to eat/play with mulch can cause GI irritation and even GI obstruction.
Cocoa mulch is made from the shells of the cocoa bean. It provides many benefits for your landscaping, but contains the toxic ingredient theobromine. This is the same component that makes chocolate toxic to your pets.
Lawn Care Products
Lawn fertilizers, plant food, and insecticides are poisonous to pets.
�Do not allow your pet to play in/near the yard shortly after treating it with chemicals.
Most commercial grade treatments are pet safe once allowed to dry on your lawn. ALWAYS consult with lawn care professionals before having your lawn treated.
Follow the instructions on the bag or contact the manufacturer before using a lawn care product.
Insecticides containing disyston, disulfaton systemic organophosphates (roses), and metaldehyde snail baits are extremely dangerous.
You can visit householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov to obtain information on all lawn care products, as well as those used indoors.
Animal Poison Control provides a 24-hour service at (888) 426-4435. A consultation fee may apply.
Fireworks
Be sure to keep pets at home while fireworks are being set off.
Consult your veterinarian if you feel your pet needs a medication to calm him/her down during storms and/or fireworks.
If your pet is known to run away during these times, make sure s/he wears a collar with ID at all times. You may want to consider havine a microchip implanted as well.
Boarding
If you plan to board your pet, make sure all vaccinations are current.
�This includes having a bordetella vaccine given within 6 months to ensure proper protection.
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