Tag Archives: summer pet safety

by | June 9, 2021 · 7:55 am

Keep Cool! How to Protect Your Pets This Summer

Bring on summer! What activity does your pet like best? Maybe it’s the simple pleasure of rolling around blissfully in the grass, leaping into the air to capture a Frisbee in his teeth, or sprinting after a neon yellow tennis ball. Soak up the fun, but keep these summer pet safety tips in mind.

We’re Having a Heat Wave
Though a walk around the neighborhood can be relaxing for you and your pet, common sense dictates that it’s not always a possibility in the summer. Avoid the midday swelter, and opt for early morning or late evening strolls. Shorten your walk when necessary, and keep your pup hydrated. Remember that your pet’s feet aren’t protected by sneakers, so lead him away from scorching pavement that can burn his paw pads. In addition, never leave your pet alone in a parked car.

“Paws” at the Pool
Splashing around poolside or taking a dip in the cool water might be the epitome of summer fun for you, but not necessarily for your pet. When possible, teach your dog to swim and consider outfitting him in a bright life vest. Even if your pet is wearing a life vest, stay vigilant.

Keep your furry pal from drinking chlorinated water, especially large amounts. The AKC recommends that you rinse him off after he exits the pool and dab his ears with a dry towel. Remember that pool-time might be a challenge for puppies, short-legged dogs, arthritic or debilitated pets, and pups with vision loss, so consider spending quality time indoors.

Chemical Reaction
While you’re slathering yourself in sunscreen, keep in mind that the common zinc oxide formulation is only intended for you, the pet parent. PetMD recommends that you protect Fido’s ear tips and nose with a pet-safe sunscreen created specifically for dogs.

Where, Oh Where, Can He Be?
Summer brings with it all sorts of curiosities and even a few scares for your pet. Even calm pets might scamper after a taunting squirrel, or flee after a bout of thunder or fireworks. Bring your pet indoors before stormy weather or a pyrotechnic display that might cause him discomfort. Make sure his ID tags and microchip information are up to date.

Leave a comment

Filed under Pet Safety

Tagged as , , ,

by | July 8, 2020 · 7:55 am

July Is National Pet Hydration Awareness Month

It seems fitting that July is National Pet Hydration Month—we humans are trying to stay hydrated and cool this month too! Whether your pet is soaking up the summer outdoors or chilling indoors with the A/C, hydration is key. 

First of all, how much water does your pet need each day? According to PetMD, your pet needs about a half ounce to one full ounce of water per pound of body weight. As you might expect, large pets will need more water than small ones, and dogs will drink more water than cats. 

To ensure that your pet gets its daily H2O, PetMD recommends providing fresh, clean water that’s easily accessible, supplying multiple water bowls if you’re a multi-pet family, and keeping the water bowl away from noisy areas if your pet seems skittish. 

If you and your dog are out exercising, remember to stop for water breaks, especially if you notice that your dog is panting hard. PetMD recommends providing enough water to quench your pet’s thirst but not allowing large gulps that could lead to stomach upset.

Have a safe (and hydrated) July with your pet!

Leave a comment

Filed under Cats, Dogs, pet, Pet Health

Tagged as , ,

by | June 29, 2016 · 7:55 am

Before You Take Your Dog to the Beach: Tips and Etiquette

If Fido has had his fill of playing in the kiddie pool and running under the sprinkler, you might be planning a trip to the beach sometime soon. If it’s your first trip to the sandy shore together, or you just need to brush up on the basics, check out these beach tips and etiquette from the American Kennel Club and Animal Planet.

Are dogs allowed?

Check local ordinances before you leave to make sure dogs are allowed. At the beach, take notice of any rules posted.

Basic etiquette

Follow the leash laws, and supervise your dog at all times. Skip the beach trip if you have an aggressive dog or a puppy under four months. Remember waste bags to clean up after your dog.

For your dog’s safety

Ensure your dog has proper identification and is up to date on vaccinations.

Protect his skin and coat

Thirty minutes before going outside, apply a pet-safe, zinc-free sunscreen to your dog’s ears and nose and the inner part of his back legs. When you’re ready to leave the beach, use fresh water to rinse the seawater off his fur.

Saltwater temptation

Don’t let your dog drink seawater; offer him cool, clean water as an alternative. Pack a first aid kit in case you need to tend to a jellyfish sting or cut paw. Consider a doggie lifejacket for beginning swimmers or short-legged breeds. Be cautious of riptides, sharks, and deep water.

Hot, hot, hot

Limit your pup’s exposure during the hottest times of the day. Have a blanket or towel at the ready in case the sand gets too hot for your dog’s paws. Scope out a shady rest spot ahead of time or bring along a beach umbrella.

Remember to have plenty of fresh, cool water for him to drink, and watch for signs of overheating, including rapid panting, coordination problems, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Leave a comment

Filed under Dogs, Pet Safety

Tagged as ,