Summer is a wonderful time for pet owners to enjoy the sunshine and outdoor activities with their furry friends. However, it’s important to remember that the heat can be dangerous for pets, and there are some precautions you should take to keep them safe and healthy. Here are the top 10 essentials for summer pet safety:
1. Hydration Station: Keeping pets hydrated with fresh water bowls and portable water dispensers for on-the-go adventures.
2. Shade Providers: Pet-friendly sun tents, cooling mats, and umbrellas to protect pets from the harsh sun.
3. Sunscreen for Snouts: Yes, pets need sun protection too! Pet-safe sunscreens, especially for those with short coats or light-colored noses. Locations that need the most protection is ears, nose, and other exposed areas.
Here are a few options :
*Epi-Pet K-9 Care Sunscreen: This sunscreen is often recommended as a top choice for pets. It offers protection from both UVA and UVB rays and is specifically formulated for dogs.
*Emmy's Best Pet Products Dog Sun Skin Protector Spray: This spray-on sunscreen contains aloe vera to soothe and moisturize your pet's skin. It is easy to apply and provides good sun protection.
*Petkin Doggy Sun Stick: This sun stick is a budget-friendly option that is specially formulated for dogs. It provides protection against harmful sun rays and is convenient for on-the-go application.
*Bodhi Dog Sunscreen: This sunscreen offers around 30 SPF protection and uses octinoxate, a dog-safe UV filter1. It also contains shea and jojoba butter to moisturize your pet's coat.
Check with your Veterinary Team before applying these products. They know what would work for your pet's breed.
4. Cooling Collars and Vests: Introduce readers to innovative cooling gear that can help regulate their pet's body temperature. Symptoms of heatstroke in pets include excessive panting, lethargy, vomiting, and seizures. If you suspect your pet has heatstroke, seek veterinary attention immediately.
5. Paw Protection: Protect your pet’s paws from hot pavement by walking on grass or avoiding walking during the hottest parts of the day.
6. Parasite Prevention:Keeping up with flea, tick, and heartworm prevention during summer days is essential for the health and well-being of your pet. Here are some benefits of staying on top of these preventative measures:
Prevention of infestations: Fleas and ticks are more prevalent during the warmer months, and they can quickly infest your pet and your home. Regular use of flea and tick preventatives helps to keep these pests at bay, preventing infestations that can cause discomfort, itching, and potential health issues.
Protection against diseases: Fleas and ticks can transmit various diseases to pets, including Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. By using preventive medications, you reduce the risk of your pet contracting these diseases, which can have serious health implications.
Heartworm prevention: Mosquitoes, which are more common during summer, are carriers of heartworm disease. Heartworms can cause significant damage to your pet's heart, lungs, and other vital organs. Administering heartworm prevention medication on a regular basis prevents the larvae from maturing into adult worms and keeps your pet protected.
7. Vehicle Safety: Never leave your pet in a parked car, as temperatures can quickly rise to dangerous levels. Using a pet-safe seatbelt is always recommended.
8. Safe Swimming: If you take your pet to the beach or for a swim in a pool, ensure that they are comfortable in the water and are supervised at all times. I always suggest using a pet-friendly lifejackets for your pet.
9. Emergency Kit: Have a first-aid kit for pets on hand, and know where the nearest emergency veterinary care facility is in case of an emergency.
10. Identification: Keeping up-to-date ID tags and microchips, as pets are more likely to wander off during summer outings.
Have a Fun, Safe and Fabulous Summer!!