Hot Summer Has Finally Arrived

Safety Tip #1: Don’t Leave Your Pet In The Car

By Margot K. Vahrenwald, DVM, ASVJ

It’s summer in the city … thought it might never get here with the May showers being May snow showers.

But now it’s officially time to transition your pet safety plans to those for the hot summer months.

1

Never leave a pet unattended in a car when the temperature is above 70 degrees. The temperature, even with windows cracked, can quickly rise to unsafe levels that can lead to heat stroke.

2

Know that heat can be just as overwhelming for your pet/s as it is for you on a hot day. But they are less able to adapt to heat. If they are outside they should have shaded areas to avoid sun and be inside during the hottest parts of the day. For dogs, avoid walks during the hot parts of day. Hot pavement can also burn paw pads – keep your pet on the grass for walks and try to keep your long walks in the cooler morning or evening hours.

3

Keep the bugs away, but use products safe for pets and children. We’re lucky in Colorado not to have huge problems with fleas and ticks, but they are here. Consult your veterinarian about the best way to protect your pets based on their lifestyle and environment. Make sure to check labels on your gardening fertilizers and pesticides to know how long a pet needs to be kept away from the garden after treatment. Watch for those flags on neighbors’ lawns to indicate chemical treatment that mean your dog/s should not walk on that area. And, make sure your dog is tested annually and on heartworm preventative before the mosquitos return – heartworm preventatives also protect against intestinal parasites.

4

Beware of antifreeze – it can leak when cars overheat or when an owner has been changing car fluids. And, while there are pet-safe products, you cannot tell from the puddle – the sweet taste of antifreeze is tempting, but lethally toxic to cats and dogs.

5

Sunscreen – use it on yourself and your children. And, check in with your veterinarian if you have a pet with light fine hair and pink skin, as they may need sunscreen too. For dogs and cats with certain skin conditions, like Discoid Lupus, affecting the nose, sunscreen and avoiding the sun during the hottest parts of the day are beneficial.

6

Water Safety – it’s all about thinking ahead. Keep a close eye on your pet when in or near water. Even a dog who is a strong swimmer can have difficulty getting out the pool or get caught on underwater obstacles. Consider a doggie life vest if your dog will be boating with you.

7

Hair, hair everywhere. If you have a long-haired pet, they may or may not benefit from a trim. Check with your veterinarian and groomer with regards to the appropriateness of shaving, as the layers of a pet’s coat can protect from overheating and sunburn. Regular grooming with brushing or combing to remove loose fur and mats can be just as effective – and keeps the fur off the floors and furniture.

Dr. Margot can be reached at parkhillvet.com