Top Tips for Summer Pet Safety

 

Texas Ruff House Has Your Pets Covered this Summer!

School is out, summer is here, and it’s time for fun in the sun with our pets, right? We may love to spend the long, sunny days outdoors with our furry companions, but there are some important things to think about when it comes to summer pet safety. To make sure your pets have a safe and happy season, our team of pet sitters and dog walkers at Texas Ruff House in Pflugerville, TX is covering the dos and don’ts of summer for both cats and dogs!

 

1. Make sure that your pet always has access to clean, cool, fresh water, whether they’re at home or out and about with you. During the summer months, pets can get thirsty very quickly when they feel hot and have few other ways to regulate their temperature.

 

2. Avoid over-exercising your dog on extremely hot days, and time your walks for the early mornings or evenings when the sun’s heat is less intense. Keep your pets in the shade as much as possible when outdoors even if they like sunbathing because, just like people, pets can get painful sunburns from overexposure to the sun.

 

3. Be aware of the temperature of the ground, whether it’s a concrete sidewalk, asphalt road, or even sand or packed dirt, since the heat can cause burns to your pet’s paw pads if they get too hot, as well as increase their body temperature to the point it can lead to heat exhaustion.

 

4. Leave your pets at home if you can’t take them into the places where you’re running errands or visiting. Your pet may enjoy riding in the car, but leaving them alone inside the car is dangerous, as it only takes them a few minutes to develop heat stroke inside a hot vehicle, even with the windows cracked open.

 

5. Secure the area around your pool, as pets left unsupervised can have drowning accidents, even if they are good swimmers. When you do let them go into the pool with your supervision, be sure to rinse your dog afterwards to remove chlorine and any other chemicals.

 

6. Keep all un-screened windows or doors in your home closed, and make sure adjustable screens are tightly secured. This is because cats and dogs can easily fall or jump out of them, which can lead to injury or pets going missing.

 

7. Find a quiet, escape-proof room in your house for your dog or cat during fireworks. Many pets are fearful of loud noises and bright lights, and can become lost, scared, or disoriented to the point that they run away. In fact, the Fourth of July is the single time of year when the highest number of pets go missing.

 

8. Keep your pets away from alcohol and food at barbeques and picnics, as those commonly found at gatherings can be poisonous to pets. Even food that might seem harmless shouldn’t be offered to pets, because any change of diet, even for one meal, may give your dog or cat severe digestive issues.

 

9. Make sure that your pets’ medications and vaccinations are up to date, as they may have increased exposure to animals as well as fleas, ticks, and parasites during the summer. Also, ask your veterinarian how you can recognize signs of heat stress so that you can recognize the signs and prevent your pet from overheating.

 

10. Finally, brush your dog or cat regularly to help them shed excess fur and feel more comfortable in summer. Do not give your pet a buzz cut or shave, as their coat is naturally designed to keep them cool and protect their skin from sunburn.

Enjoy summer with your pets safely!

Summer can be a great time to spend outdoors with your pet. At Texas Ruff House, we want to help your pet enjoy all that the season has to offer in Pflugerville, TX and the surrounding areas of Round Rock, Georgetown, Hutto, and North Austin! We use these best practices when caring for your beloved dog or cat. At the end of the day, the most important tip from our pet sitters and dog walkers is to pay attention to your pet – you’ll know best when they seem uncomfortable. And when in doubt, consult with your veterinarian.