7 Summer Cat and Dog Safety Tips

Keep your pets comfy, cool and secure when the weather gets warm!

Summer’s here, and that indicates there are some important things to think about when it comes to your pets. Warm weather can be hazardous for our pets. It’s tough for pets to stay cool when the sun is beating down, and that happens because animals don’t sweat like people do. You perhaps knew that dogs cool themselves through panting, but did you know that they sweat through their paws too? If there is only hot air for a dog to breathe, it’s a lot harder for that dog to keep cool.

While cats tend to tolerate the heat a little better than dogs, and even prefer it, that doesn’t mean that you should forget about your cat this summer!

1.Never leave your pet in a heated car: Some minutes can take for a pet to develop heat stroke and suffocate in a car. Most people don’t realize how heat it gets in parked cars. On a 78 degree day, for example, heats in a car can reach 90 degrees in the shade and top 160 degrees if parked straight in the sun! It will be best if you leave your pet home on warm days. While driving around with your dog or cat in the car, you should bring water and a water dish and take your pet with you when you leave the car.

2.Keep the paws in mind: When the sun is burning, surfaces like asphalt or metal can get extremely hot! Try to keep your pet off of heated asphalt; not only can it burn paws, but it can also increase body temperature and lead to overheating. Furthermore, it’s not a good idea to drive around with your dog in the bed of a truck – the heated metal can burn paws quickly (and they can fall out or be injured or killed in an accident).

7 Summer Cat and Dog Safety Tips

3.Water and shade: Give your best to keep your furry friend cool and comfy when you’re outside. If you and your pet are out in the sun for a long period, make sure there’s plenty of water ready to avoid dehydration. Moreover, get your pet into the shade as much as possible.

4.Haircuts. If you have a pet with a dense coat, consider a haircut! One inch is a sufficient length to avoid sunburn (yes, pets can get sunburns too!) and also keep your pet cool.

5.This one’s for the cats: Retain your windows screened! Everyone knows cats love windowsills. You may want your house to be aired, but you definitely do not want your kitty to fall out!

6.Stay safe at barbeques. Yard barbeques are a lot of fun, but the food and drinks appeared can be bad for pets. You have to keep your pets away from alcohol and foods like grapes, onions, and chocolate.

7.Keep your pets away from fireworks. The threats are obvious – pets are at risk for deadly injuries and painful burns if they are permitted to run around freely when fireworks are being used. Few fireworks also include chemicals toxic to pets like potassium nitrate and arsenic. Don't need to mention, the loud noises can be frightening and disturbing to pets. Their ears are sensitive (remember, their hearing is many times better than ours).

And probably most important, pay attention to your dog and cat – you’ll perceive when they seem uncomfortable or like they might be in some stress. Summer can be a magnificent time to spend with your dog or cat, but it’s essential to keep these tips in mind as the days grow longer!