 Summer’s here, and for most of us, that means the heat is on. While all that flooding sunshine can deliver a healthy dose of Vitamin D, it can also present unique dangers, for pets as well as people. These quick tips will put you in-the-know so you can keep your beloved four-legged companions out of the danger zone. Staying Cool Heat stroke is no joke. It can be fatal. Heat stroke can happen when an animal’s body temperature rises above its normal range. A dog can suffer organ damage or death at 108 degrees. For a cat, that number is 106 degrees. Signs of heat stroke in pets include:
If you see these symptoms in your pet, call your veterinarian immediately. Hot Cars Speaking of heat stroke, keeping your pet in a warm car alone is never a good idea, even if you crack open a window or park in the shade. You might think it’s safe because you’re “just running into the store for a minute”, but you might be surprised by how quickly a car can become dangerously hot. Consider these alarming stats from the ASPCA (American Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals):
Staying Hydrated Heat stroke isn’t the only warm-weather danger that can be fatal to your pet. Dehydration is serious business, too. Animals need plenty of water to maintain good health, but this is especially true in warmer weather. Without enough water, a pet can suffer organ damage or even die from dehydration. Many pet owners may be tempted to think that just keeping an animal’s water bowl full is enough, trusting that the pet will drink when it needs to. Unfortunately, this isn’t always true, so it’s important to keep an eye on your pet’s water consumption and encourage drinking. For example, for dogs, adding a splash of bone broth to water can make it more appealing. If you leave the house with your pet, be sure to bring plenty of water and a bowl or portable pet water bottle. It’s not a good idea to encourage your pet to drink from natural bodies of water, like ponds, rivers and lakes. These could contain harmful elements like bacteria or pollutants. Signs of dehydration in pets include:
If you see these symptoms in your pet, call your veterinarian immediately. Hot Pavement Have you ever walked barefoot on hot pavement? Under a summer sun, concrete, asphalt, and similar surfaces can become scorching and can be painful and cause burns. It’s no different for pets. Their paws are just as vulnerable as our feet. Whenever possible, encourage your pet to walk on a cooler surface in summer, like dirt or grass. Otherwise, booties and socks can help, as can taking walks when surfaces tend to be cooler, such as in early morning or evening. Signs of burned footpads include:
If you see these symptoms in your pet, call your veterinarian immediately. Burns can become infected. Shaving is Not Always Best For some breeds of dogs, the “summer cut” is an annual ritual. Pet owners take their dog to the groomer for a super-short haircut in an effort to keep the animal cool. However, a total shave or near-shave isn’t the best idea. Without enough fur, a dog is more likely to suffer sunburn. You can prevent sunburn in your dog by using child-safe sunscreen. Look for an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply to the parts of the dog’s body that are most likely to burn, including:
Be sure to reapply if your dog rolls around in the grass or goes in water. If you think your dog may be sunburned, get him out of the sun and apply cool, wet compresses to the affected areas. If redness or blisters are present, call your veterinarian immediately. Bug Season The insects come out in summer and they’ll be looking for someone to bug. Your pet is no exception. Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes, which are prevalent in summer. Be sure your pet is taking preventative heartworm medication. Ticks thrive in summer and can cause a variety of serious illnesses including Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Lyme Disease. Consider using tick prevention medication for your pet. Your vet can make recommendations. Also, it’s smart to be cognizant of pesticides and other lawn chemicals that can be harmful to pets. Often homeowners who use these kinds of products will post a warning sign on their lawn for neighborhood pet owners, but not always. Steer your pets away from greenery you’re not sure about. Fireworks Aren’t Fun for Everyone Many pets are unsettled by loud noises like fireworks and summer thunderstorms. They may hide, paw at carpet or furniture, whine, pace, and display other signs of anxiety. Here are three ways to help your frightened pet:
Summer may present perils for pets, but with a little knowledge, awareness, and some easy preventative measures, it can be a safe and joyful season for the animals we love. CONTENT WRITER, BARKTIQUE + MEOW
Kim BrittinghamKim Brittingham is a content writer for Barktique + Meow, animal lover, and history buff residing at the Jersey Shore. She is the author of Read My Hips (Three Rivers Press/Random House, 2011) and Write That Memoir Right Now (Blackstone, 2013). She's a willing servant to a rescued miniature poodle named Clarice.
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 The road trip is back, baby! Now that some COVID restrictions are being lifted, thoughts are turning to going anywhere but home. But there’s someone who’s just loved having you at home, and that’s your pet. If you’re thinking about taking a road trip, your pet’s going to miss you. A lot. But if he or she is the adventurous type, taking your pet on the road might be one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever share. Is Car Travel Right for Your Pet? First, you’ll have to decide if traveling by car is a good idea for your pet. All pets are individuals, just like people. Some will relish car travel, and others will be unsettled by it.
Seat Belts Save Animal Lives, Too As a passenger in your car, your pet will face the same hazards that any person would. A seat belt could save their life. For some pets, like dogs, there are car safety seats that incorporate your existing seat belt. Some allow for limited but comfortable movement (and the all-important ability to stick their head out of the window) while still preventing fatal impact in the event of an accident, or even a short stop. Some dog safety seats resemble car seats for children. Others are more like dog beds that allow the dog to nestle in while staying securely tethered to the seat belt. Other pets may feel more secure in a crate stowed safely in the back of the vehicle. When deciding whether or not car travel is right for your pet, keep in mind how they respond to the confinement of a travel carrier. Sit, Stay, Eat! When traveling with a pet by car, it’s important to plan ahead. For example, you may be able to control your bladder or ignore your rumbling belly through the next couple of rest stops, but your pet may not. Be prepared to meet your pet’s needs promptly when they arise.
If your pet eats refrigerated food, it’s easy enough to pack a cooler and replenish fresh ice along the way if necessary. You can also buy coolers and mini-fridges that plug into your car’s dashboard. Fast food is never a good idea for pets, as it can easily cause stomach upset. Eating in a moving car can do the same. (Do you really want to deal with vomit or diarrhea in such close quarters?) Perhaps more importantly, fast food can contain ingredients that are outright toxic to pets, such as onions and garlic. However, you might get lucky and find yourself near an eatery with a pet-safe menu. Here’s one website that maps them.
Never Forget: Overheated Vehicles Can Be Deadly to Pets You might think leaving your pet in the car is safe enough on a mild day, but cars can heat up quickly in all kinds of weather. On a 70° day, the inside of your vehicle can quickly climb to 90°. Within half an hour, that temperature can escalate to 120°. Never leave an animal alone in a closed car, as this can cause fatal heat stroke. For your animal’s comfort on the move, consider buying a cooling mat. Taking a road trip with your pet is possible, and it could be a ton of fun. You’ll never forget the quality time you spent with your best friend. And you never know – the next time your pet has a pleasant dream, it might be a remembrance of the fascinating sights they enjoyed on their great adventure with you.  CONTENT WRITER, BARKTIQUE + MEOW
Kim BrittinghamKim Brittingham is a content writer for Barktique + Meow, animal lover, and history buff residing at the Jersey Shore. She is the author of Read My Hips (Three Rivers Press/Random House, 2011) and Write That Memoir Right Now (Blackstone, 2013). She's a willing servant to a rescued miniature poodle named Clarice. |
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