Pet Care Summer Safety Series: Heat Stroke – Part 1
The Summer months are all too short; as the weather warms up we all want to get out and enjoy it as much as possible with our family and loved ones, which probably includes a furry friend of yours (or two).
Here are some friendly reminders and tips of the summer dangers for pets so that you are better prepared, and so your fun isn’t spoiled by a unsuspected emergency or illness:
Heat Stroke and How To Avoid It: A few precautions with your pet this summer will make you both happy.
- Hot cars: NEVER leave your pet locked in a hot car. Remember that cars heat up fast, even with a cracked window. Leaving your precious dog or cat inside for “just a minute” can be deadly. If you see a pet locked in a car for an extended amount of time, call your local animal authorities immediately as you could be saving their life from Heat Stroke.
- Hydration: Always keep a bottle of water on hand if you’re away from home and make sure that fresh cool water is available at all times. Do you have a collapsable bowl on hand? If at home, take extra precautions to make sure that your pet won’t accidentally spill the water when you’re away, leaving them without fluids. Can you secure the water dish?
- Outdoor Activities: If you are very active with your dog and run or jog with them daily do not plan long walks or hikes in the heat of the day. Try to change the time of day that you take them out to very early in the morning or later in the evening to miss the peak hot weather time, and pay attention to how your dog is responding. Of course, make sure you bring enough fresh water for both of you!
- Pet Housing: Check your pet housing and make sure your pet is kept cool and comfortable. If left outdoors, are they in the shade? Do they have fresh water at all times? Do you hose down your pet during the hotter summer months before leaving them at home alone for an extended amount of time? If your pet is indoors, is air conditioning an available option? Can you provide them with a cool bath indoors before you leave them for a while?
- Good Grooming: This is the utmost importance for your pet’s health and comfort. Does your pet need a full shave or just a trim of their coat? Get their paws and pads treated and nails clipped so they can walk on cool grass or dirt and check for any redness or pain. Tip: Aussie Pet Mobile (that’s right, a little self-promotion) offers a 15 Step Spa Grooming Package plus other special pet grooming services to cater to your animals. No need to drive your pet in a hot car and stress them out – our self-contained mobile grooming van comes to you!
Hopefully these tips offer you sound precautionary advice for your family and your pets to enjoy the summer months safely!
Help Team Aussie spread the word and share this post with your friends! And if you know of any other proven ideas, please feel free to share them with us.
Wishing you and your pet a safe and happy summer : )
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[...] If you missed Part 1: You can catch up here. [...]