Summer Safety

Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, a time for both you and your pet to enjoy the sunshine and outdoors, but along with the fun, the season also offers up situations that can endanger your pet. By taking precautions, you can decrease the chance that disaster will happen.

• In nice weather you may be tempted to take your pet with you in the car while you travel or do errands. But during warm weather, the inside of your car can reach 120° in a matter of minutes, even if you're parked in the shade. Pets left in hot cars even briefly can suffer from heat exhaustion, heat stroke, brain damage, and death. Don't think that just because you'll be gone "just a minute" that your pet will be safe while you're gone.
• It is very dangerous, and in some states illegal, to drive with a dog in the back of a pick-up truck. Not only can flying debris cause serious injury, but a dog may be unintentionally thrown into traffic if the driver suddenly hits the brakes, swerves, or is hit by another car. Dogs should ride in the cab in a crate or wearing a seat belt harness designed for dogs. (Seat belt harnesses are available on the CPCRN website.)
• Summer is often a time when people fertilize their lawns and work in their gardens. But beware: Plant food, fertilizer, and insecticides can be fatal if your pet ingests them. In addition, more than 700 plants can produce physiologically active or toxic substances in sufficient amounts to cause harmful effects in animals.
• With people and dogs spending more time outside, dog bites are likely to increase in the summer months. Spaying or neutering your dog reduces the likelihood that he will bite and provides many other health benefits.
• Make sure your pet is always wearing a collar and identification tag. If you are separated from your pet, an ID tag may very well be his or her ticket home. (Enroll your dog in the Col. Potter Tag Program.)
• Pets and pools can equal disaster. Prevent free access to pools and always supervise a pet in a pool.
• Provide plenty of water and shade for your pets while they're enjoying the great outdoors so they can stay cool.
• Pets need exercise even when it is hot, but extra care needs to be taken with older dogs, short-nosed dogs, and those with thick coats. On very hot days, limit exercise to early morning or evening hours. Keep in mind that asphalt gets very hot and can burn your pet's paws.
• Check with your veterinarian about heartworm prevention medication. Heartworm disease, which is transmitted by mosquitoes, can be fatal in both dogs and cats.
• Another summertime threat is fleas and ticks. Use only flea and tick treatments recommended by your veterinarian. Some over-the-counter flea and tick products can be toxic, even when used according to instructions. (Frontline Plus is available on the CPCRN website.)
• Don't take your pets to crowded summer events such as concerts or fairs. The loud noises and crowds, combined with the heat, can be stressful and dangerous for pets. For your pet's well being, leave her at home.
• In summer heat your pet can suffer from heat exhaustion and heat stroke. These conditions are very serious and could cause death. You should be aware of the signs of heat stress, which could include heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse, unsteadiness, a staggering gait, vomiting, or a deep red or purple tongue. If your pet does become overheated, you need to immediately lower his body temperature. Move your pet into the shade and apply cool (not cold) water over his body to gradually lower his core body temperature. Let your pet drink small amounts of water or lick ice cubes. Most importantly, get him to a veterinarian immediately.

Information taken from The Humane Society of the United States.