As the temperature continues to heat up, protecting our furry companions is important to be aware of the hazards.
Safety tips from the American Society to Prevent Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA):
* Visit the vet for an early-summer checkup—test for heartworm.
* Give pets plenty of fresh, clean water as pets can get dehydrated quickly. Make sure your pets have a shady place to get out of the sun, be careful not to over-exercise them, and keep them indoors when it’s extremely hot.
* Know the symptoms of overheating in pets, which include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor, or even collapse. Symptoms can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea, and vomit along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees.
* Never leave your animals alone in a parked vehicle.
* Know that animals with flat faces, like Pugs and Persian cats, are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively.
* Do not leave pets unsupervised around a pool. Avoid letting them drink from the pool.
* Keep all unscreened windows or doors in your home closed and make sure adjustable screens are tightly secured.
* Feel free to trim longer hair on your dog but never shave your dog. The layers of dogs’ coats protect them from overheating and sunburn.
* Don’t let dogs linger on hot asphalt when the temperature is very high. Being so close to the ground, your pooch’s body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. Keep walks during these times to a minimum.
* Use caution when using herbicides and insecticides.
* Be mindful of what you are planting in your garden. It’s important to familiarize yourself with the plants in your yard or garden and the potential hazard they may pose to your pets.
* Beware of loud fireworks around pets.
For more information on pet safety and health, visit aspca.org/pet-care.