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Avoid
Injury During the Summer Months - Tips for Pet Owners
The
summer months can be dangerous for pets, and pet owners should take note of the
dangers. It's easy to forget that high temperatures, run-ins with wildlife, and
insect pests can all pose a threat to the health and well-being of your pet. So
here are some tips for pet owners to help avoid injury during the summer
months.
1.
Automobiles
While
it tends to get repeated, it's worth mentioning in any list of pet safety tips:
never leave your pet in a car in warm weather, even with the windows down. Pets
can't sweat like humans, and even if they could, a car can get so hot in so
little time that it can kill a pet. In fact, even a car parked in the shade can
get over 120 degrees in just a few minutes. If the heat doesn't kill your pet,
it can cause serious injury (brain damage) or illness (heat stroke).
2.
Lawns
Running
around in the grass is great for dogs, but be careful - lawns can be a source
of poison. Some people treat their lawns with chemicals to kill weeds or
insects. Lawn fertilizer is also commonly added to lawns in the summer. If pets
eat fertilizer or grass contaminated with weed killer or pesticide, it can make
them ill. It can even be fatal.
3.
Wildlife
Dogs
love to go exploring, and cats love to go hunting. But both of these things can
pose dangers to your pet.
-Skunks
can spray your dog with a nasty-smelling oil that, in addition to smelling
horrible, may actually pose some health problems to animals and humans.
-Raccoons
can carry rabies, and can injure or kill a dog or cat.
-Coyotes
come out at night and are becoming more and more prolific. They are also
learning that cats make easy prey. Be sure your pet is in at night to avoid
coyote attacks.
4.
Pests and Bugs
Fleas
and ticks are more than a nuisance. They are health threats that can carry
disease and infest your pet and home. Whether you choose natural or
conventional methods, your pet needs for you to be vigilant to prevent pests.
5.
General Cautions
When
you take your pet outdoors in summer, bring water. Make sure your pet has
access to shade. If possible, bring a portable, battery-operated fan to set up
in front of your pet. Try to walk your dog in the early morning and/or evening
so you're not out in the blazing daytime sun.
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