How to Take Care of Your Pets This Summer
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Now that the summer is approaching, it’s time to start getting out in the outdoors and enjoying all that the season has to offer. However, as the temperatures start to rise, making sure your pet is safe should be at the top of the priority list. If you are a new pet owner, you may be unsure about what to look out for to reduce the risk of illness and disease. As such, this blog will come in handy, as it will provide some helpful tips to keep in mind.
Check out the tips below on how to take care of your pets this summer:
Be aware of illnesses
Instantly spotting the signs that your dog is sick could save their life. When it comes to heatstroke, for example, some of the symptoms to be aware of include:
- Heavy panting
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Glossy eyes
- Extreme salivation
- Lack of consciousness
If you notice any of these symptoms, it would be advised to call your vet immediately. If you have been considering changing your pet’s veterinary practice recently or are yet to sign up, why not try easyvet.com? This practice carries out full veterinary checks and will provide the highest-quality treatment for your pet.
Avoid sun exposure
Unlike humans, pets have thick fur, which keeps their body temperatures high throughout the year. Therefore, it can be difficult for them to cool down when exposed to the summer sun. Dogs, for example, pant when they are hot and tend to search for a cool place to rest. It would be wise to pay close attention to your pet on particularly hot days and ensure they stay out of the sun from mid-morning to the middle of the afternoon. If sun exposure is unavoidable, ensure they have a place to relax in the shade and have enough water to stay hydrated.
Don’t shave your dog
Some dog owners believe that the best way to prevent their pooch from overheating is to shave their coat. However, this can have the opposite effect. Their coat may be very warm, but it acts as a form of protection from the sun’s rays. Exposed and bare skin can lead to the risk of sunburn and heatstroke. If you wish to use sunscreen on your pet, ensure that it is certified specifically for pet use.
Never leave your dog in a hot car
You may have heard this many times, but you should never leave your dog in a hot car. Did you know that it can take just a matter of minutes for your dog to collapse? Even if you park your car in the shade and leave the windows open, the car temperature can reach up to 120 degrees, which could pose serious risks to your dog’s health and even lead to death.
It would be on the safe side to leave your dog at home on very hot and humid days, but if it is necessary to bring them along on the journey, ensure that they have a cooling blanket and a bowl of water to prevent potential overheating.
