Safety Tips For Your Pets During The Summer

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP 

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Although the summer hasn't officially started, the warm weather has begun and the pools and beaches are open for your pleasure. Just as important as it is to keep yourself and children safe this summer, the same goes for your pets. Here are some helpful tips to help your pets stay healthy and safe this summer.

Make sure to have sunscreen handy to put on your pets. Like humans, pets can sometimes get sunburn on their bodies if they have light hair or a thin coat. Look to apply a fragrance free, non-staining, UVA and UVB barrier sunscreen or a special sunscreen made for pets so that it can help prevent your pet from being burned.

Make sure to have your pets stay in the shade and provide them with plenty of water. Pets also enjoy the warm weather and may become dehydrated after extended play outside. Providing plenty of fresh water to your pets can help prevent your dog or cat from being dehydrated.

Do not leave your pets in the car. Just as with children, leaving a pet in the car for even a few minutes can cause it to have heat stroke. Even on a 70-degree day, a car in direct sunlight can heat up to 100 degrees within minutes (http://goo.gl/QMSOK). 

Keep an eye on where your pets tend to roam. Many people use fertilizers and pesticides on their lawns in the summertime, which can be poisonous to cats and dogs. When clients walk their pets, they should avoid grassy areas that have been treated and take them to an area where they can run around and play.

Last but not least, make sure to keep your pets away from antifreeze. Antifreeze is poisonous to dogs and cats, but many pets are attracted to its scent and taste. When walking dogs, be alert to any spills, leaks, or containers of antifreeze that pets can accidentally ingest.

If you have any other concerns about your pet and the hot summer sun, please give us a call at one of the Bregman Vet Hospitals. We are here to help you and your pet in any way possible!