Top Summer Tips for Pet Safety

 THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Summer is prime time for those family vacations, backyard BBQs, and being outdoors. All of which can be enjoyed with your pets, so long as you take the right precautions.

Here are some summer tips on how to make sure your pets are ready for what this season has in store:

Hot Weather:

• Never leave a pet in a car on a hot day - cracking a window isn't going to cut it. We all know how much hotter the inside of a car can get when sitting for just 10 minutes. Pets can only withstand a higher body temperature for a very short time before suffering irreparable brain damage or even death.
• Be safe outdoors- pets can easily get overheated. Make sure your pet stays cool outside by always providing shade and cool water.
• Adjust your pet's exercise routine - exercise in early morning or evening hours for cooler temperatures. Keep in mind asphalt gets very hot and can burn your pet's paws.
• Watch for heat stroke - Call your vet immediately. Signs of heatstroke include bright red tongue and gums, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive panting, and a body temperature of 105-110 degrees. If this happens, get your pet out of the heat, lay him on cool shaded grass and pour cool water over him. You can also give small amounts of water or ice cubes

Water Safety:

• Don't leave pets unsupervised around pools - not all dogs are good swimmers. Even if they know how to swim, they may not know how to get out
• Practice safety on boats - make sure your pet wears a flotation device and is rinsed off after swimming in the ocean

Backyard Safety:

• Don't allow your pet to partake in parties - human foods and drinks aren't always fit for pets to consume. Certain foods and drinks can be detrimental to a pets health

Traveling with your pet:

• Pack smart - make sure all necessary supplies and food are packed for your trip. Check out hotels ahead of time to be certain they allow pets
• Make sure your pet is health - set up an appointment with your vet before you begin your journey
• Don't schedule air flights during peak hours - peak periods usually mean delays and stopovers with your pet in a crate for a longer period of time. Try early morning or evening flights to avoid this, bonus is it won’t be as hot either.