Essential Summer Safety Tips for Pet Owners

Summer months are just around the corner. And all pet parents know what that means - outdoor fun for the whole family. Humans, just like animals, can't wait to go outside when the weather gets nice. That is when we all stretch our legs, cool off in the water, and enjoy the warm air. But, nice weather comes with some risks too. If you are not careful, you may compromise the health (and maybe even life) of your four-legged best friend. However, there is nothing to fear. We will share with you some essential summer safety tips for pet owners that will help you keep your pet safe, healthy, and happy. So, if this is something you and your pet need, keep on reading.

Microchip Your Pet

Microchipping your pets is of crucial importance. This is especially true during summer months when walks become a daily thing and when front doors are always open. Pets, that is, cats and dogs, have a tendency to wander off and get lost. And, if they are not chipped or tagged, the chances of you finding them will be relatively low.

Thus, be a responsible pet parent and chip or tag your pets. You can do this at your pet's vet! And, if this is something you have done already, check whether all the chips and tags are functional and up to date. All chips and tags contain data about you and your pet, so be sure to update it if something changes.

Watch Out for Ticks and Fleas

Summer is when all pests like ticks and fleas hide in the grass, wait for pets to approach, and then munch on them. Don't underestimate the power of these pests. They can be transmitters of various serious diseases that can be life-threatening to your pet and you and your entire family. So, one of the most essential summer safety tips for pet owners we can give you is to find a way to protect your pet from ticks and fleas.

There are many ways you can do this. For instance, you can give them an anti-tick and flea bath using the right kind of protection shampoo. Or, you can put a flea and tick collar on them. However, according to recent research, what proved to be the best protection against ticks and fleas are drops that you can put on your pet's neck. And quite recently, edible tick and flea prevention pills have been the newest and the thing that provides the most protection. 

Of course, if you are not sure what to use, just ask your vet or the person working in a pet shop - they will be able to give you the best advice.

Schedule a Check-Up

Even if your pet is in excellent health, yearly vet check-ups are mandatory! This is when a vet checks your pet's overall health condition, prescribes medicine and vitamins, and tells you what to watch out for. So, call your vet and schedule an appointment.

It is also essential to do this if you plan on relocating with your pet during the summer months. You need to know what to expect! Relocations are extremely hard on pets, and if they have a medical problem, stress combined with hot weather can become a huge problem. So, don't postpone this - one vet check-up can save your pet's life.

Moreover, don't hesitate to call your vet even if you moved somewhere far away. Many vet stations nowadays offer 24/7 service, and you can call and discuss your pet's problem. Yes, that can be anytime and anywhere

Stay Cool and Hydrated

If you live somewhere where days (and nights) are extremely hot, it might be a good idea to keep your pets inside. Just make sure to pet-proof your home before you do so. Of course, you will have to leave your home every day to stretch those legs, but when you do, make sure it is either in the morning or evening when the weather becomes a bit cooler. Moreover, if possible, take your dog somewhere close to the water - they, just like us, love swimming on hot days. 

However, if you notice that your pet is acting strange (panting, confusion, vomiting, diarrhea, collapsing, etc.), be sure to reach your vet right away. Hot weather makes many animals experience a heat stroke which can be fatal if not treated immediately. Luckily, this is easy to treat - just take your pet inside and give it small sips of cool water. 

Protect Those Paws

When it comes to essential summer safety tips for pet owners, we cannot but mention the importance of protecting your dog's paws. Since they have been in the house for most of the day (because of the heat), they will zoom out as soon as you open your front door. But, you have to be careful with that - the streets will be scorching hot, and they will most likely burn your dog's paws pads. The best way to prevent that is to get your dog some dog shoes for hot weather. 

But, if your dog refuses to wear them and if it just can't get used to them, go for a walk only early in the morning. Or, just stay away from concrete streets. Then, put some dog creme on those little paws when you return. 

Be Careful Outside

One of the last but certainly not least essential summer safety tips for pets we can give you is to be really careful when being outside. Previously we mentioned being careful of the sun and heatstroke. But, now, we have to mention that you also must be cautious of heart attacks. Summers are when people celebrate a lot of things, and with celebrations come things such as fireworks. Pets are extremely terrified of them, and if you are not careful (if you don't take them inside and entertain them somehow), they might suffer from a heart attack.

Moreover, while outside, especially in areas with high grass or deep water, don't lose sight of your pet. Areas such as forests, meadows, etc., are homes to snakes! And snakes have a tendency to bite animals! And, areas with deep water, such as seas, lakes, rivers, etc., can be extremely dangerous to very young or old dogs who are not so good at swimming.  

A Summary of Summer Safety Tips for Pet Owners

As you have seen, there are many things to look out for when it comes to spending summers with your pets. We mentioned some of the most essential summer safety tips for pet owners, but be sure to do your own research and to even talk to your vet. The more advice, the merrier. That is, the more you know about keeping your pet safe during summer days, the safer, healthier, and happier you will all be! 

✍🏼 Natalie Taylor