Warm Weather Pet Safety Tips

• Heat Stroke
• Water Safety
• Antifreeze
• Vacation
• Fireworks

Heat Stroke:

• Hazards that put pets at risk:
• Hot Cars .... the best resource the webmaster has found on this subject is the awesome site My Dog is Cool
• Unattended Yard Dogs - on long hot days, animals are at risk when they are left unattended outside.  Why?  Because shade moves so they wind up in the direct sun water bowls can be spilled so they are at risk of being dehydrated
• Jogging - unlike humans, who can wear lighter and cooler clothing while jogging on hot days, dogs are still wearing their fur coats.  Even worse, unlike humans they can only sweat through their paws and cool down by panting on a hot day.  Yet they will still faithfully try to keep up with their best friend.  Protect your four footed jogging partner by choosing the cooler times of early morning or late evening.
• Special Note:  in all species, the very young and the elders are more at risk with the heat.   Indoor pets may still need an extra fan at floor level to help keep cool.   Longer leash walks and boisterous play sessions are safer in the early mornings or in the evening.

Signs of Heat Stroke:

• Excessive panting
• Vomiting
• Seizures
• Body Temp of 104 -110 F
• Red or dark pink gums
• Staggering
• Bloody diarrhea
• Coma

Special Note:   Pets with heart or respiratory problems are at greater risk for heat stroke.

• life jackets are a great way to protect all pets ... even those who can swim.  Look for a life jacket that will keep the pets head elevated.  Life jackets with handlegrips on the back will make it easier to lift pets back in the boat if they fall or jump out.
• do not leave any pet unattended by a swimming pool.  If the cover or a solar cover, is on the pool pets can become trapped and be unable to get out.  If the cover is off the pool, pets may not be able to get out safely if they jump in.
• Be aware of any pollution watches in your area.  If you wouldn't let your children swim in a river or lake, please don't put your pets at risk
• Be careful along any river.  Fisherman sometimes have to cut tangled lines, leaving hooks for the unwary.   Avoid popular party spots as there is a high possibility there will be broken glass hazards.

• Always have ID on your pets
• Make sure you pack all prescriptions ... bring vet records for anyone with special health issues
• Bring your regular vets phone number, jic
• Plan on picnicking ... never leave pets in hot cars while going into restaurants .. even a few minutes can cause a tragedy
• Many people move in the summer.  For tips on moving with pets, Click Here

Many pets are terrified of fireworks and every year on every holiday beloved family pets are lost when they panic at the noise.  Protect your pets by keeping them on a leash, even in fenced yards, when there are fireworks planned in your area.