Summer Safety Tips for Your Pet

Now that summertime is here, you may be looking forward to enjoying the beautiful weather with your pet, whether by taking a road trip together or delighting in a sunny afternoon in your backyard. But before you do, make sure to take these steps to safeguard them from common seasonal hazards.

Backyard barbecues

While you may enjoy inviting friends or family over for outdoor get-togethers, the extra noise and commotion can make your pet feel anxious. To help prevent them from getting overwhelmed, provide a quiet place they can stay in or retreat to, such as a room cooled by air-conditioning or a fan. Also, ensure there is fresh drinking water available both inside and outside. Most importantly, remind your guests to keep foods and beverages that are toxic to animals, such as chocolate, alcohol, and anything seasoned with garlic, away from your pet, and ask them to be careful when entering and exiting the house to reduce the chances of your pet sneaking outside (if not allowed out) or getting caught in a door.

Heat

Did you know that even in mild 68-degree weather, a car’s interior temperature can increase to 97 degrees in just thirty minutes? That’s why you should never leave your pet alone in your vehicle—a dog, for instance, can suffer heatstroke in as little as fifteen minutes in such conditions. If your pet can’t go to your destination with you, consider leaving them at home. As for their general outdoor time, limit it on especially hot days and give them access to shade and fresh water. And always walk your dog on grass instead of potentially scorching pavement; you can also use paw balm or booties to protect their feet from hot surfaces.

Pests

Pesky insects like fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes can make your pets itch and, worse, transfer diseases to them. For example, a mosquito can infect dogs, cats, and ferrets with heartworms, while ticks can spread Lyme disease to dogs and (far less likely) cats. Your pet can pick up such parasites anywhere but especially in tall grasses and wooded and other natural areas. Lower their exposure risk by keeping them away from these types of locales and washing and grooming them at least once a month. Consult with your vet to determine additional preventative measures that may be helpful, including scheduling vaccinations and giving your pet medication.

Travel

Vacationing with your pet can require some extra precautions as well. For road trips, acquire a travel crate or crash-tested harness to ensure that your pet is safe in case of an accident; in a few states, drivers can even face stiff penalties if a pet isn’t properly restrained in a vehicle. When flying, consult the airline’s pet policies beforehand for crate specifications, check-in instructions, and other regulations. If you’ll be traveling to another country, there may be further restrictions as well. However you travel, be sure to bring a well-fitting collar with an updated ID tag (in case you get separated) and plenty of kibble and water. Additionally, always keep your vet’s phone number and a pet-friendly first aid kit handy; your veterinarian can suggest what to pack in it.

Water

If you have a pool or would like to enjoy boating or another water-based activity with your furry friend, you’ll need to stay vigilant. For instance, cats may generally be averse to water, but a curious one may still investigate and accidentally fall in. Get a safety cover to block your pet’s access to your pool when it’s not in use, or consider fencing it in. Another possible solution is fitting your dog (or adventurous cat) with a suitable life jacket; get one that features a highly visible color, a chin pad to keep their head afloat, and a handle for lifting them out of the water.

Windows and doors

Open windows and doors can invite cool summer breezes inside, but they can also be dangerous for your pet, who can escape or fall through them. Install a front-door gate or pet-safe window screens to prevent any wayward wanderings or accidents. To avoid risk altogether, you could also consider keeping your windows and doors shut and turning on your home’s air-conditioning instead to cool your home.

Summer can certainly present some hazards for your pet, but if you remember to always keep their safety in mind, you can enjoy the season together relatively worry-free, no matter how you spend it.