Warm Weather Pet Care

As the weather grows warmer we often want to enjoy the great outdoors with our whole family, which of course includes our pets. As with any season, there are dangers to be aware of as summer gives us that sweltering Tennessee heat along with harmful bugs. When taking your furry friends along with you, just being mindful of a few things will help keep them safe and happy.

Here are some tips for warm weather pet safety:

Fresh Water
Always make sure your pet has plenty of fresh water available to them. If going out to a bonfire, camping, hiking or any outdoor activity, make sure to take water for your pet as well as yourself.

Know the signs of heat stroke
According to the ASPCA website: “Symptoms of  overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse. They can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomit along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees. Animals with flat faces, like Pugs and Persian cats, are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively. These pets, along with the elderly, the overweight, and those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible. ”

Vet visit
Before letting your pet run around in the yard or wherever bugs may be, make sure they are up to date on their heart worm medication as well as flea and tick medicine.

Take them inside
Never ever leave a pet in a car during a hot day. Even with the windows cracked a car baking in the sun can quickly become a furnace and cause heat stroke. Also, a doghouse can heat up rather quickly so let your pet in the air conditioning on extremely hot days.

Grooming and brushing
Make sure your pet is equipped for the heat by trimming their coat and regularly brushing them. Cats can benefit greatly from regular brushings during the summer months.

PLANT HAZARDS

Pet owners also need to be aware that animals may try to get out a window or door, which are more likely to be open as the weather warms. And some plants in your garden can be hazardous to animals. For instance, many lilies are very poisonous to cats. Visit the Animal Poison Control Center to find out which plants and flowers are poisonous to animals.

Download Free App

The American Red Cross offers a cool free Pet First Aid App on Google Play and App Store. You can also text: “GETPET” to 90999.