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Sunshine, butterflies, and flower blooms: summer is here! With all the beauty that comes with summer here in Stillwater, there are also the dangers of rising temperatures. Whether you’re strolling in our beautiful parks with your dog or patrolling your backyard with your cat, there are some precautions you can take to help keep them pawsitively safe.
1. Pause for Your Pet’s Paws
Our pets rely on their adorable paws to get around, and the pads are also the only place where dogs and cats sweat. While their paws may seem tough, they are vulnerable to being burned. Before letting your cat outside or taking your dog on a walk, check the temperature of the asphalt to prevent paw burns.
Place your hand palm-down on the surface. If you cannot hold it there for more than 10 seconds without feeling uncomfortable, it’s too hot for your pet to walk across. Instead, walk your dog in the grass or keep your cat inside.
2. Keep Your Pet Made in the Shade
Summer is the perfect time to relax in your backyard. If you plan on letting your pet join you for a bit of fun in the sun, be sure they have shade available to help them cool off.
If your backyard doesn’t already have a shady oasis for your pet, you can make one. Try a beach umbrella or set up a camping tent. These make the ideal spot for your pet to escape when the sun becomes unbearable.
3. Keep Your Pet Hydrated and Healthy
A hydrated hound is a healthy one. Don’t let your dog or cat become dehydrated as it can be fatal. Provide an easily accessible water bowl outside and place it in a shaded area so it doesn’t get too warm.
It can’t hurt to have a few extra water bowls indoors, as well, especially if you have a multi-pet household.
4. Pets Get Sunburned, Too
Sunburn is miserable for pets and people. If you’re planning a day outside with your dog, be sure to SPH their adorable nose. If you can see your dog’s skin through their coat, you should also apply pet-friendly sunscreen to their back, top of their head, and ears.
5. Never Leave Your Pet in the Car
Leaving your dog or cat in the car when you run into a store is never safe. Cars, even with the windows cracked, heat up quickly. On a 70º day, your car’s temperature can climb to 115º within 30 minutes. It’s never worth risking your pet’s life to run a quick errand.
6. Know the Signs of Heatstroke
Because our pets don’t sweat the same way we do, they rely on other means to lower their internal body temperatures. They can transfer their heat to a cool surface (which is why they often enjoy lying on cool tile), pant, and sweat through their paws.
If a pet becomes too hot and cannot cool down its core temperature, it can suffer heatstroke. Heatstroke can cause permanent damage to organs and potentially be fatal. Dogs are highly susceptible to heatstroke. Cats can suffer from heatstroke, as well, although it’s less common. Pets that are overweight, have thick coats, or have short snouts are at higher risk for heatstroke and heat-related illness.
If you notice your dog or cat is exhibiting signs of heatstroke like shaky muscles, excessive panting, red gums and tongue, weakness, and vomiting or diarrhea, act fast. Bring your pet into an air-conditioned area, provide them with cool water, wrap them in a wet towel, give us a call, and head our way.
7. Tell Bugs to “Buzz Off!”
Insects and summer go hand-in-hand. As temperatures rise, so do the number of active fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. Don’t let these bugs bother your pets and spread dangerous diseases. Leaving your pet unprotected for even a few days can result in a painful and possibly fatal diagnosis of heartworms or Lyme disease. Give your pet prescription flea, tick, and heartworm prevention year-round and don’t skip a dose.
When flea, tick, and heartworm prevention products are purchased through your veterinarian, they are backed by the manufacturer in the event your pet has an adverse reaction. Rivertown Animal Hospital provides significant savings on the cost with rebates offered at the time of purchase. The current rebate for 12 doses of Heartgard and 12 doses of NexGard is $75. Call us before September 30, 2020, to take advantage of this rebate.
We’re Here to Help Your Pet Stay Cool, Calm, and Collected This Summer
TWe hope you make the most of Stillwater and the surrounding area by planning some summer fun. If you have questions regarding your pet’s health or your pet is due for their checkup, make an appointment to see us soon.
Photo credit: Bicho_raro/iStock/Getty Images Plus