The sun is out, which means pets are out and about, too! Summertime isn’t just perfect for playing fetch at the dog park, though. It also brings plenty of potential dangers that require vigilance and awareness from pet parents.
As important educational resources for owners, pet retailers can help spread awareness of summer pet safety through in-store displays, online newsletters and social media posts. Here are a few key safety tips to share with customers this season.
1. Keep Pets Hydrated
All that fun in the sun can quickly leave pets dehydrated. Ensure animals have access to fresh, clean water at all times, especially when it’s hot or humid outside.
2. Practice Pool Safety
You may know how to doggy paddle, but not all pups take to water naturally. Just like children, dogs need to be gradually introduced to swimming and should be left alone around bodies of water. Discourage animals from drinking pool water and always rinse them off after swimming to remove salt or chemicals.
3. Help Pets Stay Cool
One of the biggest dangers of the summer is heat stress. Pet parents should be on the lookout for signs of overheating, including excessive panting, increased heart rate, drooling, muscle weakness, vomiting and even seizure or collapse.
Heat stroke can be avoided by keeping pets indoors during the hottest parts of the day and ensuring there’s ample shade while they’re outside.
4. Never Leave Pets Unattended in Cars
Even on mild days, temperatures inside a vehicle can climb quickly, which is dangerous for pets and humans, alike. Hundreds of pets die of heat exhaustion annually from being left in a hot car, so either bring them with you or better yet, leave them at home.
5. Prevent Burns
While longer haired dogs could use a trim, completely shaving pets’ fur actually leaves them susceptible to sunburns. If your pet is naturally hairless or has light colored hair, talk to your veterinarian about the bet sunscreen options.
Paws, too, can be burnt by hot pavement, so keeps walks short and consider investing in a paw wax or dog boots.
Source: Carly Lintz for Pet Business