How Can I Keep My Pets Safe This Summer?

Well, we had a lovely warm start to spring and now it seems to have cooled off a bit. But I’m not complaining because it feels like just yesterday we were battling lake effect snow and sub-zero wind chills. But now is a great time to re-familiarize ourselves with summer tips, reminders, and protocols on how to keep our furry friends safe during these warmer months of the year.

Overheating: This might be what we all think about when it comes to the summer weather and keeping our animals safe. Watch out for signs of overheating in dogs including excessive panting, difficulty breathing, drooling, weakness, bright or dark red gums, etc. Heat tolerance can also be dog-specific. Our policy at Mint Leash Club is to reduce time outdoors significantly with all dogs once the heat index hits 90°. Dogs who are more sensitive to heat, including seniors, flat-faced, and/or thick-coated pups, might need reduced outdoor time in lower temps, usually once it hits around 77° we are exercising caution. Overheating can be a concern for cats too, even indoor ones. Make sure they have access to cool areas especially if you do not have central AC. In our household we don’t mind it a bit warmer and usually don’t turn on our AC until its pretty toasty outside. We definitely notice a very specific indoor temp (77° in fact!) where our cat is more uncomfortable and sometimes pants after even light play. We know now to turn on the AC before it hits that point!

Hydration: Sounds like a no-brainer, but keep those pups hydrated while out on long walks or any time spent in the heat! We at Mint Leash Club always steer clear of any shared water bowls that businesses and home owners (very generously) put out. Why? Just due to the risk of spreading things like dog flu, giardia, etc and the slim possibility the water could be old and/or contaminated. Instead we carry a pup flask. You can also bring your own water bottle and a plastic or foldable water dish with you on long, hotter, more intense hikes/walks.

Pavement heat: When its hot and sunny outside, make sure to check asphalt and pavement temps. If you can’t keep your hand on the surface for at least 10 seconds, its too hot for your pup!

Ticks: I feel like they say this ever year, but they say tick season will be bad this year. Even city and suburban folks are reporting getting ticks on their dogs outside of wooded areas where you might expect them to be. After each walk, especially in a wooded or grassy area, check your dog thoroughly so you can pull any ticks out of their fur before they can attach. If you hike a lot with your dog you should be using some type of flea and tick defense, either a preventative, bug spray like permethrin, or topical solution. Read directions carefully to keep your dog (and you!) safe.

Pets in cars: Do we still need to be talking about this? Temps soar quickly inside a car on a warm sunny day (cracking the window makes little difference). After only 10 minutes temps can be 19° hotter than outside, after an hour over 40°. That’s relative to any temp (whether its 70° or 110° outside). So if you think its ok to leave your pet in the car on a 75° day, after an hour it can soar up to a dangerous 115°.

Window screens: Be mindful of how far your windows are open on nice days. Make sure your screens are securely installed, and do not open windows enough to where a pet can easily squeeze through or lay/put pressure on the screen. Remember our cats can squeeze through tiny gaps if they’re really determined!

Swimming: Gradually introduce your pup to water, and they should always be wearing a flotation device around deep water or while on a boat. Make sure plenty of fresh water is available to them to reduce ingestion of pool or lake water. Always rinse your dog off after swimming to wash off chlorine, dirt, salt, or other residue.

We at Mint Leash Club wish you a long, beautiful, healthy summer season!

Sources:

Aspca.org

Redcross.org

Avma.org