Summer Pet Safety in Oak Park

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Summer can get a little sweltering in the city, which is not only uncomfortable for us, it can be unbearable for our pets. Cats and dogs cannot sweat like we do, making them more vulnerable to heatstroke. Additionally, other summer dangers include severe weather safety, lake safety, and parasite prevention. Below are some summer pet safety tips to keep your pet cool and happy during the summertime.

KEEPING PETS SAFE NO MATTER THE WEATHER

Between the extreme heat and severe storms, pets face a lot of dangers outdoors. Use these tips to keep your furry friend safe, rain or shine.

  • Take your dog’s daily walks earlier in the morning and later in the evening to avoid the hottest times of day.
  • Avoid walking on hot pavement, as it can burn your pet’s paws, and the heat radiating off the asphalt can raise your pet’s body temperature to danger levels, too.
  • If your pet is outside in warm weather for any length of time, make sure they have plenty of fresh, cool water to drink and a shady place to rest in.
  • When storms are in the forecast, bring your pet indoors well ahead of time to keep them from getting spooked. Additionally, if your pet is particularly anxious about storms, ask your veterinarian about anti-anxiety medication for them.
  • Always ensure your pet has proper identification on them in the even they do escape. A collar with ID tags is great, but a microchip is an even surer form of identification. Ask our animal hospital team about microchipping your pet!

SAFETY AT THE LAKE

Spending time at the lake is one of the best ways to enjoy the summer. Yet not all dogs are great swimmers and there are other dangers to look out for, so care needs to be taken by the water.

  • Make sure your dog has a lifejacket if they are unsure swimmers (and even if they’re great swimmers!). Lifejackets are essential for all dogs on a boat, just like the rest of your passengers.
  • Always watch your pet when they’re playing in the water. Even the strongest swimmers can tire out and risk drowning. Riptides could spell trouble, too, so be aware of beach warnings and swim in safe waters.
  • Don’t let your dog investigate beached fish or other objects that have washed ashore. If ingested, they could make your pet ill.
  • Keep in mind that dogs can get sunburned, particularly around their nose and sensitive ears. White, short-haired dogs are even more at risk, so use dog-safe sunscreen to protect them!

PLAYING IT SAFE WITH PARASITES

Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes (which carry heartworms) are all in their prime during the summer. Make sure your pet is up-to-date with their parasite prevention medication so they can avoid the bites of these bugs as well as the diseases they could be carrying. Indoor-only pets are at risk, too! Make An Appointment with your veterinarian if your pet is currently unprotected.

Have questions about our summer safety tips? Contact our animal hospital for answers as well as more information about summer safety for your cats and dogs.