Summer Pet Care Tips
THE ANTI-CRUELTY SOCIETY URGES PROPER
PET CARE FOR THE SUMMER SEASON
Heat, Fireworks and More, Tips to Keep your Pets Safe and Happy
Spending sunny days outdoors with our pets is something we all enjoy in the summer months, but with the official start of the season, hot and humid weather can be dangerous for your pets. The Anti-Cruelty Society provides simple pet care tips to help you and your pet stay safe during the hot summer months.
Don’t let them overheat!
According to Dr. Robyn Barbiers, President of The Anti-Cruelty Society it is extremely important to know the signs and symptoms of overheating in pets.
“If your pets become too hot, they could suffer heatstroke. Signs include difficult, then rapid breathing or excessive panting, drooling, vomiting, increased heart rate, reddened tongue and gums, inability to get up, or even sudden collapse,” said Dr. Robyn Barbiers, President of The Anti-Cruelty Society. “If you see any of these signs during the hot summer months, emergency action is necessary. Bring your pet’s body temperature down immediately by covering it with cool (not cold) water, and have a veterinarian examine your pet”
Don’t forget your dog needs shade! State law (Illinois Humane Care for Animals Act) requires that if your dog is left outdoors, you must provide shelter, fresh water and food at all times. If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors in warm weather, make sure he or she has a sheltered area to cool down and rest, with plenty of fresh, cool water. Several bowls of water with ice cubes in them are recommended.
Cats should be kept indoors at all times, year-round, with plenty of fresh cool water and food. If allowed outdoors, cats should always be on leash and supervised at all times.
Limit long walks with your dog to the cooler hours in the morning or evening.
No Parking!
Never leave an animal in a parked car in warm weather! Even with windows open, the temperature inside can reach deadly heights in just a few minutes causing a heat stroke.
July 4th fireworks and pets don’t mix!
Cats and dogs have sensitive ears and fireworks can be really stressful for them. “Cats and dogs are frequently sensitive to loud noises, such as fireworks,” said Dr. Robyn. “Fireworks can really stress out your pets. Even fireworks heard from a distance can cause pets to panic.” Make sure cats and dogs are wearing current tags and microchip identification in case they get loose.
In order to keep your pets safe and calm during firework displays, keep your pets indoors, with curtains drawn and windows closed if possible. A television or radio playing in the background may help distract the pet during the displays. If your pets are extremely stressed out, talk to your veterinarian about an appropriate anti-anxiety medication.
Never use fireworks around pets! Fireworks can not only cause severe burns, but also can be toxic. Fireworks contain heavy metal substances and chemicals such as potassium nitrate, chlorates, copper, and arsenic to name a few. Not only are they dangerous for pets to be around, but if ingested can be fatal to your pet.
Heartworm season, fleas, ticks and more!
Make sure to visit your veterinarian for a summer checkup! Heartworm is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Each spring your dog should be tested for heartworm and placed on prevent medication. Fleas and ticks can lead to a variety of health problems for your animal. Use only preventive medication made specifically for your pet.
Keep pets away from anti-freeze!
Animals are attracted to the sweet taste of anti-freeze, which can be fatal if ingested. Keep all bottles out of pets’ reach, and be sure to clean up any spills that might occur if you engine overheats. If a cat or dog should swallow anti-freeze—or any other poison—contact your veterinarian or poison control immediately.
Splish Splash
Make sure your pets aren’t unsupervised near a pool – not all dogs are swimmers. Introduce your pets to water gradually. If in a pool try to keep your dog from drinking the water, chlorine and other chemicals can cause your dog to have an upset stomach. If boating with your dog, ensure they are wearing a flotation device.
Watch their feet!
With the increase in outdoor activity, you’ll want to watch your pet’s feet. If a cut pad or torn toenail occurs, use a styptic pencil or mushy soap to stop the bleeding. If the bleeding does not stop, take the animal to your veterinarian.
About The Anti-Cruelty Society
As Chicago’s oldest and largest animal welfare organization, The Anti-Cruelty Society is building a community of caring by helping pets and educating people through our comprehensive programs and services. We are a private, non-profit humane society providing an open door to any animal in need 365 days a year and help over 50,000 animals and humans each year through: adoption, charity veterinary clinic, low or no-cost spay/neuter clinic, cruelty investigation and rescue, humane education & community outreach, free behavior hotline, dog training classes, S.A.F.E. program (short-term accommodations for emergencies), The Bruckner Rehabilitation & Treatment Center and Virginia Butts Berger Cat Clinic.
