Summer Safety Tips in Limerick
Who doesn’t love to bask in the warm sun, take a dip in the pool, or sit on the porch and watch thunderstorms roll in at nightfall? As wonderful as these things are, it’s important to keep your pet’s safety in mind, too. If you’d like to have them at your side to experience summer’s trademark moments, read our summer pet safety tips to ensure that your pet is happy and healthy at all times.
Protect Your Pet from the Heat
There is no reason your pet shouldn’t be able to enjoy the outdoors on a warm, sunny day, but there are several things to remember before you let them out into the yard:
- Keep fresh water in an accessible place, and see that your pet has adequate shade. If there is a heat advisory for the day, let your pet outside to do their business and sniff around for a few minutes, then usher them back inside.
- Never, ever leave your pet inside a parked car on a warm day. Your car's interior can heat up incredibly fast, turning 70 degrees to 90 degrees in mere minutes.
- Does your dog have a short, white coat and a pinkish nose and paw pads? If so, they’re vulnerable to sunburn. Try pet-friendly sunblock to keep your pup burn-free, or limit their time outdoors and make sure they have shade.
- Cool water and air conditioning are a pet’s best friend when the weather is sweltering. Always make sure your pet is hydrated and cool.
- Don’t walk your pet during midday—choose the early morning or evening instead, when the sun is low and the pavement is cooler. Hot pavement can easily burn your pet’s paw pads.
- If available, put out a kiddie pool and fill it with enough water for your pet to wade in—or you can put out the sprinkler.
Pool Rules for Pets
Boxers, Pugs, French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, and Boston Terriers are not natural swimmers and may need flotation vests (yes, they do make these for dogs) to keep their heads above water. Also, regardless of breed and how well they swim, your pet should never be left in a pool unattended, and they definitely should not be drinking the water, either.
Parasite Safety
People and pets aren’t the only ones coming out to play—ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes love summertime, too. If your pet is not taking flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives, have them tested for parasitic diseases and placed on preventatives as soon as possible! Some diseases, such as heartworm disease and Lyme disease, can be life-threatening.
Severe Weather Reminders
Some pets become so frightened during thunderstorms that they attempt to escape. Sometimes, these attempts are successful, and the pet goes missing. If your pet is fearful of severe weather, keep these things in mind:
- A microchip greatly increases your pet’s chances of being found and traced back to you. If your pet isn’t microchipped, call us at (610) 489-2848!
- Fear of thunder and other loud noises isn’t so uncommon among pets, and we can help treat it. Contact our animal hospital for advice and recommendations!
- Keep doors and windows secure in case your pet decides to try and slip out.
