You are not the only one who has been eagerly waiting for the summer. Pets too love summertime. It’s actually the best time of the year to be a furry friend. Think of running around on the warm beaches, walking in the sunshine, and enjoying more hours of daylight.
Who wouldn’t want all this fun? The fun part aside, summer can also be a stressful period for pet owners. There are many dangers in the vicinity that can put the life of pets at risk.
In order to enjoy the summer in peace and with no worries, it’s best to be prepared and ensure the safety of your furry friends.
And how else would you go about this! Knowledge is certainly the key to a whole world of immense summer fun with every member of your family including the four-legged ones.
Watch out for ticks
Ticks like furry animals and will not miss a chance to hide on your pet’s coat. Since pets will be spending more time outside, ticks are quite a real threat.
Every time you take your dog out for a walk especially in wooded areas, always check for ticks afterward. You can even make it a once a day routine.
Without proper precaution, ticks may often go unnoticed and significantly impact the health of your pet. If you spot it on your pup, use tweezers to remove it. Ask a vet free whether it’s necessary to bring it in for some testing.
Remember, ticks carry various diseases such as Lyme disease and hence should be taken seriously. Besides, the vet will issue effective medication for the ticks and preventative measures.
Grills and barbeques
Personally, I am guilty of this and would never miss a cookout or barbeque with friends. However, as we indulge ourselves in the tasty treats, we tend to entirely forget the host of perils for pets.
For starters, pets too will not miss out on the cookout especially if they will be feasting on all the scraps. Surprisingly, some of these tasty foods are harmful to pets and can bring about severe complications.
Plates lying around with food are inviting to the cats or dogs and will often lead to overheating. Aside from this, onions, raisins, garlic, chocolate, and grapes can be toxic to your pet friends especially when ingested in large quantities. Watermelon rinds, foods with bones, and corn cobs increase the risk of intestinal blockage in your pet. So take due care!
Bee stings
Curiosity will most likely get your cat or dog stung and the result won’t be so pleasing. The thing about pets is that when they hear the buzz sound, they will definitely feel compelled to investigate.
Bees are most active in the summer and their nests can be somewhere in the proximity.
If there are bees nearby, take precautionary measures to ensure your pet will not get itself stung. For instance, don’t let your dog leave the backyard and wander out of the home.
While in the majority of the cases, bee stings are harmless, they can cause excessive swelling and discomfort. Monitor the pet closely and notify your vet of any concerns.
Dehydration and heat stress
The fact that your pet will be spending a lot of time playing outdoors makes him susceptible to a heat stroke.
The short-nosed dog breeds such as bulldogs and Japanese chins are particularly at risk of overheating. Make fresh water available to your pets at all times especially in the hot summer where they are likely to get dehydrated.
In addition, when going for a long ride or walk, carry with you a portable water bowl.
If you suspect your pet might be dehydrated, try pinching the skin near the shoulder.
Elastic skin should return to its original shape immediately. However, if it takes time, there is a high possibility the pet is dehydrated and should be taken to a vet immediately.
Fertilizers and pesticides
Fertilizers and pesticides can be lethal to pets when ingested. When using pesticides to get rid of bugs, make sure the pets stay away from the freshly sprayed areas. The same goes for the fertilizers that you use in your garden.
There is no doubt fertilizers make the garden look green and posh but they are also a health hazard for the pets. While the majority of these chemicals are toxic, some pets find them palatable.
Therefore, take due caution and ensure your dog or cat does not ingest a fertilizer or even pesticides. Otherwise, you will have to deal with diarrhea, vomiting, and visits to a vet.
Be careful with pool water
Pets can be quite sensitive and that why it’s important to take good of them during the summer. If your pet likes splashing around in the water, let him be but make sure to rinse off with some clean water afterward.
A good number of people have no idea that the chlorine and other chemicals used in the pools can cause stomach distress in pets. In fact, pets should not ingest saltwater or pool water at any time. Also, the warm weather encourages the growth of bacteria in pools and this can cause illnesses.
Allergies
Some pets are actually allergic to things like pollen and some types of mold. In this regard, you have to take care of your allergic pet the same way you would with an asthmatic child.
This includes properly cleaning the house and ensuring there are possibly no allergens in the home. In pets, an allergic reaction presents itself in the form of itchy skin which might progress into pododermatitis in dogs. Mostly, the vet will prescribe allergy shots to alleviate the symptoms.
Grooming and extra fur
Every pet owner should have a grooming routine for furry friends. Don’t be tempted to shave down your dog’s fur because it protects him from the hot sun. Instead, brush the pet regularly to get rid of excess fur. In case he requires a trim, take him to a professional groomer who will know exactly what to do.
