Safety tips for a perfect summer with your pet
Summer is a time of fun and adventure, and what better way to experience it than with your furry friends? Whether you’re planning a day at the beach, hiking through scenic trails, or hosting a backyard barbecue, it’s essential to keep your pets’ safety in mind. High temperatures and various outdoor hazards can pose risks to our beloved companions. To ensure your pets have a blast while staying safe, here are five crucial pet safety tips for summer activities:
1. Hydration is Key:
Just like us, pets can become dehydrated quickly, especially when engaged in outdoor activities during hot weather. Always carry a sufficient supply of fresh water and a portable bowl for your furry friend. Offer them water regularly, even if they don’t seem thirsty. Watch out for signs of dehydration, such as excessive panting, dry gums, lethargy, and loss of appetite. If you notice any of these signs, seek shade immediately and give your pet water. In severe cases, contact a veterinarian promptly.
2. Never Leave Pets in a Parked Car:
This tip cannot be emphasized enough – never leave your pets inside a parked car during summer. Even with the windows cracked open, the temperature inside a car can skyrocket to life-threatening levels within minutes, leading to heatstroke or even death. If you’re going somewhere that doesn’t allow pets, it’s best to leave them at home in a cool and comfortable environment.
3. Protect Those Paws:
Hot surfaces, like sand, asphalt, and concrete, can scorch your pet’s sensitive paw pads. Before going for a walk on a hot day, check the ground’s temperature by placing the back of your hand on it for a few seconds. If it’s too hot for you, it’s definitely too hot for your pet. Opt for walks during cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening. Consider investing in dog booties to protect their paws during extreme conditions.
4. Provide Adequate Shade and Rest Breaks:
Pets, like humans, can suffer from heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Ensure there is ample shade for your pets to retreat to during outdoor activities. If you’re spending the day at the beach or a park, bring along a large umbrella or set up a tent where your pet can relax and cool down. Additionally, don’t forget to take frequent rest breaks in shaded areas and allow your pet to recuperate before continuing with any physically demanding activities.
5. Be Cautious of Barbecue Hazards:
Backyard barbecues are a quintessential part of summer, but they can pose potential dangers to your pets. Keep your pets away from the grill and any hot surfaces to prevent burns. Many human foods, such as onions, garlic, chocolate, and xylitol (an artificial sweetener), are toxic to pets. Avoid feeding your furry friend any table scraps, and inform your guests about the importance of refraining from feeding them human food as well. Instead, prepare some pet-friendly treats to keep their taste buds satisfied.
6. Be aware of poisonous plants and foods:
There are many plants and foods that can be poisonous to pets. Be sure to do your research before you take your pet on a hike or barbecue.
Bonus Tip: Identification and Microchipping:
Accidents happen, and even the most well-behaved pets can get lost during outdoor activities. Make sure your pet wears a secure collar with an updated ID tag that includes your current contact information. Additionally, consider getting your pet microchipped, as this provides an added layer of identification that cannot be easily lost or removed. Hungry Tails have ID tags and everything you need for a summer. Check our website for more: www.hungrytailseb.com
In conclusion, with a little preparation and mindfulness, you can ensure your pets safety in the summer and have an enjoyable time. Keeping them hydrated, protected from the heat, and away from potential hazards will go a long way in making these outdoor adventures memorable for all the right reasons. So, go ahead and make the most of this beautiful season with your furry companions, and don’t forget to capture those precious moments of joy!
Looking for some recommendations? Check our blog about pet-friendly places in Boston here
