Keeping Your Pet Safe This Summer

Briarcrest Veterinary Clinic • May 22, 2018

It's official, summer is just around the corner.

Here are some tips to keep your pet safe this summer.

Keeping Your Pet Cool

For us humans, laying out in the summer sun can be the perfect way to spend a hot July afternoon. However, our furry companions may not feel the same way. It is very easy to forget that our pets do not regulate their body temperatures in the same way that we do. So while certain heat may feel slightly uncomfortable to us, it can be downright dangerous for our pets.

It may seem glaringly obvious, but furnishing your pet with a cool shaded area can make a world of difference. This accompanied with abundant fresh drinking water can help ensure that they do not succumb to the amplified summer heat. Although mindfulness and attention to your pet is an absolute must! Check in on your pet periodically. Do not leave them unattended in hot confined spaces. And remember that no one knows your pet better than you do. If your feline/canine companion is showing signs of distress, address it immediately.

And always remember that your pet needs to be kept cool right down to their paws!

As us humans have grown accustomed to the luxury of flip-flops, our pets know no such luxury. Black top pavement in direct summer heat can reach stifling temperatures and it is important not to forget that your pet is essentially walking barefoot. Going for a walk or maybe a brisk jog with your pet is excellent exercise and tons of fun. Though it is important to always be mindful of the type of heat you're exposing your pet to. In lieu of hot pavement, maybe seek out a cooler surface for your pet such as grass or dirt.

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