Summertime Safety for Your Pet
As summer approaches, or maybe it’s already here when you are reading this, it’s important to be mindful of the changes in weather and how it can greatly effect our pets. If you have a pet that plays with you outdoors, such as a cat or a dog, summer means more time to enjoy with them.
So before school starts up again, now is also a great time to remind yourself about important facts regarding animal care for the summer and all year round.
1. Make Sure Your Pets Are Vaccinated
Summer is a time when families travel more and kids have more time to play outside in the sunshine. And if your family includes a dog, your pet will be out among other animals than usual. Also, some travel requires that your pet has necessary shots before crossing borders. That’s why now is a good time to ask your veterinarian of your animal’s shots are up to date.
2. Keep Your Pet Under Your Control
Strangers may not like your pets and could turn a great day into a big scene. Even if your pet is perfectly friendly and safe, some people have a fear of dogs and even your sweet pup runs up to say hello, the person may see the greeting as an attack. Always make sure that your pet is in your control, either well trained or on a leash. That way, everyone can have more fun.
3. Never Leave Your Pet In A Hot Vehicle
Remember that cars and trucks can kill a pet with heat. Every year people leave their dogs and cats in cars under a hot sun. Even with the window cracked, the heat can quickly become deadly. Leaving the air conditioning on when the family goes into a hamburger joint is okay, but always check occasionally to make sure that the vehicle is still running.
4. Make Sure That Your Pet Has A Tag With Information.
Your pet doesn’t have a cell phone to call home when lost, so make sure he always has his collar on. The dog or cat license from your town or city helps people return your pet if he or she runs off after a rabbit or another dog. For those pets with or without a license, also consider having a special tag made up with your phone number as well as your pet’s name. This way people who find your pet can call you directly.
5. Watch Out For Your Pet’s Feet, Sunburns And Dehydration
If you can feel it, so can your pet! If the sun is so hot that you can’t stand on the sidewalk, then it is too hot for your pet to stand on the sidewalk. If your nose is starting to blister from the sun, your pet’s nose is in danger of a burn. If you’re dehydrated and sweating then you and your pet both need water. If you have your pet tied up, make sure there is shade and fresh water.
Happy Summer!
And remember, your pet loves you and depends on you to love him or her back.
Pet’s don’t live as long as humans, so it’s important to take care of them and help make their lives as long as possible. For those are dealing with the death of a pet, here is how one of our writers dealt with the loss of her cat.
On the same subject, all of us with pets can take time to recognize the true value of every animal we spend time with as we care for them. They can become treasured friends that help us throughout our own lives. Read the story of Wally and Wuzzy.
