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It doesn’t matter where you live, the summer months pose a lot of risks for your pets. Your pet may not always know what’s best for him, so you’ll have to be the best judge of safety. From extreme heat issues to outdoor-activity risks, follow these pet safety tips for summer fun.
Basic pet safety tips for summer
Learn pet car safety
Everyone who has their dog riding alongside them in the car is doing so because they love the companionship that taking their dog with them provides. It’s great bonding — plain and simple. However, unless your dog is a service dog, he can’t go with you into every store, bank, or restaurant. This means he has to stay in the car, which is often a bad idea, but particularly dangerous in the summer.
Within 10 minutes, a car’s internal temperature can rise nearly 20ºF. On an 85º day, that car becomes 105º in a short amount of time. Keeping the windows cracked or water in the car will not prevent potential heatstroke. Keep in mind that there are currently 16 states with laws that can charge you with animal cruelty for leaving the dog in a locked car, and many states allow bystanders or law enforcement to break a window to free a dog inside.
Also, when it comes to traveling with your dog (or any pet) in the car, make sure they are properly restrained. As Stephanie Mantilla, animal behaviorist at Curiosity Trained, told Mom.com, “A large dog can weigh as much as a human and become a dangerous projectile in a bad wreck.” Keep your animals and yourself safe in the event of an accident.
Always have fresh water on hand
Fresh water and access to shade are critical for your pets. While we primarily think of dogs and cats, don’t forget outdoor pets such as horses, chickens, or pigs.
“The first time I took Macy, our Labrador, to the park with the kids, I didn’t think about packing water for her,” a Los Angeles mom of two, Melanie, told Mom.com. “I ended up giving her all of my water to make sure she didn’t overheat. I didn’t forget the next time.”
Learn the signs of overheating in animals. Dogs and cats may pant or breathe heavily. Chickens and reptiles will open their mouths to allow fresh air to circulate through. With access to water and shade, your pets are able to cool themselves internally. And, if they happen to have a pool, they’ll probably cool themselves externally as well by jumping in.
Limit outdoor activities
Summer is here and you want to be outdoors. This is a healthy desire! You’ve probably taken your dog with you on hikes or to the park all spring. Remember that the summer boasts much hotter temperatures than the spring. Limit outdoor playtime to short periods. Refrain from taking dogs on long family hikes, especially if there isn’t a lot of shade on the trail.
If you do decide to take your dog with you, make sure you have a water supply for yourself and for him. Plan lots of rest stops and soak a bandana in cool water to put around his neck to help him keep his body temperature down. Many dogs won’t tell you they need a rest on a long adventure, so you need to be mindful of how long your dog is out and whether he needs a rest.
Learn outdoor risks in your area
Taking your dog out during the spring and summer is a lot of fun, but realize there are risks to your pet beyond overheating. When we lived in Colorado, my dog had an intense desire to play with snakes. Thankfully, she never encountered a rattlesnake, but she did have quite the run-in with an angry bull snake.
Mountain lions, coyotes, bears, boars, and all wild animals are threats to your pet. When outdoors in open spaces, be mindful of poisonous plants, such as oleander, ivy, and daffodil. Also, be on the lookout for traps meant for wild animals that can cause your pet a lot of harm. My brother’s dog was caught in a wild boar trap more than once. He didn’t get hurt, thankfully, but you can imagine the fright of your dog getting stuck in a trap designed to impale an animal.
Learn pet first aid
Most people will take the time to learn CPR and first aid when they have children but there is also pet first aid you can learn as well. Pet parent classes are offered by organizations such as the American Red Cross and teach you common health emergencies, their warning signs, and what to do.
You can learn to deal with a choking cat, deal with a snake bite, cool an overheated dog, and even perform CPR on your favorite four-legged friend. If you do a lot of outdoor activities with your dog in areas where snakes are common, you may also consider special snake aversion training. This would have taught my dog that snakes aren’t toys to play with.
What to do if your (or anyone's) pet is in trouble
Sometimes pets get hurt: dog fights, interactions with wild animals, falls, or being hit by a car. Animals can't tell you what is wrong, but if you pay attention, you can tell they need help.
An animal in pain will exhibit some or all of the following signs:
- Pacing
- Restlessness
- Licking or biting at the injured area
- Protecting the injured area
- Yelping or howling when touched
- Increased respiration
- Scratching or shaking painful area
Here are come common scenarios with action steps:
- Dog locked in car: Learn the state laws about breaking the glass. Try to have someone distract the dog on one side and break the glass away from him. Offer fresh water and soak his coat to cool him off.
- Car collision: Approach the animal with care, as they may nip and bite out of fear. Use a shirt or leash as a temporary muzzle. Wrap the animal in a jacket or blanket to help avoid shock. Seek medical attention immediately.
- Choking dog or cat: Perform the equivalent of an animal Heimlich maneuver by approaching the animal from behind, pulling up their hind legs, and compressing the abdomen.