7 Steps to Safe and Super Fun Summer
June 21st is the official start of summer. But if you’re where we are, well below the Mason Dixon Line, it’s felt like summer since somewhere around mid-April. A Deceased Pet Care we love soaking in the sunshine, celebrating weekend get togethers, and making the most of our longer days. And since our pets are a part of the family, they’re almost always by our side. That’s why we’ve compiled a quick and easy list of how to celebrate summer 2018 in safety. The best part is your pet never has to leave your side.
1. Keep the Heat Under Control
This is the most crucial tip for your pet this summer, but it’s easy to remember because it’s hard to ignore. A glaring sun, and a sharp increase in temperature can lead to some pretty dangerous situations for your pet.
Just imagine how quickly you can become overwhelmed in summer heat. Depending on your breed of dog, reaching a critical heat point can happen almost twice as fast. It’s important to know the signs of heat stroke.
They are: red eyes, excessive panting, weakness, irritability, vomiting, or collapse. If you notice any of these signs in your pet, taking them to a cool place, provide them with fresh water, and give them a cool wet towel to lay on. In extreme cases, call your veterinarian.
2. Always Keep Clean Water on Hand
In that southern summer heat you’d almost never go anywhere without some backup hydration. Your pet needs that H2O 2x as much. Grab a simple collapsible water bowl at your local pet shop and bring it in your backpack with an extra bottle of water.
3. And Always Keep the Water Clean
Let’s face it, the water bowl is usually last on our pet priority list. In the summer months, it needs to be our first. If you have outdoor pet, keep and especially keen eye on the water bowl. Increased temperatures lead to quicker evaporation, consumption, and even exponential mold/algae growth. If you work a 9-5, consider caring for the water bowl on the bookends of your work day. If you have kids, it’s a quick an easy chore to add before an afternoon snack.
4. Keep Coats Clean not Cut
As humans, when the air heats up, we tend to trim out lovely locks. But contrary to common belief, you should avoid cutting your pet’s coat in the summer months. Your pet’s fur helps regulate body heat. If it’s trimmed too short, they could have a difficult time regulating their body temperature and increase their risk of heat stroke.
Instead of cutting fur short, just make sure you add fur brushing as a regular part of the schedule. Your carpets, and your pet with thank you.
5. Invest in Pet Paw Protection
Ever stumbled out of your house barefoot to grab the mail and had the soles of your feet cooked on the way to the mailbox? Each step sizzles the skin and it gets worse with every step. The same is true of your pet’s precious paws.
If you have an outdoor pet, make sure they have a shady spot to stand. Or, if you’re taking your indoor pet out for a walk or restroom break, stick to the grass. Avoid hard surfaces like concrete and asphalt which increase in intensity throughout the day. Better yet, avoid all the worries and invest in a set of pet paw protectors. You find them at any local pet shop or online.
If you notice your pet is limping and sensitive on the feet, put a little petroleum jelly on those paws to help soothe the seasonal damage.
6. Never Keep a Pet in a Car.
Pets often join us on errands, outdoor excursions, or days at the beach. Just like you should never and would never leave a baby in a car, the same is true of your canine counterpart.
In the summer months, a parked car can increase 19 degrees in just 10 minutes. That’s a quick climb that could lead your pet to severe dehydration, stroke, or even death. If you can’t take your pet inside with you, leave the a/c running. The extra gas will be well worth ensuring your pet is happy and healthy for seasons to come.
7. Ensure Summer Foods are Enjoyed in Moderation.
No this point isn’t for your waistline. It’s for your pet’s digestive health. It might be tempting otherwise, but Fido should avoid fatty grilled foods. Although delicious, it cause upset stomach and cause abdominal pain in your pet.
One small bite won’t hurt, but take care fido isn’t feeding on everyone’s leftovers. Also beware of corn cobs, peach pits, cherry pits, and other hard food by products. Once ingested by your pet, they can become lodged in the intestine and require medical attention to remove.
Summer is fun. Summer shared with a pet is even better. At Deceased Pet Care we want to ensure summer 2018 is a season to remember for all the right reasons. Follow these 7 suggestions and your summer is sure to be one with celebrating.