We all want to make the most of summer by packing each day with activities, outings, and events. But sometimes in our rush to do it all, we overlook our pet’s comfort and safety. Here are five ways to have a safer summer and avoid unexpected visits to Family Veterinary Care of Oakdale. 

1. Recognize heat-related risks for your pet

Summer heat is a sneaky threat that many pet parents underestimate. Sadly, this leads to countless veterinary emergencies every year as pets succumb to heat-related injuries and heatstroke—a potentially fatal emergency.

Whether summer takes you on the road or simply to your backyard, monitor the temperatures and humidity. Always provide plenty of fresh cool water and shade for your pet, avoid walking on hot asphalt, and take them indoors if you notice any discomfort, such as:

  • Excessive panting or drooling
  • Loss of coordination
  • Dullness or lethargy
  • Vomiting
  • Discolored gums (e.g., brick red, pale, or blue)

Certain pets are especially sensitive to heat, including young and elderly pets, brachycephalic (i.e., flat-faced) breeds such as pugs and bulldogs, and pets with obesity and other health conditions. 

2. Try some cool pet enrichment activities

When summer heats up, help your pet stay cool, hydrated, and entertained with some physically and mentally satisfying, fun activities. Our favorites include:

  • Frozen feast — Freeze your pet’s toys or treats in water for a refreshing treat. Alternatively, fill and freeze a hollow rubber toy or bone with your pet’s dry food soaked in low-sodium broth.
  • Puzzles and treat-dispensing toys — Banish boredom or extend your pet’s meal time with a slow-feeder bowl, puzzle toy, or treat-dispensing ball. Monitor your pet, encourage them, and prevent frustration or chewing.
  • Backyard dog pools and splash pads — Shallow water can be fun for all pets, including those who prefer dry land. Encourage your pet by tossing toys or treats into the water—or get in yourself!

3. Be wise about water safety for dogs

There’s nothing like spending the summer on the water, but if your dog is accompanying you to the pool, lake, pond, or ocean, keep in mind these key concepts:

  • Ensuring your pet wears a life vest — Canine life vests increase your pet’s visibility and buoyancy in the water. Select a vest with a top handle for easy lifting if your pet falls—or jumps—in.
  • Monitoring water quality — Avoid stagnant, murky, or film-covered water, which may harbor dangerous microorganisms, such as cyanobacteria (i.e., blue-green algae), giardia, or leptospirosis.
  • Limiting water consumption — Water toxicity is a life-threatening condition that occurs when pets consume too much water, often during play, and experience significant electrolyte imbalance.
  • Taking appropriate breaks — Excited pets don’t always know when to rest and can become exhausted or suffer heatstroke. Ensure your pet takes regular rest breaks and be prepared to end your outing early if your pet seems excessively tired or uncomfortable.

4. Soothe your anxious pet during stressful summer events

While nothing says summer like big, noisy gatherings, fireworks, and travel, these iconic events can be incredibly stressful and traumatic for sensitive pets. If your dog or cat is anxious, nervous, or fearful around strangers, loud noises, or unfamiliar environments, plan to protect their emotional and physical safety. This includes creating a quiet, secure space where they can retire, incorporating calming aids such as white noise and pheromone diffusers and, if necessary, asking your veterinarian about anti-anxiety medications. Always prioritize safety to prevent your pet from escaping, panicking, or suffering serious injury.

5. Cater to your pet’s safety with a pet-friendly cookout

With diligent supervision and care, your pet can be the guest of honor at your next backyard barbecue. Protect your pet from cookout-related hazards, such as:

  • Toxic foods — Keep harmful foods, including chocolate, onions, grapes, alcohol, and foods made with xylitol, out of your pet’s reach. Secure all trash to prevent scavenging. 
  • Choking hazards — Cooked meat bones can become lodged in your pet’s throat or splinter and cause internal lacerations or obstructions. Ensure you share only pet-safe foods.
  • Escape risks — Keep your dog on leash to prevent them from slipping through an open door or gate. Do not rely on others to monitor their whereabouts. 
  • Burn risks — Hot grills, searing meat, dripping grease, citronella candles, patio torches, and fireworks can attract curious pets and result in serious burns. Consider stationing the grill behind a pet-safe barrier to prevent injury.
  • Sharp objects — Tongs, forks, knives, and skewers can puncture pets and cause dangerous lacerations. Keep these items out of reach and ask guests to throw away their finished plates and uneaten food.

Keeping your pet safe from summer hazards doesn’t mean they have to miss out on the fun. By taking simple precautions and paying close attention to your pet’s well-being, you can make enough safe and happy memories to last until next summer.

Has it been a while since we’ve seen your pet? Don’t worry! You’re always welcome at Family Veterinary Care of Oakdale! Our caring team would love to hear from you and book your pet’s next visit.