As temperatures soar during the summer months, it’s crucial to ensure your pets stay cool and hydrated to prevent heatstroke and other heat-related issues. Here are some tips to keep your pets safe and comfortable during excessive heat:
Provide Plenty of Fresh Water: Ensure your pets have access to fresh, clean water at all times. Consider adding ice cubes to their water bowls to keep the water cooler longer.
Limit Outdoor Activities: Avoid taking your pets out during the hottest parts of the day. Early morning or late evening walks are safer when the temperature is more manageable.
Create Cool Spaces: Use fans, air conditioning, and cooling mats to create a comfortable environment indoors. Make sure your pet has access to shaded areas if they are outside.
Never Leave Pets In A Parked Car: Even with the windows down, temperatures inside a car can skyrocket in minutes and can be fatal for pets.
Watch for Signs of Heatstroke: Heavy panting, difficulty breathing, excessive thirst, lethargy, dizziness, or unusual behaviro could all be signs of heatstroke. If you notice these symptoms, move your pet to a cooler area immediately and consult a veterinarian.
By taking these precautions, you can help ensure your pets enjoy the summer safely and comfortably.
The Fourth of July can be a fun time for families but a stressful ordeal for pets. The loud noises and bright flashes from fireworks can frighten pets, leading to anxiety or even escape attempts. Here are some best practices and quick tips to ensure your pet remains safe and calm during these celebrations:
Create A Safe Space: Set up a quiet, escape-proof area in your home where your pet can feel secure. This could be a room with closed windows and ambient noise form a TV or radio to mask the sounds of fireworks.
Update Identification: Ensure your pet’s identification tags are up-to-date and consider microchipping if not already done. This can be crucial if your pet manages to escape due to fear.
Densensitization: In the weeks leading up to the holiday, try to desensitize your pet to loud noises using sound recordings. Start with low volumens and gradually increase to higher levels to lessen their anxiety during actual fireworks.
Consult Your Vet: If your pet has severe anxiety, give us a call and consult one of our great veterinarians about possible solutions, including medications to help keep them calm.
Keep Them Inside: Even if your pet is usually calm, the unexpected loud noises can lead them to behave unpredictably. Keeping them indoors during celebrations can prevent them from running away.
Engage and Distract: Provide new toys and favorite treats during fireworks to keep your pet distracted and happy.
By planning ahead and taking these precautions, you can help ensure that the Fourth of July is a stress-free holiday for both you and your pets. Stay safe, and enjoy the celebrations!
