For most of us, summertime is the best part of the year, and as we enjoy what the season has to offer, we bring along our pets. With that said, the warm sun, gorgeous sandy beaches, and inviting outdoors may bring about lurking dangers for your animal friend. What are summer dangers for pets.
I believe when you think of the summer, only pleasant thoughts cross the mind. This is usually the time to be up and about, go on vacations, and even hold pool parties with friends and family.
There is nothing wrong with including your pet in the fun summer activities. However, there are dangers that may jeopardize your pet’s health if caution is not taken.
But of course, I won’t go on and on about how you should not leave your pet alone in a car (well, you already know it’s summer, and the car will be hot anyway). Rather, I will hit the nail on the head and articulate the common summer dangers for your pet.
Summer dangers for pets
1. Spiders and snakes
Surprise, surprise! During the summer, there will be lots of snakes around, and don’t forget venomous ones are included on this list. Snakes can be dangerous for your pet, whether they are venomous or not.
Always ensure the grass is kept short, the yard is tidy with no clutter or piles, and the garage is kept clean. This will eliminate any potential hiding spots for snakes and poisonous spiders like the black widow.
Also, when taking a walk with your dog in wooded or grassy areas, stay alert and keep an eye out for snakes. In case the unfortunate happens, and your pet is bitten, you will get more guidance on what to do when you ask a vet free of extra costs.
2. Sunburns
We tend to automatically wear sunscreen when going out in the hot sun. This is because we want to protect our skins from the harmful UV rays from the sun. However, on most occasions, we forget about our pet friends.
Dogs, too, are at risk of getting severe sunburns and even cancer. Hence, the next time your dog or cat will be spending a considerable amount of time in the sun, use sunblock to protect him. Ensure the product is specifically designed for animal use and it’s safe.
3. Pollen allergies:
Sometimes, I think we are so much alike with our pets. For one thing, humans are not the only ones who potentially suffer from summer allergies. There are pets that get affected by pollens.
The allergy comes in the form of itchy skin. If you notice your dog is consistently scratching its coat, there is a possibility he has pollen or mold allergy. Consult with a veterinarian for the appropriate treatment.
Additionally, there is a serious condition that dogs may develop as a result of allergies. Pododermatitis in dogs is characterized by red, itchy, and swollen feet, which are often caused by seasonal allergies.
The consistent itching and scratching contribute to inflammation, redness, and pain.
4. Be wary of the plants in the garden
What kind of plants is toxic to pets? There are plants that may pose a health hazard to your pet if ingested. Check and ensure there are no dangerous plants in your garden, especially if your pet spends a significant amount of time there.
The plants which are not safe for pets include tulips, lilies, azaleas, and sago palms. Some of these plants can cause serious gastrointestinal stress in dogs.
5. Hot sidewalks
There are days the summer heat gets way above the rooftop, especially during the day. The outside temperatures may be as high as 100 degrees Fahrenheit, meaning the sidewalks and surfaces will be hot enough to cause severe burns on feet.
Now can you imagine walking your dog on such a hot sidewalk? Always use your hand to check the temperatures of the surfaces, and if you can’t hold on for 5 seconds, it’s definitely too hot for the pet.
The best thing to do is postpone the walks to a more favorable time of day, that is, in the mornings and evenings. At this time, the temperatures are cool enough for a relaxing walk with your pet friend.
6. Dehydration and heat
We all love summertime because the weather is simply perfect for spending quality time outdoors. With that said, this is also the time when the weather is too hot, and everyone is filling up water bottles and drinking tons of water.
But did you know pets feel the heat the same way we humans do? As a matter of fact, dogs can easily become overheated. Dehydration and heatstroke are actually among the most common summer threats dogs, and cats face.
Therefore, whenever you are outside with your pets, always be on the lookout for signs of dehydration or heatstroke.
Signs of heat stress include vomiting, excessive drool, lethargy, dry gums, sunken eyes, and decreased skin elasticity.
If the pet is vomiting or has diarrhea, rush him to a veterinarian immediately. These are potentially life-threatening signs of a heat stroke. Otherwise, there are ways to help your pet cool off better, like putting on a sprinkler, giving him cold treats, and creating kiddie pools.
7. Pools and standing water
Naturally, when the weather is hot, many people will find themselves spending more time at the pool. Well, for starters, you might love swimming, but that doesn’t mean your dog does.
In fact, a good number of pets don’t like swimming at all. Don’t get duped with what you see on YouTube and try to force your pet friend into the water.
For one thing, certain breeds of dogs may find it hard to swim properly and can even drown when there is no supervision. If you are taking your pet along on a boat ride, keep an eye on him. There is a chance he may jump overboard and drown or get hurt.
There are also flotation devices for pets that you can invest in. This will keep your pet safe when out on the beach or at the pool.
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