With long, sunny days and beach-worthy weather, what’s not to love about summer? But while summer can be a blast for us humans, it isn’t always the best time for our four-legged friends. Pets can quickly become overheated, burn their precious little paws, or get into food they shouldn’t be eating. So to make sure both you and your furry friend stay healthy and happy this summer, let’s discuss a few simple pet wellness tips.
First and foremost, it’s important that pets are staying cool in the hot summer weather. This is especially important for animals with thick, heavy fur because they can easily overheat. So whether you’re inside or outside, make sure to keep on eye on your pet for signs of overheating. Some common warning signs to be aware of can include things like panting, weakness, labored breathing, and trouble balancing or standing. If your pet seems to be too hot, make sure they’re cooled down with cold water and wet towels. But if your pet isn’t cooling down, contact your veterinarian right away.
Along with enjoying the heat, a common summer activity is setting off fireworks. And while fireworks are certainly fun for us, they’re often really scary for animals. Not only can your pet get frightened and try to run away, but fireworks can be dangerous for animals. Loud noises aren’t good for either humans or animals — already, about 20% of Americans suffer from some hearing loss. Being too close to fireworks can damage hearing or even cause other injuries. So if you’re watching fireworks this summer, make sure your pet stays at home, where you know they’ll be safe.
With all of the barbecues and parties that summer weather calls for, there’s bound to be food laying around your house that your pet shouldn’t get into. Inappropriate food can be damaging to both your pet’s teeth and their overall health. Humans tend to worry more about their own teeth and possible procedures they’ll need, like wisdom teeth removal, which about five million Americans have done each year. But our pet’s teeth are just as important! So make sure you’re not leaving food or other items around that your animal can get into. Instead, promote good dental and overall health by offering your furry friend appropriate chew treats. This way, they’ll have something yummy to snack on and won’t be tempted to get into other foods.
Summer weather can mean long walks and pool parties, which are fun for both us humans and our pets. But don’t let the sunshine go to your head and allow you to forget to care about your fur child. So make sure to keep these tips in mind and keep your pets in the best shape possible all summer long.
