Why Summer Conditions Demand Extra Pet Care
Heat, humidity, parasites, and outdoor activities can all take a toll on your pet. Dogs and cats are less efficient at cooling down than humans. Canines rely heavily on panting and minimal sweat glands in paws, while cats mostly seek out cool places to stretch out. If their body temperature rises too high, they can quickly suffer from heatstroke.
If your pet has been exposed to high heat or prolonged activity during hot weather, you should be alert for signs of heatstroke.
- Intense panting or drooling
- Lethargy or weakness
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Staggering or collapsing
- Seizures
If you suspect your pet is suffering from heatstroke, get them to a cool, shaded area immediately. Avoid extreme temperature changes like putting them in ice water. Contact the nearest emergency pet facility.
Summer Pet Safety Tips
Begin Summer with a Preventive Vet Visit
A yearly wellness exam ensures your pet is ready for summer fun. The veterinarian will confirm their vaccines are current, review their parasite prevention, and assess any health risks that could be worsened by heat or outdoor exposure.
Hydration Comes First
Always offer fresh water, indoors and out. Refill bowls often, and consider ice cubes or pet-safe frozen treats for cooling.
Avoid the Heat of the Day
Schedule walks and playtime early or late to reduce exposure to hot pavement and intense sunlight. Your pet’s paws and core temperature will thank you.
Offer Cool Retreats at Home
Fans, air conditioning, and shady areas can make a big difference. Tile or linoleum floors give pets a place to lie down and cool off naturally. AAHA has other cooling tips.
Use Caution Around Pools and Lakes
Not all pets are natural swimmers. Always supervise around water, provide flotation devices for deep water, and rinse off chlorine or lake water after a swim.
Protect from Pests and Poisons
Ticks, mosquitoes, and other parasites are more active in summer. Stay consistent with flea/tick and heartworm prevention. Also, be cautious of backyard hazards like fertilizers, grills, or toxic plants.
Keep Up with Grooming
Regular brushing helps remove excess fur and reduces overheating. Skip shaving double-coated breeds unless your vet recommends it for some medical reason. These coats provide valuable protection.
Ready Your Pet for Summer in Cave Spring, GA
Whether your pet is tagging along on outdoor adventures or enjoying a sunbeam by the window, a few smart precautions can help them stay safe this summer. Your pet deserves to thrive in the sunshine! Cave Spring Animal Hospital has veterinary services that keep pets healthy during summer, like vaccines and parasite prevention, in Cave Spring and for cats and dogs from surrounding areas such as Cedartown, Rome, and Centre. Schedule an appointment for your pet’s summer wellness check.