Summer Pet Safety Tips for St. Paul
Summer is a favorite season for many of us, including our pets! Longer walks outside, more adventures hiking with the family, and sun-bathing are all favorite summer pastimes. Yet, the summer season can bring about dangers, too. At St. Paul Pet Hospital, we want you to enjoy as much quality time with your pet outdoors as possible, so take these tips into consideration to maximize your summer fun! If you have any questions, give us a call at (651) 789-6275.
Heat Safety for Dogs & Cats
Dogs and cats are more vulnerable to heatstroke than us due to their furry coats and inability to sweat as we do. Therefore, they need some extra help in order to weather the summer sun. Follow these tips to help your pet stay cool:
If the day is especially warm, keep the outdoor activity to a minimum.
Take your daily walks earlier in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the hottest time of day.
Never leave your pet in a parked car. Even on a mild 70-degree day, the temperature inside the car can reach dangerous levels in mere minutes. Don’t risk it!
If your pet is outdoors on a warm day for any length of time, make sure they have a shady place to relax in as well as plenty of fresh, cool water to drink.
Be wary of walking on asphalt as the pavement can get to paw-burning temperatures quite easily in the sun.
Water Safety for Dogs & Cats
In our area, swimming and boating are great ways to enjoy the warm summer days, but being around the water could present some dangers for your pet!
Here are some tips to help you keep them safe:
Don’t let your pet swim in or drink stagnant water. Leptospira and other bacteria can be rampant in these waters, so they are best avoided!
Get a lifejacket for your dog or cat while out on a boat. Just like everyone else on board, your pet could potentially fall overboard, and while some pets are good swimmers, its better to play it on the safe side.
Blue-green algae have been known to form in our lakes, so stay on top of any warnings. This microorganism can be fatal to dogs.
Give your pet a good rinse after every swim and be sure to clean out their ears. This prevents skin irritation and ear infections.
Keep Up with Parasite Prevention
We recommend parasite prevention all year round for good reason. Parasites such as fleas, ticks, and heartworms are a serious threat to your pet’s health and consistent parasite prevention is the single most effective method of avoiding them. The summer is one of the most important seasons to keep up with these medications. Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes (which carry heartworms) are out in force, and they can cause not only irritation but disease, too. Protect your pet with effective parasite prevention. If your pet is currently unprotected, contact us at (651) 789-6275 for your pet’s best options!