Summer brings on the heat and many other dangers to your pet.

Summer is a busy time of year with people going on holidays and enjoying the outdoors. Pets are walked more and spend more time outdoors and travel with their owners. It is important to keep some things in mind to make the best of your summer and keep your pets safe, happy, and healthy.

 Pets in vehicles – Vehicles increase in temperature very quickly in the summer months even on cloudy and rainy days. If you must leave you pet in the vehicle ensure it is only for a short period of time. 

Precautions to take

a) Roll windows down about 3 inches to give adequate air circulation without risk of your pet  escaping                                   

b) Have water available for you pet

c) Cover the windshield with a sunshield to reduce sun exposure to the vehicle and your pet

d) Lock all door to prevent people from letting your pets out

Your pet should never be left in a vehicle for longer than 20 min without supervision and it is advised to leave your pet at home when possible

Traffic and pets – Summer is busy and an increase in traffic is a result. Ensure all pets are on a leash when near a road or outside their home or yard. It is very easy for a pet to dash in front of a vehicle even when supervised. The risk is unnecessary and the consequence in most cases fatal.

Walking your pet – During walks you may encounter situations of heat stroke or burnt paws when it is really hot. Avoid walking your dog during midday when temperatures are at their hottest. Paws easily burn on the hot pavement and it is very easy for your dog to become dehydrated. If midday walks can not be avoid ensure you take water for your dog and allow them breaks in shady areas to cool down.  Alcohol swaps used on hot paws can also assist in cooling their paws.

Pets in your yard – After many long months of harsh winter weather fences can be worn and in need of repair. Ensure you do frequent perimeter checks of your yard to ensure there are no holes or gaps in the fencing, or underneath it, that your pet may fit through. It only takes one loose board or a small hole under the fence and your pet may get out.

Before letting any pets outside do a quick gate check to ensure all gates are latched securely to avoid any unexpected escapes.