Summer is here and you want to get yourself and your animals outside! But there are some things to remember when it comes to keeping your four-legged family members safe and healthy during the summer months. Below are some dos and don’ts for animal safety.
DO: Use sunscreen. Dogs can get cancer, just like humans. Their fur does provide protection, but applying an animal-centric sun block is never a bad idea.
DON’T: Cut coats short. You may want to, it makes sense, but don’t do it. Long hair that is brushed and not matted will provide better circulation.
DON’T: Leave animals in a hot car. This is a given, and people are hyper vigilant about it these days. The rule of thumb: don’t leave young children or animals alone in a car. Ever.
DON’T: Leave animals unsupervised by swimming pools or lakes. Not all animals will know how to get out of a pool so show them where the stairs are and have them wear life vests while swimming in large bodies of water.
DO: Watch for bugs. Pet-friendly bug sprays are out there, and your veterinarian can recommend meds for parasite prevention.
DON’T: Plant lilies or azaleas. These plants, though pretty, are toxic to canines and felines. And don’t leave plant food out. Some ingredients in plant food are toxic to animals so lock that stuff up. DO: Steer clear of fireworks. Not only do they scare animals when set off, dogs can ingest them and get severely sick. So like the plant food, lock the fireworks away.
For more tips on pet safety during the summer, call us at Vale Park 219-5785.
Sources: Prevention.com
