06/08/2025
Check out our Summer Safety Tips for Your Pet!!
Vehicles
1. Never leave a dog or cat in a car or truck even with the windows open. The rise in temperature can be deadly. It takes less than 10 minutes for a car to reach over 120 degrees if the outside temperature is only 80 degrees.
2. Riding in the back of a pickup truck may look fun but stops and turns are unsafe. Your dog could jump or fall out.
3. Don’t let your dog stick his head out the car window. Flying debris or roadside hazards can injure your dog.
4. When taking your dog in the car, make sure he is properly secured. In an accident, a dog without a harness becomes a projectile and can injure himself or others.
5. When having an outdoor gathering, know where your dog is at all times. Parked cars make cool places for dogs to sleep under.
6. Animals riding in open-topped vehicles may jump or fall out. Make sure your animals are seat belted securely for their own safety.
Hydration
7. Always make sure your animal has access to cool, clean drinking water. If you go outside, bring fresh water with you to replenish their bowl.
8. Do not let your dog drink pond, pool, ocean, or standing water. Bacteria, chemicals and salt are not good for your dog.
9. Many drinks that are safe for humans to consume are not safe for animals. Keep drinks with alcohol, artificial sweetener and caffeine away from your animal.
10. Watch for signs of dehydration: excessive drooling, panting, and lethargy. The animal will be thirsty prior to any signs of dehydration, so remember to always provide fresh, clean water.
11. If thirsty, a dog will drink from puddles that are inappropriate for them. Liquids such as antifreeze are deadly.
Fourth or July/Barbeques
12. Cats and dogs don’t like fireworks. The bright lights and explosions will make your dog scared and confused. Make sure your animals are inside. Turning on the television or radio will distract them.
13. When having a party, confine your animals to a safe area where they will not be frightened or get out.
14. Many party foods are harmful to your pet. Common examples include onions, bones and corn cobs. Keep your dog away from Styrofoam plates and cups, plastic utensils, and other garbage that they should not be eating.
15. When having a barbeque, keep your animals away from flames, coals and hot utensils. Keep your animals from playing near candles or tiki torches that could be knocked over.
Summer Activities
16. When running with your dog, do so early morning or late evening. Dogs shouldn’t be exercised in the heat of the day. Blacktop can be too hot on paws.
17. Dogs love to swim! Even when they are exhausted, they will continue to swim. Call your dog out of the pool for periodic breaks.
18. Teach your dog how to exit the pool when he is done swimming. Be available to help if he gets stuck.
19. Always keep your dog on a leash when walking. Keep up to date ID in case he gets off the leash.
20. Meeting new dogs is fun but always ask the owner if his animal is friendly before you or your dog approach him.
21. Use flea and tick preventatives. Do routine tick checks on your animals, especially after hikes or walks through grassy areas.
22. Animals get sunburn too! Use sunscreen on short-haired dogs. Don’t let your cat sit in the sunny window all day.
23. When your dog plays outside, make sure he has access to shade. Provide multiple water sources for dogs and outdoor cats in case one gets knocked over.
24. Take your animals inside during storms. This will keep them cool and dry and protect from wind and debris.
25. If you don’t have air conditioning or a pool, there are creative ways to keep your pet cool! Try a kiddie pool, sprinkler, or hose.
