06/20/2025
First Day of Summer: The days are growing even longer—and hotter—starting today! That means it’s the perfect time to remind everyone about keeping your fur kids cool, healthy, and happy all summer long! So, to make sure you are prepared for whatever comes your way this summer, check out a few summer safety tips from the experts at the ASPCA. And click the link to see the ASPCA’s entire list! https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/hot-weather-safety-tips
• Visit the vet for an early-summer checkup. Make sure your pets get tested for heartworm if they aren’t on year-round preventative medication.
• Know the symptoms of overheating in pets, which include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse. Symptoms can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomit along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees.
• Feel free to trim longer hair on your dog, but never shave your dog. The layers of dogs’ coats protect them from overheating and sunburn. Brushing cats more often than usual can prevent problems caused by excessive heat. And be sure that any sunscreen or insect repellent product you use on your pets is labeled specifically for use on animals.
• Don’t let dogs linger on hot asphalt when the temperature is very high. Being so close to the ground, your pooch’s body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. Keep walks during these times to a minimum.
• Use caution when using herbicides and insectides. When applying these products to your yard it is best to keep your pet away from the area being treated, follow directions on the packaging and prevent your pet from accessing the area until it is dry or has been appropriately watered. Fertilizer exposures are so more common in the summer, and while typically not serious, they can cause some stomach upset and should still be treated seriously. Keep fertilizers out of reach and your pet out of the treated area until it is dry. Additionally, keep citronella candles, tiki torch products and insect coils of out pets’ reach as well.
• Be mindful of what you are planting in your garden. Being outdoors means more exposure to different types of plants -- both ornamental and garden plants. It’s important to familiarize yourself with the plants in your yard or garden and the potential hazard they may pose to your pets. Identifying possibly harmful plants ahead of time may prevent unwanted exposures. Always keep an eye on your pet when they are outside as even non-toxic plants can cause stomach upset if ingested.
