07/29/2026
☀️💦 Hot Weather Reminder: Keep Your Pets Safe This Summer! 🐾
With the hot temperatures we’ve been experiencing lately, it’s important to remember that our pets can get sunburned, overheated, and dehydrated just like we can.
🐶 Sun Safety
• Pets with light-colored or thin coats are especially prone to sunburn.
• Apply a pet-safe sunscreen to exposed areas like the nose, ears, and belly if they’ll be spending time outdoors.
• Never use human sunscreen, as ingredients like zinc oxide can be toxic if ingested.
💧 Water Safety
• Always provide fresh, cool drinking water.
• If you’re spending time at the lake or pool, never assume your pet is a strong swimmer—use a properly fitted life jacket when needed and supervise them around water at all times.
• Rinse your pet off after swimming to remove chlorine, salt, or algae, and don’t allow them to drink from lakes, ponds, or pools.
⚠️ Watch Out for Blue-Green Algae
Warm weather can lead to harmful blue-green algae blooms in lakes and ponds. Even a small amount can be life-threatening if ingested. Avoid water that looks like pea soup, spilled green paint, or has thick surface scum. If your pet swims in or drinks from suspicious water, rinse them off immediately and contact your veterinarian right away.
🌡️ Know the Signs of Heatstroke
Seek veterinary care immediately if your pet is:
• Excessively panting or drooling
• Weak or lethargic
• Vomiting or having diarrhea
• Bright red or pale gums
• Collapsing or having difficulty walking
The best way to beat the heat is to exercise during the cooler parts of the day, provide plenty of shade and water, avoid hot pavement that can burn sensitive paw pads, and stay alert for hazards like harmful algae.
If you have any concerns about your pet during this heat, don’t hesitate to give our clinic a call. We’re here to help keep your furry family members safe, healthy, and comfortable all summer long!
