Summer Pet Safety Tips from Your Dallas Veterinarian

Whether you and your pet prefer to take it easy during the summer or go out in search of adventure, always keep their safety foremost in mind. Texas summers can be unforgiving, especially for our four-legged friends, but being mindful of their needs and taking extra time to prepare for potential hazards can keep them safe and happy.

How To Prevent Heatstroke in Pets

Summer heat is a major health concern for people and their pets. Heatstroke affects dogs and cats, too, and it can strike very quickly.

• Never, ever leave your pet inside a parked car. Even a mild, 70-degree day can turn into a 90-degree day inside your car in just a few minutes.
• Don’t leave your pet outside unattended for more than a few minutes and without fresh water and shade.
• Keep outdoor exercise brief, and opt for walking your dog in the early morning or evening when the sun is low and the ground is cooler. If the pavement is too hot for you to walk on barefoot, it’s also too hot for your pet!
• Does your dog have a short, light coat? They could be prone to sunburn! Ask us about pet-friendly sunblock.

Weather Warnings

Thunderstorms (and occasional tornadoes) are nothing new here in Texas, but they can create hazardous situations for pets, especially pets that more nervous and anxious than others.

• Keep doors and windows secure if a storm is on its way and you think your pet might try to bolt.
• Talk to us about methods for helping your pet relax. There are a variety of things we can recommend, including a Thundershirt, treats with natural ingredients designed to make pets calmer, and other options.
• Is your pet microchipped? If not, consider bringing them in to receive a microchip. If your pet gets out of the house during a storm and goes missing, you’ll have a better chance of getting them back if they have a registered microchip.

Swimming Pools

Your pool is the perfect way to stay cool on a scorching day. Why shouldn’t your pet enjoy it, too?

• Make sure that you or someone you trust are supervising your pet, and don’t let them drink the chlorinated water.
• Certain breeds, such as Pugs, Boxers, and Bulldogs, should have a well-fitting lifejacket to hold them up and keep them balanced.
• For a safer way to keep your pet cool, use a small kiddie pool. Fill it just enough so that your pet can wade around and even lie down without the risk of inhaling water.

Parasite Prevention

Fleas, ticks, and heartworms are rampant just about all year, but summer is especially ideal for these pests.

• If your pet isn’t current with their parasite protection, get them started right away. Have them tested for heartworm, intestinal worms, and parasite-transmitted diseases to make sure they’re healthy.
• When spending time in or near wooded areas with your pet, check yourself and them for ticks. In their nymph stage ticks are extremely tiny, so be thorough—and keep your pet on their monthly flea and tick preventative!
• Avoid having any kind of standing, stagnant water on your property. If you have a birdbath, add an agitator or aerator to it to keep the water moving (mosquitoes prefer still water).

If you have any questions or want to learn more about our summer pet safety recommendations, give us a call at (214) 826-4166.