As pet owners, most of us treat our furry friends like they are our children, a true member of the family. But how often are you thinking about their safety? Animal safety, especially during the hot summer months is crucially important to their well being.
As the days get longer, and warmer, it’s important to keep their best interest in mind. An unexpected animal vet bill can take a toll on your bank account, which is why we highly suggest purchasing pet insurance.
Along with pet insurance, we suggest taking note of ways to help keep your pet cool this summer, which is why we’ve created a list of ways to help beat the heat!
Did you know that temperatures outside as low as 77 degrees fahrenheit can heat pavement to 125 degrees fahrenheit? Don’t let their paws burn!
Keep Things Cool
If you’re playing inside with your pup, be sure to have the air conditioner on, and if you don’t have one, place a fan pointed towards the ground so that they can feel the breeze. If you’re playing outside, set up a sprinkler, or purchase a puppy pool.
Click here to find a list of eight of the best dog pools of 2021.
If you plan to take your dog to the park or for a walk, be sure and bring water. While your dog may pant to cool themselves off, having water handy is crucial to their well being.
You could also make doggie popsicles. Try crushing up and freezing a banana, or chicken broth to create an easy, cooling snack.
Click here to find doggie popsicle recipes.
Don’t Delay Care In An Emergency
According to Dr. Eunice Low, veterinarian at the Colonial Veterinary Clinic, “Even when you do everything right, you may still run up against a case of heat injury or heat stroke in a pet. There’s a bit of a fine line between when your animal is experiencing heat stress and officially becoming overheated. If your pet seeks shade and is lying down more than usual after being outside, that may be a sign that they need a break for rest, water, and respite from the sun. Signs of serious heat exhaustion include excessive panting, collapse, vomiting, and diarrhea” Low said. You should seek immediate medical attention for your pet if you notice these symptoms, and make sure your emergency vet’s contact information is on hand for after-hours situations like these.
So make the effort to keep your pet cool this summer, your pet will thank you for it.
For more information on keeping your animal cool this summer or to learn more about pet insurance, give the Corwin-Rey team a call at 360-414-8754.