The temperatures are high, the sun is shining, and it is peak time to have fun outdoors with your pet. In the dog days of summer, though, keeping pets cool is key. Adobe Animal Hospital has some top veterinary advice for the summer heat to help you and your pets enjoy it without issue.

Summer Pet Care

With the warm weather comes some special summer pet care considerations. While proactive pet care is important no matter the time of the year, during this time we need to pay special attention to:

• Parasite prevention: Higher temperatures means more activity from things like mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks. Ask us about how you can best protect your pet.
• Grooming habits: A well-groomed coat can help keep pets cooler. Never shave down a double-coated pet as their undercoat can help insulate against heat and protect them from the sun’s rays. Rather, a clean and mat-free coat is the way to go! Also be sure to rinse down your pet with clean water after a dip in the pool, lake, or the ocean, and clean ears with a drying cleanser after water exposure. 
• Sun exposure: Pets can get sunburned just like we can. Keep them out of direct sunlight—especially during the most intense parts of the day. Consider a pet-safe sunscreen for pets with light or short coats and less pigment in vulnerable areas like the ears and nose. UV protective pet clothing can also be helpful.  
• Other critters: If you and your pet are more active, you can bet that other critters are as well. In particular, be cautious of snakes and other reptiles who may be sunning themselves in the sunshine. It is wise to be sure that your pet is up to date on wellness care and vaccines in case of an encounter with wild animals or other pets. 

Heat Stroke in Pets

Pets who become overheated may develop heat stroke, a life threatening condition that occurs when body temperatures remain too high for too long. Without intervention, these increased temperatures can lead to shock, organ failure, seizures, and even death. 

Any animal is at risk, but in particular, those who cannot cool themselves as efficiently may overheat easier. This includes any brachycephalic breed like bulldogs, pugs, and boxers, but also very young animals, senior animals, and those with existing heart or breathing conditions. 

In the early stages, heat stroke in pets often looks like excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, and possibly vomiting or diarrhea. If you suspect your pet may be overheating, move them to a cool area and contact us right away. Heat stroke in pets is an emergency. 

Tips for Keeping Pets Cool

Keeping your pet cool in the summer months is key, as heat stroke is a serious problem that should be avoided at all costs. Make sure that the summer months are safe and fun by:

• Keeping your pets indoors during the hottest part of the day
• Making sure your pet has enough to drink with our best pet hydration tips. These include: being sure fresh, cool water is available at all times, and upping water intake with canned food or frozen treats like a frozen Kong or flavored ice cubes
• Providing access to a cool shelter at all times
• Keeping your pets off hot surfaces like pavement and sand
• Never leaving a pet unattended in a vehicle
• Busting out the misters and lawn sprinklers
• Providing a wading pool (just be sure to always supervise pets around water)

No matter how you choose to spend your summer, make sure that your pets are safe and cool by taking some extra precautions. We love to see you, but we would rather it not be for an emergency!

The post Keeping Your Pets Cool and Safe During the Dog Days of Summer appeared first on Adobe Animal Hospital & Laser Surgery Center.

Summer is a time for fun in the sun, but it’s also important to remember that hot weather can pose a significant health risk to our furry companions. At Adobe Animal Hospital & Laser Surgery Center, we want to help you ensure your pet has a safe and happy summer. 

In this blog post, our animal hospital experts will share advice for pet owners on essential summer safety guidelines, pet hydration tips during outdoor adventures, and heatstroke prevention in pets.

Keeping Your Pet Cool and Hydrated

Heatstroke is a serious threat to pets during hot summer months. Here are some tips to prevent heatstroke in pets and keep them hydrated:

• Provide ample fresh, clean water at all times. Refresh their water bowl throughout the day, especially after exercise or playtime. You can also add ice cubes to their water to keep it cooler for longer.
• Limit walks and playtime to cooler hours of the day. Early mornings and evenings are the best times for outdoor activities.
• Never leave your pet unattended in a parked car, even for a short period. The temperature inside a vehicle can rise rapidly, even on a mild day, putting your pet at risk of heatstroke.
• Create cool spaces for your pet to relax indoors. This could be a shaded area in your house or a basement. Consider using a cooling mat or fan to help your pet stay comfortable.

Safe Summer Activities for Dogs

Summer is a great time to bond with your dog over outdoor activities. Here are some tips for keeping your dog safe during summer outings:

• Choose dog-friendly activities. Swimming, hiking on shaded trails, and playing fetch in a cool park are great options.
• Avoid hot asphalt. The pavement can get scorching on hot days and burn your dog’s paws. Opt for grassy areas or invest in dog booties for walks during peak sun hours to protect your pet’s paws from hot surfaces.
• Bring fresh water and a portable bowl on all outings. Take frequent breaks to allow your dog to drink and cool down for optimal pet hydration during summer.

Recognizing the Signs of Heat Exhaustion in Pets

Knowing the signs of heatstroke can help you identify a potential emergency quickly. Here are some things to watch for as part of your emergency pet care in summer:

• Excessive panting or drooling
• Lethargy or weakness
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Stumbling or incoordination
• Seizures

If you suspect your pet is suffering from heatstroke, seek immediate veterinary care.

Additional Summer Pet Safety Tips

Here are some additional tips to protect your pets from summer hazards:

• Apply sunscreen to pets with light fur or hairless skin. Talk to your veterinarian about a pet-safe sunscreen for areas like the ears, nose, and around the lips to prevent sunburn.
• Beware of harmful summer pests. Fleas, ticks, and mosquitos can become more prevalent in summer. Talk to your veterinarian about year-round pet parasite prevention.
• Keep your pet’s identification tags up-to-date. If your pet gets lost during an outing, an ID tag is the best way to ensure they are returned to you safely during this time of increased risk.

Schedule an Appointment with Adobe Animal Hospital Today!

At Adobe Animal Hospital & Laser Surgery Center, our staff is committed to pet health during summer and well-being throughout the year.  If you have any questions about protecting your pets from summer hazards or would like to schedule a wellness exam for your pet, contact us today!  Call us or conveniently schedule an appointment online. 

The post Ultimate Guide to Summer Pet Care: Tips from Our Animal Hospital Experts appeared first on Adobe Animal Hospital & Laser Surgery Center.