By Davion Roberts
As pet owners, we want to give our furry friends the best life possible. We buy them the best food, give them plenty of exercise, and provide them with a loving home. However, one thing that often gets overlooked is the danger of having our pets outside in warm temperatures.
When the temperature rises, our pets are at risk for a variety of health problems. Here are some of the dangers and summer hazards with having your pets outside in warm temperatures.
Heatstroke(Summer Hazards)
Credit: Point Vicente Vet
Heatstroke is a common problem for pets that are outside in warm temperatures. This is especially true for dogs, who are often left outside for long periods of time. Heatstroke occurs when the body temperature rises to dangerous levels, and it can cause damage to internal organs and even be fatal.
The signs of heatstroke in pets include excessive panting, drooling, vomiting, and lethargy. If you suspect that your pet is suffering from heatstroke, it is important to get them to a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Heat stroke is a big problem when it comes to pet safety, and it can get worse when pet owners leave their pets in the car. When your car is left in outside temperatures of just 70°, cars can reach a temperature upwards to 110 degrees. Pets can suffer a heat stroke in as little as 15 minutes. Although it may seem your pets are safe and sound, the temperature can get too hot for them to handle in the spring and summer time.
Dehydration
Another danger of having your pets outside in warm temperatures is dehydration. When the temperature rises, pets need to drink more water to stay hydrated. If they don't have access to water, they can quickly become dehydrated.
The signs of dehydration in pets include dry gums, sunken eyes, lethargy, and loss of appetite. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to give your pet water immediately and take them to a veterinarian if the symptoms persist.
It’s great to invest in a water bottle carrier that is available for your dog when you go on any walks. It’s a great safety net to have for your pets because in these hot summer conditions it tends to get really hot and dogs' water intake have to increase.
Burns
One of the most common causes of burns during the summer is hot pavement. As temperatures rise, pavement can become scorching hot and burn your pet's paws. It's essential to test the temperature of the pavement before going for a walk with your pet. If it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for your pet's paws. You can also try to walk your pet in the early morning or late evening when the pavement is cooler.
Just like humans, pets can also suffer from sunburn. Dogs with short hair and light-colored fur are particularly susceptible to sunburn. Sunburn can cause skin irritation, pain, and even skin cancer in severe cases. To prevent sunburn, it's important to limit your pet's exposure to the sun during the hottest parts of the day, apply pet-safe sunscreen to exposed areas, and provide shade for your pet to rest in.
To prevent burns, it is important to keep your pet in shaded areas and provide them with access to water. To protect your pets paws from hot surfaces you can purchase booties or a paw wax, like Mushers Secret Dog Paw Wax, which protects and heals dry cracked paws.
Parasites
Credit: AnimalWised
Warm temperatures are also a breeding ground and a summer hazard for parasites, such as fleas and ticks. These parasites can cause a variety of health problems for pets, including skin irritation, anemia, and even disease.
To prevent parasites, it is important to keep your pet on a regular flea and tick preventative medication. You should check your pet for ticks regularly, especially if they have been outside in wooded areas.
It’s best to keep medication and even possibly a tick collar to avoid any ticks on your pets. These ticks can latch on and stay on your pets for years at a time if not found. If ticks are not found they can spread various diseases including Lyme Disease.
Overexertion
Pets that are outside in warm temperatures are also at risk for overexertion. This is especially true for dogs, who may be tempted to run and play in the heat. Overexertion can cause a variety of health problems, including heatstroke, dehydration, and exhaustion.
To prevent overexertion, you should limit your pet's outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day. You should also provide them with access to shade and water, and monitor their behavior for signs of exhaustion.
In conclusion, having your pets outside in warm temperatures that is too hot and overwhelming can be dangerous for your furry friends’ health. Heatstroke, dehydration, burns, parasites, and overexertion are all risks that pet owners are aware of and need to stay on top of. To keep your pets safe, it is important to provide them with plenty of water, shade, and protection from the sun. Additionally, you should monitor their behavior for signs of heat stroke or dehydration, and take them to a veterinarian if you suspect that they are suffering from any health problems. By taking these precautions, you can ensure that your furry friends stay happy, healthy and playful all year round.
And if we can be of assistance with your dog walking or pet sitting needs this summer or anytime, we’d love to help! Please fill out our Contact form! https://www.pawsitivitypetservices.com/contact