THE DO’S AND DON’T’S OF SUMMER PET SAFETY

Summer can be a tricky time for family members who wear a fur coat all year round. While the rest of us enjoy trips to the beach and lunch in the sun, hot temperatures and summertime outings can pose a hazard for the pets you love.

Dogs and cats are homeotherms, which means they need to keep a constant body temperature. If they stay out in the sun too long or exercise too vigorously in hot weather, they can suffer from sunburn, heat stroke and more.

Here are a few dos and don’ts for taking care of your furry friends when the heat is on and holidays are upon us:

Don’t…

• leave your pets home alone
  Remember to plan your pet’s holiday when you plan your own. At some times of the year, it can be harder to find space in a cattery or kennel than a human hotel.
  
  
• leave them in a parked car
  The heat inside a closed car can quickly reach dangerous temperatures, leading to organ damage or even death.
  
  
• leave them outside for too long
  Prolonged sun exposure can lead to sunburn or overheating. Always make sure pets have access to shade.
  
  
• feed them barbecue leftovers
  Many human foods are not tolerated by animals – corn cobs are particularly dangerous if they aren’t kept out of reach of curious paws. And definitely no Christmas cake, Christmas pudding, chocolate or cherries as they’re poisonous to pets!
  
  
• use unsafe chemicals for your garden project
  Poisoning is a common pet insurance claim, so check the labels on your garden products and keep pets indoors when you’re spraying and fertilising the garden.

Do…

• protect your pets’ paws
  Plan your walkies for the early morning or evening to avoid high midday temperatures, hot footpaths and burning hot sand at the beach.
  
  
• supervise them around water
  Whether it’s a pool or the ocean, pets can drown just like humans. If you’re taking your dog on a boat, get them a puppy life vest.
  
  
• give them plenty to drink
  Make sure they always have access to clean drinking water and take water with you when you walk the dog.
  
  
• use pet-friendly sunscreen
  Skin cancer is common in cats and dogs, so it’s important to apply pet sunscreen to their hairless areas. Avoid human sunscreen, which is toxic to pets.
  
  
• seek help if you’re worried
  Research the veterinarian or animal hospital nearest to your holiday destination, and don’t hesitate to call them if your pet seems distressed or unwell.