By Patricia Clark
Summer is finally here and, for pets, that means more than just sunny days. For example, heat and bug bites can pose real risks to our animal companions, and hot pavement can hurt your pet’s feet. As you enjoy fun in the sun or on the water, here are six things to keep in mind to help keep your pets safe this summer.
1. Take precautions while exercising
To prevent your pet from overheating, Jordan Genovese (DVM’23), a UW Veterinary Care (UWVC) emergency services and critical care resident, recommends exercising them during cooler parts of the day, like the morning or late evening. Taking frequent breaks during exercise also helps to prevent pets from overheating.
Bring water for your pet on walks, hikes, or wherever you go so that your pet always has access to fresh water, both indoors and outdoors.
2. Travel safety
Temperatures inside a car can rise quickly, even when the windows are cracked on a mild summer day. It’s best practice to leave pets at home when running errands. If you do plan on taking a pet on a trip with you, ensure their place in the car is cool with good airflow.
3. Protect paws
When walking outside with pets, be conscious of how hot the pavement is, especially during mid-day.
“A good rule of thumb is if you can’t comfortably hold your hand on the pavement for several seconds, it’s too hot for your pet’s paws,” Genovese says.
If you think you pet’s feet have been hurt by the hot pavement, gently rinse them with cool water and seek veterinary care. It is not recommended to apply human ointments to pets’ paws unless specifically directed by your veterinarian.
4. Swimming safety
Keeping close supervision and having a rescue plan in case of emergency are key to making sure your dog stays safe during swimming excursions.
Also keep note of blue green algae (cyanobacteria) warnings, as it is extremely toxic. Avoid water that looks bright green, scummy, or has surface streaking, especially during warmer months. The Wisconsin DNR website offers information about local lakes and their water quality.
If you’d like to introduce your pet to swimming, start in calm, shallow water. Consider using a life jacket for dogs who are inexperienced or weak swimmers.
“Never force a pet into the water,” Genovese says. “Some pets may never enjoy swimming, and that’s OK.”
5. Tick prevention
Checking your pet after hikes and outdoor time is an important habit to develop to help keep your pet safe. If you find a tick on your pet, try to remove it right away with tweezers, gently grasping close to the skin. After you’ve removed the tick, monitor the area for redness or swelling.
To further prevent ticks, consider using a vet-prescribed oral medication, as well as a product with repellant such as a flea collar. Do not use flea and tick preventatives meant for dogs on your cat, as they are very toxic.
If your pet becomes lethargic, starts to walk with a limp or show signs of lameness, is slow to rise, or is otherwise not themselves after a tick bite, they should be seen by a veterinarian.
6. Loud noises
Certain pets may experience anxiety during noisy events like thunderstorms and fireworks. Signs that a pet is experiencing anxiety vary between animals, but common signs include cowering, hiding, pacing, panting, trembling, vocalizing, clinginess, restlessness, or being unable to settle and relax.
“Consider playing light, calming music or white noise to help block out some of the sounds,” recommends Meghan Hoel (DVM’24), a primary care resident at UWVC says. “Some studies even suggest that classical music may help lower stress levels in pets.”
Another option to calm anxious pets is to use an anxiety wrap or compression vest. When previous methods listed to calm your pet don’t work, Hoel recommends speaking with your primary care veterinarian about short-term anti-anxiety medications that can be used during loud events.
When to take your pet to the vet
It is important to look out for early signs of dehydration and heat stroke and to know when your pet needs medical attention.
Signs of dehydration include lethargy, dry/tacky gums, and decreased skin elasticity, with the earliest sign sometimes being as simple as your pet not acting like themselves. For signs of heatstroke, look out for excessive panting, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, changes in gum changes, mental changes, or collapse.
Heatstroke is a medical emergency. If your pet is exhibiting signs of heatstroke, move them to a cool area and begin to gradually cool them with fans and water on their fur. Seek veterinary care as soon as possible. Avoid ice baths, as the rapid cooling can be harmful.
As temperatures rise, veterinarians at UW Veterinary Care are available to help you plan for summer and provide expert care for your animals. If you’re interested in making an appointment, call 608-263-7600.