Summer Safety for Pets

Tips to Protect Your Pet This Summer 

• Summer brings thunderstorms, fireworks, and outdoor fun—each of which could result in an escape. So, every pet in the home should be microchipped. Registered microchips with your up-to-date contact information can get your pet back to you as quickly as possible.  
• Statistics: 2% of cats return home when they’re without a microchip. 38% of cats with a microchip are reunited with their loved ones. 22% of dogs return home when they’re without a microchip, but they have a 52% chance of returning home with a microchip.  
• Don’t have one yet? Find your closest Thrive Pet Healthcare hospitaland ask for an appointment for a microchip placement.  
• Wondering if your pet’s chip is registered? Check using this microchip lookup tool by AAHA. 

• Short walks are key. Aim for early morning or late evening for cooler temperatures. Peak temperatures and hot weather can make pets more susceptible to heat stroke. 
• If you can’t walk barefoot on the hot pavement, neither should your pet. Be alert to any discomfort your pet shows and check their paws for blisters, redness, or changes in color.  
• Walk on grassy surfaces that don’t retain heat as much as pavement. 
• Dog booties or socks can protect paws from contact with the hot ground.  

• Never leave pets unattended in a parked car. Even with the window cracked, the heat in a car can reach over 100 degrees in only ten minutes and reach 120 degrees in 30 minutes.  
• It’s illegal in many states and local municipalities to leave an animal unattended in a car under certain conditions, including hot days. 

• Keep pets away from open flames and always monitor the grill. Make certain your pet does not get a taste of the yummies. Harmful food and drinks for your pet include beer, onions, garlic, cooked bones, and corn cobs. 
• Advise any visiting guests not to feed your pets and to keep an eye on their plates in case curiosity gets the best of your pet. 

• Did you know dogs and cats sweat through their paws? They also pant to expel excess heat. Pets with shorter noses, like bulldogs and pugs, are at higher risk. If they show these signs, contact your vet: 
  • Excessive panting or heavy panting or difficulty breathing  
  • Increased heart rate  
  • Drooling  
  • Weakness, stupor and/or collapse  
  • Seizures  
  • Bloody diarrhea and vomiting  
• Always bring water on a walk! Even if it's a short one, and offer frequently!  
• Avoid walking during the warmer parts of day, ideal to stick to morning and evening if temperatures are low enough.  

• Your pet should always have access to clean, fresh water. When it’s hot or humid outdoors, pets can dehydrate quickly and need plenty of cold water.  
• To help avoid dehydration, keep your pet indoors when it’s extremely hot and if needed to go outside, ensure they have shady spots out of the sun. 

• Mosquitos, ticks, and fleas can spread diseases to your pets. Your vet can help test for and even prevent heartworms and several bacteria that cause severe illness. Be sure to ask what will provide the best protection for your pet specifically. 

• Make pup-sicle treats with fruits, peas, carrots, and other tantalizing (and safe) foods frozen with water in ice cube trays.  
• Add a kiddie pool to the backyard, so your dogs are free to take a relaxing, cooling soak as needed. Keep water levels at a safe height for all pets, and clean/drain the pool daily.  
• Use fans and air-conditioned environments to keep your pet nice and cool.