When the temperature rises, it's important to understand how to keep your four-legged best friend out of harm's way. And since it stays pretty warm for most of the year, reducing your pet’s risk of heat-related injuries and illnesses should be one of your top concerns. Here at Miami Pet Clinic, we want your pet to enjoy a fun and safe summer free from heat-related injuries, illnesses, and parasites. Read on to discover some pet summer safety advice from a vet near Coral Groves.
Don't Take Your Pet With You
Even if your pet enjoys going for rides, home is the safest place for them to be in the summer. It only takes a half hour for the interior of your vehicle to reach a scorching 120° on an 85° day. Parking in a shady spot or leaving a window cracked doesn’t keep a vehicle significantly cooler. Leaving your car running with the air conditioning switched on is not a great idea, either. Even new cars can experience mechanical issues, and it is possible for unattended pets to accidentally switch off the AC. They could even bump the shifter out of park and into neutral, allowing your vehicle to roll freely. No matter how much your pet loves being your copilot, it just isn't worth the risk.
Provide Plenty of Water
Pets should always have free access to fresh, clean water. This is especially important on exceptionally warm days, though, because of the increased risk of dehydration. Just like your two-legged family members, your pet needs extra water to stay hydrated and cool. Keep their water dish at home full at all times, and remember to pack some water when you take your four-legged best friend for a stroll.
Don't Walk on Hot Pavement
The air temperature isn't the only thing you need to be concerned about throughout the summer. Paved surfaces get extremely hot, too, and can cause serious burns. Black asphalt is the worst offender and can be up to 60° hotter than the temperature of the air, causing severe burns in under a minute. When possible, avoid pavement on hot, sunny days. When you must walk on a paved surface, use your hand to see how hot it is. If it’s too warm to hold your hand on it for a minimum of ten seconds, your dog cannot walk on it without risking serious burns to their paw pads. Purchasing a pair of booties is a great way to protect your pet's paws when walking on hot pavement is unavoidable.
Schedule an Appointment with a Vet Near Coral Groves for Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Prevention
Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes - which carry heartworm - are most common in the summer. Be sure to schedule an appointment with your pet’s vet near Coral Groves to keep them up to date on flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives. Call Miami Pet Clinic now to schedule your companion's appointment.