PetsWelcome
Sunnier days means more time outside. For our pets that can mean they are susceptible to problems that aren’t around during the cooler months. Skin and ear infections rise during the summer and it’s important we do what we can to keep our buddies safe.
5 Tips For Summer
- Protect their skin – skin cancer is common among dogs and cats. Even though the fur they have helps protect them, there are areas where their skin is exposed to the sun. Hairless pets are even more susceptible to sunburns. Use a pet specific sunscreen and apply it to the belly, tips of ears, and on your hairless pets, on their backs and legs. Talk to your vet if you want to know what kind and brand are safest.
- Hot pavement hurts – when the sun is beating down on the concrete and pavement, it can get so hot that it can burn your pet’s paws. Walk your dog when it’s not as hot such as early in the mornings and evenings.
- Indoor temperature – the house can get really hot while you’re out at work. If you have central air you may want to set the temp to keep the house cool for your pet. You can also draw the blinds on the windows to keep the sun from heating up the house.
- Playing in water – get your dog a lifejacket when going out on boats and if you two go swimming, keep a close watch on your pet. Sinkholes in lakes may scare your dog as she walks and cause her to panic. Don’t let her drink the water and remember to bathe her and brush her after a day out playing in water to remove algae, dirt, and other debris. To avoid swimmer’s ear, use a canine ear-drying solution.
- Don’t forget the parasite preventatives – hookworms, heart worms, fleas, ticks, roundworms, and many other gross parasites need to be kept at bay. Stay on top of administering the preventatives that your vet recommends on your pets.
What else do you do during the summer to protect your pet?
Share your tips with us!
Image from AddisonMagazine
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