Routine Steps to Take for Summer Pet Health

Summertime is a great time to get out with your pet and play fun games. It is also an excellent time to meet up with other pet owners so that your pets can socialize. However, summertime comes with several challenges for pet care.

Wild animals are great at adjusting to the weather in summer, but this is not the case with companion animals. Some of our pets can be susceptible to extreme temperatures, just like humans. What are the implications for your pet? It means you need to be alert to ensure your pet is healthy.

Here are some steps to ensure your pet is safe in the summertime.

Be Aware of Heat Exhaustion

One of the crucial things you need to be on the lookout for during summer is heat exhaustion. On hot and humid days, your pet's body temperature can rise to dangerous levels. You will need to monitor your pet's condition closely during such days. The signs of heat exhaustion are easy to notice. They are:
 

• Diarrhea
   

• Vomiting
   

• Lack of coordination
   

• Panting
   

• Excessive drooling

Learn to Cool Your Pet Quickly

When temperatures in your pet's body rise too high, it can lead to heatstroke. Heatstroke is a fatal condition, and you will want to avoid it as best as possible. Heatstroke can make your pet collapse, have seizures, become unconscious, and even cause death. There are ways to help your pet cool down to prevent heatstroke.

To cool your pet down, you will need to go into an air-conditioned room. You will also need to pour cold water on them in the bathtub or the sink. It would be best not to place them in cold water because their blood vessels may constrict. Monitor their temperature rectally and if they do not improve in 10 minutes, take them to the vet at Liberty Animal Clinic.

Prevent Illnesses Related to Heat

You can take several preventative steps to keep your pet safe from heat-related illnesses. It would be best to always keep an eye on your pet when outside. In addition, you should encourage taking breaks when they are playing. It would be best to provide your pet with water and ensure there is plenty of shade for them.

Pet-friendly Sunscreen

Just like humans, cats and dogs are susceptible to skin cancer. To prevent this, you can protect your pet with pet-friendly sunscreen. Skin cancer on pets shows up as small lumps or bumps on the skin. When you notice any of these, you should take your pet to the vet for examination.

Practices to Keep Your Pet Safe

• When you park your car, do not leave your pet inside during summer.
   

• Ensure that you test the blacktop and the pavement before allowing your pet to walk on it. If the surface is hot to your hand after seven seconds, it is too hot for your pet to walk on it.
   

• Take your pet for walks in the morning or the evening when the temperatures are not so high.
   

• Ensure your pet has an adequate supply of water throughout the day.

For more steps to take for summer pet health, visit Liberty Animal Clinic at our office in Hinesville, Georgia. You can also call (912) 368-4080 to book an appointment today.