June 4, 2024
Summer is associated warm days, beaches, outdoor activities and fun. For our pets it can be a fun time too…if we are smart and safe about what we do with them.
Many people enjoy taking their four-legged family members with them wherever they go during the summer months. Although this can be fun, sometimes it can put our pets in danger. Keep in mind some of the following tips to help your pet have a safe and fun summer with you.
- Never leave your pet unattended in direct sunlight or in a closed vehicle. Heatstroke can occur and lead to brain damage or death. In dogs, signs of heatstroke are panting, drooling, rapid pulse and fever.
- Never leave your dog unattended in a hot, parked car. When it’s only 80 degrees outside, the inside of a car can heat up to more than 120 degrees in just minutes. Leaving the windows partially rolled down will not help.
- Always make sure your pet has access to fresh water.
- All dogs should have proper identification at all times. Dogs residing in the Town of Southampton are required to be licensed by the Town.
- Keep your dog on a leash when it is outdoors to prevent accidents and injuries.
- Try to avoid strenuous exercise with your dog on extremely hot days and refrain from physical activity when the sun’s heat is most intense.
- Do not leave pets unsupervised around a pool. If you plan on spending time near a pool, lake or beach with your pet, make sure you give them fresh water and avoid letting them drink from the pool, or ingest ocean or lake water. Rinse your dog off after swimming to remove chlorine or salt from their fur.
- Keep all unscreened windows or doors in your home closed and make sure adjustable screens are tightly secured. Open unscreened windows pose a real danger to pets, who often fall out of them.
- Feel free to trim longer hair on your dog, but never shave your dog. The layers of dogs’ coats protect them from overheating and sunburn. Brushing cats more often than usual can prevent problems caused by excessive heat. And be sure that any sunscreen or insect repellent product you use on your pets is labeled specifically for use on animals.
- Don’t let dogs linger on hot asphalt when the temperature is very high. Being so close to the ground, your pooch’s body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. Air temperatures in the mid 70’s can mean sidewalk temperatures around 130 degrees.
- Remember that food and drink can pose one of the biggest threats to pets. It’s best that your pet sticks to their normal diet and treats. Be sure to also keep the garbage out of reach, as snooping noses can find their way to hazardous items.
Southampton Animal Control wishes everyone a happy summer season.
