summer safety

Summer Safety

Summer has officially arrived in Southern California. This is the time of year when many of us will be spending more time outdoors enjoying the park, beach, and time with our family. You might also be spending more time with your pets.

It’s important that you do all you can to keep your pets safe this summer. The following are our top safety tips for summer.

Never Leave Your Pet in the Car

Even if it doesn’t seem that hot outside or you plan on leaving the window open a crack, your pet can still fall victim to heatstroke if left in a hot car. The temperature inside your vehicle can reach dangerous levels in a very short amount of time. Pets left in hot cars become distressed quickly.

Heatstroke causes permanent damage to organs, and even death. Never leave your pet in your car, even for a minute. If you know that you’ll be going somewhere that your pet is not allowed, it’s always better to leave them at home.

Check the Temperature of Sidewalks and Roads

A dog’s paws are sensitive and can easily become burned by hot concrete or asphalt. Before walking your pet, make sure that you check the temperature of the ground. The same is true for outside areas of your home. If it’s too hot for you, then it’s too hot for them.

Burns are painful and can become infected as pets continue to walk on dirty surfaces. If your pet’s feet become burned, it’s important that you have them checked by a licensed veterinarian.

Avoid Spending Too Long in the Sun

While a day at dog beach might seem like a lot of fun, it’s important that you don’t spend too much time in direct sunlight. Pets can get dehydrated and develop heatstroke quickly.

Make sure that your pet has plenty of fresh water at all times and that they have access to shade. Watch your pet for strange behavior and signs of dehydration. Remove them from the heat as soon as a problem is detected. Prompt medical treatment is required if your pet is suffering from heatstroke.

We hope you have a safe and relaxing summer!

Please call 714-962-1005 to schedule a grooming appointment.

Summer Safety for Pets

Many pets enjoy the long days of summer. Typically this time of year means more time with their families and more excursions to their favorite places. However, summer also comes with its own risks for pets. It’s easy to keep your pet safe by taking a few precautions this summer.

Warmer temperatures mean an increased risk of fleas, ticks and mosquitos. Before you head out of the house make sure that your pet is well protected. If your pet isn’t using some type of parasite prevention now is the time to talk to your veterinarian about your options. While you are there make sure that your pet’s vaccinations are up to date, especially if your summer plans include traveling, boarding and exposure to other pets.

While out and about, make sure that you never leave your pet in a parked car for even a short period of time. Pets can develop heat stroke very quickly. If your dog is panting excessively or your cat is panting at all, you need to get them to a cooler area immediately. If heat stroke is allowed to progress it can cause pets to become anxious, defiant and vomit and collapse. Heat stroke should be considered a medical emergency.

One of the most common mistakes that pet parents make during the summer is not providing their pets with enough water. Even indoors pets require more water when temperatures are warm. If you are traveling with your pet make sure that you bring along bottles and a bowl. Offer your pet a drink frequently, especially at the beach where pets can swallow saltwater, increasing the chance of dehydration.

If you don’t have air conditioning in your home, there are still ways to keep your pet cool. Use fans to increase airflow, put ice in your pet’s water dish, wipe your pet down with a cool washcloth and leave the windows open, with screens secure. Remember, pets can easily fall out of high windows if screens are not properly secured.

Even though fur provides some protection against the sun, pets can burn just like people can. Keep sunscreen on your pet’s ear tips and nose and walk your pet early in the morning or later in the day.

More pets get lost during the summer than any other time of year. With so many people going in and out, doors and gates get left open and loud noises such as fireworks can cause pets to jump fences and run. Even if you do not plan to leave the house, make sure that your pet has a tag that includes your name, phone number and address. You should also consider getting your pet microchipped.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers professional pet grooming services in Fountain Valley, California. Schedule an appointment for your pet’s flea treatment or summer haircut today! We also offer cat only boarding in our state of the art facility next door. For more information, please call 714-962-1005.