Pet Care Tips, Pet Sitting & Walking Melbourne

Summer Care Tips for Your Pets

Summer is a great time for everyone to get outdoors and enjoy some exercise in th esunshine.However, it is wise to be aware that Summer can hold dangers for your pets. By knowing what to look out for and following some simple tips you can be sure to keep your petsa safe this summer.

• Don't leave pets in parked cars for any period of time. Every summer, we hear stories of animals left in parked cars that die from heatstroke or suffer brain damage.  Even if you leave the windows cracked open the temperature in a car can reach over 40° in a matter of minutes. Dogs and cats can't perspire and can only dispel heat by panting and through the pads of their feet. 

    

• Summer is often a time when people fertilize their lawns and work in their gardens. Be aware that many fertilisers, plant foods and insecticides are harmful to animals. Keep an eye ion your pets and make sure they are not allowed to roam into other peoples gardens wherever possible.

    

• Make sure your pet is always wearing a collar and identification tag. If you are separated from your pet, an ID tag is the quickest way for people to locate a pets owner.

   

• Watch pets around the pool.  Like children access to pools should be restricted for your pets.

   

• Provide plenty of fresh water and shade for your pets while they're enjoying the great outdoors so they can stay cool. At home make sure you check their water everyday.

   

• Pets need exercise even when it is hot, but extra care needs to be taken with older dogs, short-nosed dogs, and those with thick coats. On very hot days, limit exercise to early morning or evening hours. Keep in mind that asphalt on roads and paths gets very hot and can burn your pet's paws.

   

• Pets can get sunburned too, and your pet may require sunscreen on his or her nose and ear tips. Pets with light-colored noses or light-colored fur on their ears are particularly vulnerable to sunburn and skin cance.

   

• Don't take your pets to crowded summer events such as concerts or fairs. The loud noises and crowds, combined with the heat, can be stressful and dangerous for pets. For your pet's well being, leave them at home. 

• Humid days.Humidity interferes with animals’ ability to rid themselves of excess body heat. To rid themselves of excess heat, animals pant. Air moves through the nasal passages, which picks up excess heat from the body. As it is expelled through the mouth, the extra heat leaves along with it. Although this is a very efficient way to control body heat, it is severely limited in areas of high humidity or when the animal is in close quarters