With summer less than a month away, there’s never been a better time to brush up on your knowledge about pet summer safety. When the temperature rises, knowing how to safeguard your cat or dog is a must. Here at Orting Animal Hospital, our team never wants to see any area animals experiencing heat-related illness or injuries. In this blog post, a veterinarian near Bonney Lake shares a few crucial pet summer safety tips to help you protect your four-legged friend. Let's dive right in!

Leave Pets at Home

Even if your furry co-pilot loves taking rides, home is the safest place for them to be throughout the summer. Home is the best place for them. It only takes half an hour for the interior of a car to climb to 120° on an 85° day. Despite common misconceptions, cracking the windows will not help, nor does parking away from direct sunlight. Leaving the car running with the air conditioning switched on isn't a safe option, either. Even brand-new vehicles can break down, and it's possible for pets left alone in cars to accidentally switch off the air conditioner or even bump the vehicle into gear. Leaving a pet alone in a car is extremely dangerous and can turn deadly in an instant. It just isn’t worth the risk.

Provide Lots of Water

Dogs and cats should always have access to clean water. This is especially important during warm weather, though, because of the increased risk of dehydration. Just like you, your furry friend needs extra water when the weather warms up. Keep their water dish at home full of fresh, clean water at all times, and be sure to bring water with you when taking your four-legged best friend for a walk.

Don't Walk on Hot Pavement

The air temperature isn't the only thing you need to stress about throughout the summer. Paved surfaces get really hot, too, and can cause serious burns. Black asphalt can be up to 60° hotter than the current air temperature. Serious burns can occur within one minute of contact with blistering hot pavement. When possible, we recommend walking your dog on the grass during hot weather. When you must walk on paved surfaces, check the temperature with your hand before allowing your pet to walk on it. If it’s too hot to hold your hand on it for at least 10 seconds, it’s too hot for your pet to walk on. Consider buying a pair of booties to protect your dog's delicate paws when there is no alternative to walking on hot surfaces.

Schedule an Appointment with a Veterinarian Near Bonney Lake for Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Prevention

We are not the only ones who love the summer season. Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes (which carry heartworm) do, too. Remember to schedule an appointment with your pet’s veterinarian near Bonney Lake to keep them up to date on flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives. .

If your pet needs a veterinarian near Bonney Lake or the surrounding areas, we'd be honored to lend a hand. Contact Orting Animal Hospital today to schedule an appointment.