5 Tips to Keep Your Pets Safe This Summer

Summer in Fayetteville can be fun, but the weather can make for a challenging time for our pets. When the weather starts getting hot, we understand pet safety is one of your priorities. Here are 5 things to keep in mind when enjoying the summer with your pet!

1. Locked Cars:The first thing you need to remember, is to never leave your pet locked in a parked car. When it’s 78 degrees outside the temperature in your car can quickly reach 120 degrees. Not only is this harmful to your pet, but is also illegal in several states, including the state of North Carolina.
2. Mind the Heat: There are several things to be aware of when caring for your pet in the hot weather. Unlike humans, our pets have a limited ability to deal with the heat. Dogs for instance can only release heat through their paw pads and by panting. According to the ASPCA, animals with flat faces, like Pugs and Persian cats, cannot pant as effectively, and are therefore more susceptible to heat stroke. Hot pavement can also be a concern that can lead to burned paw pads. Consider taking your pet for walks in the morning or evening hours when it’s cooler, or a walk in the grass.
3. Keep bugs away: If not protected, your dog5 Tips to Keep Your Pets Safe This Summer
4. is at risk for heartworm, Lyme disease, and a host of other dangerous conditions. Talk to your veterinarian or local animal hospital about the best ways to protect your pet from fleas, ticks, and other insects that are more prevalent during the summer months.
5. Beware of antifreeze: In the summertime, antifreeze can leak out of cars when they overheat, leaving puddles on the ground that your pets can easily lap up and swallow. It takes less than 3 ounces for it to be potentially lethal. If ingested by your pets, contact your local animal hospital immediately!
6. Practice water safety: Just because dogs instinctively know how to swim, doesn’t mean they’re good swimmers. If your dog jumps into your swimming pool, he might not be able to get out without help and could easily drown. Never leave your pet unattended around open bodies of water. Even capable swimmers can have accidents, and natural bodies of water have other threats, like underwater obstacles, riptides, and undertows.

These are just a few things to keep in mind when enjoying the summer while with your pets! If you’re in North Carolina and you find yourself in an emergency situation, contact Cumberland Animal Hospital today! Between the caring staff and technical expertise, your pet couldn’t be in safer hands. To learn more visit us online at http://canimalhos.wpengine.com/ or call (910) 822-3337.