Some Surprising Summer Safety Situations

Ah summer… days filled with sprinklers, beaches, yard work, and other adventures.  Many of us understand how to keep ourselves and our children safe, but there are some hidden dangers for your pets of which you may not be aware.

-    Hoses: just pieces of innocuous yard equipment, right?  Usually, yes.  However, some dogs are actually being scalded by hot water from hoses that bake in the sun.  If using an outside hose for fun or a bath let it run for a moment and check the water temperature before pointing it at your pet- or your child, for that matter!

-    Solid ground: the ground is a hazard?  Yes.  Animals, obviously, don’t wear shoes when they go outside.  On high-temp days, try out the concrete, asphalt, and even dirt with your own bare feet and your pet will thank you!

-    Cars: NEVER leave an animal in an unoccupied car, even with the windows open.  Temperatures in cars increases alarmingly fast and can be harmful- even fatal- in minutes.

-    Wildlife and pesky insects: not only can they be irritating, they can also inflict illness.  Leptospirosis, intestinal worms, heartworms, distemper, rabies, and tick-borne diseases can all be avoided with proactive measures.  Verify with your veterinarian that your pet is up to date on all vaccines and preventive medications.

-    Pools, beaches and lakes: we all know that these can be very dangerous if we’re not careful.  Here are some suggestions for keeping your four-footed family members free from harm.

• Never force an animal into water, not all dogs enjoy or are adept at swimming.
• There is a very rare risk of water intoxication caused by dogs gulping large amounts of water- be on the watch for strange behavior during or after playing in water.
• It’s a good idea to wear a life vest and not swim too close to your dog so that you don’t get scratched or pulled under accidentally.
• Be sure to provide fresh drinking water.
• Keep a close eye on your pet for signs of dehydration, ear infections or other water-related issues.

-    Landscaping: This category has sub-categories all its own…

• ASPCA’s website to discover what plants are toxic to animals so that they can be placed where your pets won’t have access to them.  
• One must also be careful when applying fertilizers and other chemicals to the yard to restrict exposure to any animals.  
• Metal garden edging may pose a hazard to dogs as it can possibly cut them between their tender paws.  We recommend using rubber, brick, or wood instead.
• It’s a good idea to do an inspection of the yard periodically to check for threats to your pets’ safety.  Oftentimes a piece of fence comes loose or a nail becomes exposed- both treacherous situations for sure!

With just a little extra effort and close observation, we can all enjoy a safe, happy summer!