Summer Safety Tips for Dogs

Never, EVER leave your dog in a hot vehicle

It can take a MINUTE for a pet to develop heat stroke, and suffocate in a car during a summer day. The inside temperature of your vehicle can rise up to 20 degrees higher then the outside temperature in one minutes time. On an 80 degree day, for instance, temperatures in your car can reach 100 degrees in the shade, and 160 degrees if parked directly in the SUN! In New Jersey it is against the law to leave your pet unattended in vehicle in inhumane conditions, so it's best if you leave your pet home on warm days if your planning on making any stops.

Spring and Summer months bring beautiful weather, but with it also ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes. With all of the time your pet will be spending outdoors, one of the biggest dangers is parasites. If your pet is not protected they could be at risk for Heart Worm, Lyme Disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and a number of other dangerous conditions. During the summer, check your pet for ticks at least once a day and look thoroughly after walks or trips through wooded areas or fields. Make sure your pet is protected with a flea and tick preventive, don't forget people can catch many of these diseases too!!

Avoid dehydration and heat stroke

Your pet should always have access to fresh water and shade, a dog's only way to stay cool is by panting and drinking cool water. Keep your dog in the shade as much as possible, being stuck indirect sunlight for to long can overheat them, and cause heat stroke. Short-nosed dogs, like shih-tzus, pugs, and bulldogs, darker-colored pets, over weight animals, and animals with thick coats ( Himalayan cat or Mountain dog are more prone to heat stress. Watch out for symptoms such as excess lethargy, decreased urination, dry gums, refusal to eat, sunken eyes, decreased skin elasticity. If you notice any of these symptoms get your pet in cool area with water and contact your local veterinarian.

Summertime means all sorts of fun exciting sights, scents, flourishing wildlife and new and exciting places to explore. if your yard is not fenced be sure to keep your dog on a leash, you don't want them becoming distracted and running off. Also if you have your windows open on a cooler day make sure that all your windows have screens in to prevent your pet from jumping out and running off. if your dog is to get away from you be sure to notify the Animal Control Department right away.

Summertime is a time for BBQ cookouts and outdoor fun, especially for your dog who loves tables scraps. But little tastes are not good for our dog's waistline or health. Certain foods can be toxic to dogs if a large enough amount is consumed. Keep an extra eye out for these BBQ favorites: Barbeque- can cause diarrhea and dehydration, corn on the cob- can be a choking hazard and difficult to digest, fruits with pits such as peaches, avocados and others can be a choking hazard, foods with bones or skewers can be very dangerous should they splinter they can tear the GI system and pierce even the bowels, and ice cream/dairy products- don't usually agree with lactose intolerant dogs.