Hot Weather Health Hazards

Here in Florida, we are no strangers to hot weather. The dog days of summer are almost upon us! Keep your dog or cat safe with these quick tips from an Edison Park, FL veterinarian.

Heatstroke and Dehydration

Two of the major dangers for pets during hot weather are heatstroke and dehydration. Rule number one for preventing these issues in pets: don’t allow your companion to linger outdoors for long stretches of time. Instead, bring them back inside frequently where it’s air-conditioned and comfortable. Also, make sure that your pet has a dish of cool, fresh water to drink from at all times. A final tip: exercise your pet outdoors in the cooler morning or evening hours, rather than through the middle part of the day.

Sunburn

Did you know that pets can get sunburnt just like you can? It’s most likely to occur on areas that aren’t completely covered by your pet’s fur, such as the tip of the nose or the edges of your companion’s ears. If your pet must stay outdoors exposed to the sun’s harmful rays for long periods, it might be worth considering a pet sunscreen. These specially formulated sunscreens are made for the sensitive skin of cats and dogs; ask your vet for a recommendation.

Hot Asphalt

When the sun beats down on asphalt surfaces like parking lots and driveways, they can heat up drastically. For a pet who is forced to linger on these surfaces, it can be torturous! Don’t allow your animal companion to experience painful burns or blisters on the paw pads; avoid these surfaces whenever you can. When walking your pet, try walking on cooler grass or dirt surfaces instead.

Outdoor Pests

Of course, hot weather means pests come out of the woodwork to start latching onto your unsuspecting animal companion. Fleas, ticks, parasitic worms… the list goes on! The trick is having your pet wear the appropriate preventative medicines to keep these critters at bay. For most pets, a heartworm preventative and a flea-and-tick medication should do the trick. If your pet hasn’t been set up with preventative medications, it’s time to give your veterinarian a call.

This season, don’t let health hazards sideline your pet—with a few simple precautions, your pet will be enjoying the summer weather right alongside you and your family! For more information on summertime pet safety, call your Edison Park, FL veterinary clinic.