How to Keep Your Agoura Hills Pets Cool This Summer: Heat Safety Tips
If there’s one thing Californians know, it’s how to embrace summer while staying safe in the heat. At Western Veterinary Medical & Surgical Center, we’re here to help you prepare your pet for the warm days ahead. With our favorite summer pet tips, you can ensure your furry friends stay cool, safe, and healthy all season long.
Summer Pet Safety Considerations
When enjoying summertime with your pets, it’s essential to be mindful of potential hazards that could lead to emergencies. Keep an eye out for the following:
- Table scraps at picnics and barbecues that can upset your pet’s stomach or even be toxic.
- Motor vehicles that can become extremely hot very quickly
- Swimming pools, lakes, and ponds that can pose drowning risks or contain harmful blue green algae
- Dirty water sources that can irritate your pet’s skin or cause gastrointestinal issues
- Parasites like fleas, ticks, and heartworms that are at their peak in summer
- The intense sun that can result in sunburn, dehydration and overheating
- Hot surfaces like pavement, sand, or asphalt can burn tender paw pads
How to Prepare Your Pet for Hot Days
Pets can adapt to the warmer weather, but it is important to introduce them to outdoor heat gradually. Short, supervised outdoor sessions can help them to acclimate.
How long your pet can stay outdoors safely depends on several factors. Pets who are overweight, elderly, very young, brachycephalic (short-nosed breeds), or those with health conditions are at higher risk of heat exhaustion. To keep your pet safe, plan activities during the cooler parts of the day, such as early mornings or evenings.
It is also important to avoid shaving your double-coated pet. While it might seem helpful to rid them of those extra layers, your pet’s fur actually provides insulation against the heat, and protects their skin from the sun. Instead, be sure to brush them regularly to remove excess fur.
Whenever you’re outside with your pet, provide access to shaded areas or shelter. Plenty of cool, fresh water is also a must.
Never leave your pet outdoors unsupervised or alone in a vehicle. Even a minute in a hot car can be life-threatening.
Regular wellness checks are also an important part of keeping your pet healthy, especially during the summer months. Routine visits can help detect and address any health concerns before they escalate into pet emergencies. Whether it’s updating parasite prevention or addressing specific needs, our team at Western Veterinary Medical & Surgical Center is here to support you.
Recognizing and Responding to Heat Stroke in Pets
Heat exhaustion or heat stroke can have devastating consequences for pets during summer. Recognizing the early signs can save your pet’s life. Watch for symptoms such as:
- Restlessness
- Excessive panting
- Increased heart and respiratory rates
- Drooling
- Vomiting or diarrhea
If you notice these signs, immediately remove your pet from the heat and contact us right away. While waiting for professional care, you can place cool (not cold) towels on their belly and paws to help lower their body temperature. Timely veterinary treatment is most important, though, to avoid serious consequences.
A little preparation and common sense can go a long way in keeping your pets cool this summer. By following these Agoura Hills summer pet tips, you can enjoy a fun, worry-free summer with your furry companions.
For any questions or concerns about your pet’s summer care, don’t hesitate to contact us. Together, we can avoid pet emergencies in the heat and ensure your pets have fun in the sun (or the a/c).