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Summer Pet Safety Tips

Keep your pet safe and healthy in hot weather

By Janet Tobiassen Crosby, DVM, About.com Guide

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Summertime and the living is easy. A nice thought and often true, but not usually without some foresight and planning where pets are concerned. Humans can change into cooler clothes, get inside for the air conditioned coolness and pack a water bottle to stay hydrated.

Pets have a harder time of it when the temperatures soar. Learn about the dangers of summer heat, thunderstorm and fireworks phobias, water safety and more in this summertime safety tip archive.

Do you have a summer safety tip? Please share it with us.

1. Summer Fun - Summer Safety: Overview of pet summer safety information

by Jennie Faber on Flickr

Time to get out with the family (and likely a family pet or two) and enjoy recreational activities. The purpose of this article is to serve as a reminder of summer dangers for pets, so that all of the fun isn't spoiled by an unsuspected emergency or illness.

2. Summer Heat: what are the signs of heatstroke in pets?

by wheany on Flickr

Dogs and cats have little choice when it comes to keeping cool in summer heat. Recognizing the signs of heatstroke will allow for prompt treatment; and time is of the essence when treating this condition.

Don't miss:
Tips to prevent heatstroke in your pet
The Dangers of Leaving Pets in Parked Cars

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3. Tips to prevent heatstroke in your pet

Gotta Love Puppies - "Amy Loves Yah" on Flickr

by Amy Loves Yah on Flickr

Hot weather creates additional hazards for your pet. Unlike humans, animals can't change their wardrobe or turn on the air conditioning like humans do to keep comfortable. Follow these common sense tips to prevent a heat-related pet emergency.

4. Tips for keeping your pet cool and comfortable

by AMagill on Flickr

As responsible pet owners, we know to not leave our pets in cars (even on mildly warm days!) or stuck out in the sun without access to shade. But what about more "in-depth" tips to keep our pets as cool and comfortable as possible for those times we must leave our pets as we go to work or other appointments? Get some cool tips for pets here.

5. Will Dogs Stop Playing If They Are Too Hot?

by rgourley on Flicker

Dogs cannot sweat to cool down like people. They can sweat a little through their paw pads, but the main way dogs cool down (rather inefficiently) is by panting. Given cool shade and water to drink, will dogs "know" when to stop and take a rest while at the beach or dog park?

6. The Dangers of Leaving Pets in Parked Cars on Warm Days

Making stops while taking the family dog on a trip - Getty Images

by Getty Images

Even when parked in the shade on a warm day, animals (or kids or the elderly) can succumb to heatstroke or death if left in the car unattended.

Readers Respond: Have you assisted an animal locked in a car?

7. Protect Your Dog's Feet from Getting Burned on Hot Pavement

by SarahB- on Flickr

Dog's feet and pads are tough, right? Most people are aware that foot pads can be injured by stepping on something sharp, but what about something hot? Thankfully, most dogs stay away from the stove top, but hot pavement is hard to avoid in the heat of summer. Read this Quick Tip to learn about this potential hazard and how to minimize risk.

8. Swim Safety: Pet Life Jackets

Carter relaxing onboard in his pet lifejacket - Image credit: Tamara

by Tamara

Summer is a great time to hit the beach, lake or river; especially with our dogs that enjoy swimming. Not all dogs are natural swimmers, though. Take time to assess your particular pet's needs and overall fitness to decide if a life vest is a good idea for your pet.

Related Review: Critter's Inflatable Pet Life Vest

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9. Sunburn: Not Just For Humans - Protect Your Pets, Too

by Getty Images/DavidDeLossy

White animals and those that have a hair cut or naturally thin (or nonexistent!) hair coats are particularly sensitive to the sun, and may suffer the same ills as humans: sunburn and skin cancers. This Quick Tip offers ideas and cautions for protecting your pet on those sunny days. The two most important tips to prevent sunburn: provide shade and sunblock.

10. Summer Diet: Is it OK to feed my dog corn on the cob?

by USDA (public domain)

Most people are aware of the dangers of feeding pets a diet of table scraps that are high in fat (trimmings, gravy, etc.), especially pets who do not consume table scraps on a regular basis. This FAQ addresses feeding pets corn on the cob, which may seem like a healthy alternative, but real dangers exist and this food item is not recommended for pets.

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