Summer is supposed to be a time for fun and sun, but for some pet owners, the summer months are fraught with unknown dangers for their furry friends. Here are a few tips on how you can get the best out of summer with your pet in New York City.
Prevent flea and tick borne diseases
Fleas and ticks are most active during the summer months, even in New York City. It is recommended that you treat your pet with flea and tick repellent all year round.
Your car is not a pet sitter
Never leave your pet in the car. Not even for 1 minute while you quickly run into the supermarket. The inside of a car in summer can become like an oven within minutes, even with the windows rolled down. If it’s 75 degrees outside, your car can get up to 95 degrees in 10 minutes.
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Water. Lots and lots of water.
Make sure your pet has free access to water, indoors and outdoors. When you take your pet for walks in these summer months, take a cold bottle of water with you along with a lightweight water bowl. Or an all-in-one system portable spill-proof water bottle for your dog.
Cooler walks are better walks
Take your dog out for walks during the cooler morning and evening hours. This will not only prevent heat stroke, fatigue and sunburns, but the pavement will have cooled off so that it doesn’t burn their paw pads.
Take extra care of the young and elderly
Elderly pets or pets that are still very young should be kept cool and well hydrated during the very hot, humid days. These pets may not be able to handle extreme heat as well as their healthier, adult counterparts.
Beware of heatstroke
Heatstroke is a medical emergency. Symptoms may include excessive panting, high body temperature, diarrhea, vomiting, dry gums, extreme lethargy and collapse. If you suspect your pet may be suffering from heatstroke, follow cooling procedures discussed in the link and take him or her to a veterinarian immediately. Heatstroke is dangerous and can be fatal.
So what are you waiting for? Load up the water bottles, head to Central Park and go have a great summer time with your best friend.
