Summer Pet Safety Tips
Much of the country is suffering from significant heat... and Charlotte is no different. Our temperatures have been hitting the 90 degree mark and will continue to do so this coming week with some forecasts indicating that temperatures could rise as high as 97 degrees. No doubt we are talking a weather forecast that is HOT, HOT, HOT! And if it's hot for humans, it's HOT, HOT, HOT for our pets.
ASPCA's infographic below points out the 5 Summer Dangers For Pets, which include sun and heat, fireworks and thunderstorms, hot cars, toxic chemicals, and parties and barbecues. Following the safety tips outlined in this infographic will ensure that your pets enjoy a pawsitively great summer.
Do You Know How Hot Your Car Gets?
Every summer we hear reports on the news about pets that have perished in a hot car or were rescued from a hot car. A car heats up very quickly in the summer heat... don't take chances with your pet by leaving it in the car for even a couple of minutes. If it's 90 degrees outside, for example, as it's been in Charlotte, your car heats up to 114 degreew within 10 minutes and to 129 degrees within 30 minutes. Don't think cracking your window open helps keep the car cool enough for your pet.
More Tips For Caring For Your Pet During Hot Summer Weather
- Be sure to have plenty of water available for both your dogs and cats when it's hot as they can get dehydrated much more quickly. Be sure to carry water with you when out with your dog.
Don't leave pets unsupervised around your pool. If your dog swims in your pool, hose it off to remove chlorine and chemicals as soon as possible.
Keep pets off of hot pavement and asphalt as much as possible to keep their pads from burning.
Keep your pets protected against mosquito bites by not skipping on heartworm medicine in the summer months.
- Don't shave your longer haired dogs thinking it will cool them off... it might instead cause them to be sunburned.
- If you keep windows open in your home, be sure to install screens securely so that dogs and cats don't fall out.
- Know the signes of heat stroke in dogs and cats.
Staying aware of these dangers to our four-legged family members will be sure to make the summer season a happy one for pets and their parents.
These tips for keeping your pets safe during the hot summer months are provided by Nina Hollander and Carolinas Realty Partners with Coldwell Banker, your Charlotte area residential real estate experts and pet owners and lovers.
And if you're thinking about adding a pet to your household this summer, please:
ADOPT, DON'T SHOP!
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