Summer Is (Unofficially) Here — And It’s Sizzling For Your Pets, Too!
Hot Tips For Cool Pets: Summer Safety Tips From Charlotte's Pet-Friendly Real Estate Agent
While summer hasn’t officially kicked off on the calendar, it’s already making its presence known in Charlotte and in cities across the country. And we're just one week away from Memorial Day weekend, which many consider the official start of the summer season. The rising temperatures, long sunny days, and sweltering afternoons are reminders that the summer season has effectively arrived. And while we humans can crank up the A/C or seek shade when it gets too hot, our pets aren't always so lucky.
If you’re feeling the heat, just imagine how it feels for your furry companions — especially those covered in thick coats of fur. The truth is, pets are particularly vulnerable during the summer months. In fact, more pets are at risk of heat-related injuries and illnesses in summer than during any other time of the year.
How Hot🔥 Is Too Hot🔥 for Your Pet? Try the 5-Second Test
One simple way to check if it’s safe for your pet to be outdoors, especially for walks on pavement or asphalt, is the 5-second test: Place your hand on the ground and hold it there for five seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s definitely too hot for your pet’s paws. Surfaces like sidewalks and streets can become dangerously hot, leading to painful burns or discomfort for your pet.
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.
5 SUMMER DANGERS FOR PETS: INFOGRAPHIC
Why You Should NEVER Leave Your Pet In A Hot 🔥Car 🚗
Every summer we hear reports on the news about pets that have perished in a hot car or were rescued from a hot car. Did you know that hundreds of pets die each year from being left in a hot car or from heat exhaustion?
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, your car heats up to 114 degrees within 10 minutes and to 129 degrees within 30 minutes. Cracking your window open will not help keep the car cool enough for your pet.
7 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 signs of heat stroke in dogs and cats.
Staying aware of these dangers to our fur babies will keep the coming summer season a happy one for both pets and their parents.
These early Summer Pet Safety Tips are provided by Nina Hollander with Coldwell Banker Realty, Greater Charlotte area residential real estate expert and pet parent. I''ve been opening doors for Charlotte area home buyers and sellers and their four-legged family members since 1999.
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PS: if you're thinking about adding a pet to your household this summer, please:
ADOPT, DON'T SHOP!
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