Top 12 Hot Weather Tips for Pets

As the weather heats up we tend to get out and about more with our pets. As the temperature soars there are some tips we need to keep in mind:
Always give pets free access to clean, cool clear drinking water in hot weather

Never leave your pet in the car even if the windows are down-cars quickly become ovens

Check the temperature of the sidewalk before walking pets in the afternoon and evening- the pads of their feet can easily burn and blister ( if it's too hot for your bare feet , its too hot for their feet too).

If your pet has had a short hair cut recently make sure they do not get too much sun initially the newly exposed skin can sunburn.

Allow pets access to air conditioning or a cool area if the temperature soars above 100-pets cannot sweat in the same way we can and their heat must be dissipated through panting, if they are panting heavily it probably means they are getting too hot.

Watch for rattlesnakes-try to keep pets away from areas that rattlesnakes love to reside in the summer. If they are bitten immediately seek veterinary care. Signs of snake bite are 1-2 puncture marks and extreme swelling of the area bitten.

Walk pets early in the morning or later in the evening once temperatures have cooled off.

Make sure vaccines are up to date before hitting the great outdoors

If a day at the beach is in the plans 7 remember salt water dehydrates your pet, bring plenty of fresh water and a portable bowl. Check that your flea control is waterproof

Warm weather means gardening and lawn care-many lawn and garden products can be toxic so keep out of reach of pets.

Signs of overheating are panting heavily, staggering gait, rapid heartbeat, listlessness, restlessness, dark red or purple gums and tongue, vomiting. Gradually lower the body temperature by slowly cooling down your pet with a cool water rinse (not ice water) or move to an air conditioned location, offer ice cubes and/or small sips of water at a time and seek veterinary care. A quick response can save your pet's life.

Daily check feet, ears and hair coats for dry grass and plant awns that can become lodged into these areas and move into the skin.

I hope these tips help the pets of Edwards Air Force Base have a fun and safe summer season.