Top 10 Pet Summer Safety Tips | Petfinder (2024)

Petfinder: Beach Safety Tips For Your Dog

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1. Keep Your Cat Safe on the Fourth of July

  • Be sure your cat is wearing an up-to-date and visible ID tag on their collar at all times.
  • Take a current photo of your cat.
  • Give your cat a good play session before people come over for any celebrations.
  • Ask guests to keep an eye out for your cat, to be sure they don’t escape.
  • Keep charcoal, fireworks, sparklers and glow sticks far from curious cats.
  • Put your cat in a safe, escape-proof room during parties and fireworks.
  • If your cat is afraid of loud noises, leave gentle music playing to cover the fireworks.

2. Keep Your Dog Safe on the Fourth of July

  • Be sure your dog is wearing an up-to-date and visible ID tag on their collar at all times.
  • Take a current photo of your dog.
  • Exercise your dog early in the day before parties begin.
  • During cookouts, ask guests to play with your dog away from the flames.
  • Keep charcoal, fireworks, sparklers and glow sticks far from curious canines.
  • Keep dog treats on hand for those who want to give your dog food.
  • Leave your dog at home with a frozen stuffed treat during the fireworks.
  • If your dog is afraid of loud noises, leave gentle music playing to cover the fireworks.

3. 5 Tips to Prevent Lost Pups

  • Be sure your dog wears their collar with a clearly visible ID tag at all times
  • Update your dog’s microchip information or get them microchipped if they haven’t already been.
  • During parties, be sure to inform guests that all gates and doors need to be securely latched to prevent your dog from wandering.
  • If your dog is stressed by parties, consider keeping them in a safe room with their favorite toys away from your guests.
  • Leave your dog at home during Independence Day fireworks to avoid a stressed and scared pup running away in the dark.

4. Keep Your Cat from Becoming Lost

  • Check that your cat’s collar fits securely and that their tag is easy to read with your current information.
  • Update your microchip information! If your cat doesn’t already have a microchip, make an appointment with your veterinarian or call your local shelter about microchip clinics.
  • Put your kitty with their food, water and a litter box in an enclosed area with a visible sign declaring that the cat is inside and must not be allowed out.
  • Prepare in advance. Make sure that you have current, clear photos of your cat ready for lost flyers.
  • Ask your guests to keep an eye out for your cat during the festivities.

5. Keep Your Dog Safe at a Cookout

  • Be sure your dog is wearing a visible and up-to-date ID tag on their collar before the party begins.
  • Keep charcoal, matches and lighter fluid away from your dog.
  • Consider keeping your pup on a leash so they don’t explore hot grills or tables of food.
  • While grilling, ask guests to play with your dog far from the flames.
  • Place citronella and other insect-repellants where your dog can’t reach them.
  • Never leave alcohol unattended around your dogs.
  • Check that all sunscreen or insect repellant you apply to your dog is labeled for use on pets.
  • Don’t let guests give your pup people food. Consider having a bag of treats on hand.
  • Be sure all children are supervised when near your dog to avoid any roughhousing.
  • If your pup seems overwhelmed, bring them inside and put them in a quiet area away from guests.

Petfinder: Camping

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6. Heatstroke is deadly for dogs

The signs of heatstroke include:

  • Excessive or exaggerated panting
  • Lethargy
  • Weakness
  • Drooling
  • High fever
  • Dark red gums
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Unresponsiveness to commands and surroundings
  • Vomiting
  • Collapse
  • Staring/anxious expression
  • Warm/dry skin

If you think your dog may have heatstroke, head straight to your vet’s office. It could save their life!

7. Learn the Signs of Heatstroke in Cats

The signs of heatstroke include:

  • Restlessness as your cat searches for a cooler spot
  • Excessive grooming
  • Panting
  • Sweaty paws
  • Drooling
  • Redness of the tongue and mouth
  • Rapid breathing
  • Vomiting
  • Stumbling
  • Extreme lethargy
  • Unresponsiveness
  • High fever

If you think your cat may have heatstroke, head straight to your vet’s office. It could save their life!

8. How You Can Help Dogs in Hot Cars

  • Call your local animal control or police department to report a pet in a car. Inform them if the pet appears to be in distress. Endangering a dog by leaving them in a car is against the law in many places.
  • Try to find the pet parent. Note the license plate number, color, make and model of the car. Go to the nearest store or mall security office and ask them to make an announcement over the loudspeaker that a dog has been left in a car and needs help.
  • Keep an eye on the car until the guardian or animal control arrive.
  • Consider leaving our Never Leave a Dog in a Car infographic on the car to educate the guardian.

9. 4 Steps to Help Pets in Cars

  • Call your local animal control or police department to report a pet in a car. Inform them if the pet appears to be in distress. Endangering a pet by leaving them in a car is against the law in many places.
  • Try to find the cat’s parent. Note the license plate number, color, make and model of the car. Go to the nearest store or mall security office and ask them to make an announcement over the loudspeaker that a cat has been left in a car and needs help.
  • Keep an eye on the car until the guardian or animal control arrive.
  • Consider leaving our Never Leave a Pet in a Car infographic on the car to educate the guardian.

10. Tell Us!

Tell us about your hot weather and summer safety tips for your pet!

Petfinder: Outdoor Activities

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Top 10 Pet Summer Safety Tips | Petfinder (2024)

FAQs

How do you keep pets safe in hot weather? ›

Provide your pet with fresh, cool water every day in a tip-proof bowl. Don't force animals to exercise when it is hot and humid. Exercise pets early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are cooler. Bring water and take breaks in the shade when walking.

How do I take care of my pet in the summer? ›

Tips to take care of your pet during hot summer months
  1. Hydration is Key: ...
  2. Avoid Over-heating: ...
  3. Provide Shade: ...
  4. Never Leave Pets in Parked Cars: ...
  5. Avoid Hot Surfaces. ...
  6. Watch for Heatstroke: ...
  7. Watch out for Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes: ...
  8. Plan your holiday pet care:
Jun 26, 2023

How do you stay safe around pets? ›

Playing Safely With Pets
  • Never bother a pet when it's eating or pull its food or water away.
  • Don't tease a dog or cat or pull its tail or ears.
  • Never bother a pet when it's sleeping.
  • Don't take a toy or bone away from a cat or dog or hold it out of reach of the animal.

What temperature is too hot for pets? ›

80-90 degrees Fahrenheit: Exercise extreme caution. Limit walks to very short durations, provide ample shade, and ensure your dog stays hydrated. Here are a few signs of dehydration to look out for. 90+ degrees Fahrenheit: It's generally considered too hot for outdoor walks or strenuous activity.

How hot is too hot for pets in a house? ›

Indoor and Sheltered Housing

Dogs cannot be housed in temperatures above 85 °F for more than 4 consecutive hours. If the temperature rises above 85 °F for any length of time, you must provide additional ventilation such as fans, blowers, or air conditioning.

What temperature is unsafe for dogs in summer? ›

Planning on walking dogs in hot weather? It's generally safe in temperatures of up to 19°C (68°F) but be careful when the mercury rises above this. Even at temperatures as low as 20°C (70°F) dogs are at risk of heat stroke. Heat stroke in dogs is essentially a high temperature not caused by a fever.

Do dogs need AC in summer? ›

Unlike humans, dogs can tolerate all kinds of temperatures. But in extreme weather conditions, even the dogs can suffer from heat exhaustion, heat stroke, vomiting, diarrhea, and other health problems. When it's extremely hot outside, it is important to keep your furry friend cool and comfy.

How do I keep my dog cool in the summer outside? ›

How to Keep Your Outside Dog Cool
  1. Provide plenty of water, chilled if possible. Your dog needs plenty of water so he doesn't get dehydrated. ...
  2. Make sure there's lots of shade away from the sun. ...
  3. Give your dog cooled mats. ...
  4. Don't let your pup walk on hot cement or asphalt. ...
  5. Play in the water.
Jul 16, 2020

What are the do's and don'ts with pets? ›

Do's & Don'ts with Animals
  • Don't touch or go near an animal outdoors. ...
  • Don't ever try to feed a wild animal. ...
  • Never bother a pet when it's eating or pull its food or water away.
  • Don't tease a dog or cat or pull its tail or ears.
  • Never bother a pet when it's sleeping.

Should you save pets in a fire? ›

In the event of a disaster, if you must evacuate, the most important thing you can do to protect your pets is to evacuate them, too. But remember: never delay escape or endanger yourself or family to rescue a family pet.

What not to do around dogs? ›

Don't pull a toy, stick or any item from a dog's mouth. Also, do not play tug-of-war as this may teach them to bite, jump or become aggressive. Don't run from a dog that is chasing you! Try to stand still or crouch down and cover your face with your arms.

Are pets safe in the hold? ›

Depending on the carrier, most pet travel is pretty safe now in the cargo hold. They won't put a pet in an unpressurized cargo hold. Some aircraft have warm air circulating through the hold keeping it relatively comfortable. Others have air circulating around the outside of the cargo hold so its chillier in there.

Can I protect myself from a dog? ›

Dealing with an Approaching Dog

Depending on where you are walking, choose a way to protect yourself. You may choose to carry a large stick, a dog whistle, dog deterrent spray, or a stun gun. You can purchase commercial products that are proven to deter dog attacks. Look for a whistle that irritates dogs.

At what temperature should pets not be outside? ›

Accordingly, they shouldn't spend longer than 10 to 15 minutes outdoors in temperatures between 10 and 32 degrees Fahrenheit (F), and they shouldn't spend any time outdoors in temperatures less than 10 degrees F.

How long can a dog stay outside in 90 degree weather? ›

If the temperature is over 90 degrees, do not let your pet outside for more than 10 or 20 minutes. And, make sure they are monitored during that time. If you spot any signs of heat stress, as mentioned above, bring your dog back inside and let it rest for the remainder of the day.

What temperature is unsafe for animals? ›

As a general rule of thumb, if the outdoor temperature is too hot or cold for you, it's probably too severe for your dog. Hot temperatures, combined with humidity, can cause dehydration and heatstroke. Temperatures lower than 32°F can cause hypothermia or frostbite.

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