Summer is the time for new beach adventures, fun, exploring things around or just chilling. The weather change could have benefits, but limit outdoor activities with your pet. You may want to involve your pets in most of the fun activities, but you should remember that too much heat can be harmful for them. Being prepared for summer mishaps is better for pet parents. Here are some important summer first aid tips for your pet to quickly attend to them and provide some sort of relief till you reach the vet.
Heat Stroke
Your pet’s body temperature may start to increase suddenly due to the heat exposure and their body may lose the ability to control the temperature. If this goes untreated, it can be life threatening for your pet. It’s important to identify the symptoms of heat stroke and provide treatment as soon as possible.
Heat stroke signs
- High body temperature
- Excessive panting
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fainting
- Red gums
- Seizures
- Restlessness
What to do?
If you believe that your pet is experiencing heat stroke, you need to place them in a cool area. Upon consulting your vet, you may be advised to use a wet cloth and try to cool the pet’s body gently with it. You should not try to cool your pet by placing them in ice cold water, as this can cause more harm to them. You may let them have small sips of water, but not too much, as they may tend to vomit and become more dehydrated.
Precautions
Heat stroke can be prevented by taking some necessary precautions. Make sure there is a shady area and access to drinking water, whenever your pet is playing outdoors. It is better not to take them out when it’s too hot and wait till the temperature cools down. You should never use any human sunscreen lotions on your pets. You may use pet sunscreen lotions if you go to the beach or other hot areas.
Paw burns
Another risk for your pet during summers, is getting paw burns. Often, you may not realise that your pet’s paws may be affected as well and this can be painful to them. Your pet may get paw burns by walking on hot pavements or sand for too long. It is important to check how hot the ground is by feeling it with your hand, before taking your pet out. You may apply cold compress for some relief, but pain medicine may be necessary, along with medicated soaks for the paw pads.
Other Precautions
During summer, it is better not to exercise your pet too much or engage them in many activities, as it can be humid indoors and most pets get exhausted easily. You should never leave your pet locked in the car for too long, as it can be dangerous for them when the temperature is too high. If you take your pet to the swimming pool, ensure that they don’t swallow the pool water, as it can have chemicals, which can be very harmful. Also, rinse your dog thoroughly after coming out of the pool, to avoid skin allergies. Find some useful summer pet care tips here.
