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Fall Pet Safety Tips
Fall time is the perfect time of year for vacations, outdoor activities and to spend quality time with friends and family. With fall comes both a mix of hot and cool days. Just as it’s important to cover yourself with clothes and sunscreen it’s equally important to also protect your pet from the elements. The following precautions will help keep your dog safe through the fall season:
- Avoid hard exercise for dogs on really hot days. Instead, take it on easy walks through the neighborhood. Avoid walking your dog on hot materials such as asphalt and sand – they will burn its paws. Bring some water and make frequent rest breaks.
- Never leave a pet in an enclosed car; the temperature gets up over a hundred degrees in a very short time period. Even cracking the window will not be enough – the safest option is to take your pet with you.
- Short faced dogs such as Bulldogs, Boxers, Japanese Chins, and Pekingese have a really tough time in the heat since they don’t pant as efficiently as dogs with a long snout. Keep these dogs inside an air conditioned room.
- When you take your dog to the park, make sure it has a shady place to rest.
- Dogs with light coats sunburn easily – make sure to keep the sun exposure during the peak hours of the day 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. low.
- Before taking your dog swimming at an ocean beach, be sure you are aware of currents and any nasty creatures (e.g. jellyfish) that may be lurking in the surf zone.
- Wash your dog’s coat after saltwater swims. Saltwater is damaging to its coat.
- Use fertilizers and other chemicals sparingly in your yard to prevent your pet from accidentally ingesting or otherwise coming into contact with them.
- Protect against parasites (e.g. mosquitoes, ticks, and heartworm) by using preventive medicines and taking precautions such as inspecting your pet frequently.