Hot fun in the Summer time
We all love summer, but heat can be difficult for some pets to deal with. There are also some other hazards specific to summer that are not so obvious, like use of gardening chemicals and sprays, swimming pools, and the general chaos of summer vacations.
Not all pets are created equal when it comes to heat
Most cats will try to find a nice quiet cool place to nap during the heat of the day. If you keep your cat mostly outdoors (which we don't recommend), please be sure that he or she has a plentiful supply of water and somewhere cool to go during the worst heat. Dogs kept outdoors should also have unlimited access to water, and be kept indoors if at all possible when the heat is at its worst. If you take your dog on walks or to the dog park, it is best to aim for early morning or later in the evening when it is cooler. Dogs with short snouts (pugs, boxers, bulldogs etc), or who are overweight have a more difficult time dealing with heat and should be kept as cool as possible. Dogs and cats with long full coats will also be more prone to heat exhaustion. Some sign to look for are excessive panting, and glassy eyes.
Swimming is great, but don't assume your dog can swim
Not all breeds of dogs are great swimmers. Bulldogs and pugs are notoriously poor swimmer - more like sinkers. For dogs who are poor swimmers, the small backyard kiddie pools can be a source of great fun. Always supervise your pooch when he is in the pool, even if the water is quite shallow. For bigger dogs who enjoy swimming, make sure they know how to exit the pool. Show them where the steps are and how to use them. If you have an in-ground pool, it is best to have it fenced to avoid unfortunate accidents. Be sure to keep pool chemicals away from your pet and stored securely. If you are going to a river, a lake, or to the beach, be very aware of any issues with current, underwater obstacles, or pollution issues in the water. Standing water can have toxic algae on the surface, and river currents can be deceptively strong. At the ocean be aware of how far your dog is able to swim and the pull of the tide. Even for strong swimmers it can be a good idea to have a flotation jacket, especially if you are going boating since this can provide an easy way to haul your dog back aboard if he goes overboard.
Beautiful gardens, horrible chemicals
If at all possible, use only natural weed and pest controls. Many of the herbicides and pesticides and fertilizers in common use are hazardous to pets. Decomposing materials in compost piles can be very attractive to your pet but not good for their health.
Summer getaways
If you are going camping or on any kind of trip with your pet, make sure they have up to date identification tags and microchip information. Nothing will destroy your vacation faster than the loss of your companion. Make sure their vaccinations are current, and that they are adequately protected from fleas, ticks, and heartworm.