Keep Your Pet Safe This Summer with These Recommendations from a Vet in Lewisville

Summer is almost here, and it is a great time to go out and spend some time with the special people in your life. It’s also an excellent time to brush up on your pet summer safety knowledge. Sadly, hot summer days can be unsafe for animals. As the temperature soars this summer, you will need to understand how to safeguard your companion. Here at ABC Veterinary Clinic of Lewisville, we don’t want to witness any area animals experiencing heat-related illness or injuries this summer. In this blog post, a vet in Lewisville discusses a few crucial summer safety tips. Let's go!

Don't Take Your Pet With You

Your pet doesn’t want to stay in a hot vehicle while you shop. They would be a lot happier - and safer - spending the day at home. It only takes around 30 minutes for the interior of a car or truck to reach 120° when the outside temperature is 85°. Leaving a window slightly open or parking in a shady area does not alleviate the issue. And leaving your vehicle running with the air conditioner on full blast isn’t a good solution, either. Even new vehicles can have mechanical problems, and it's possible for unattended pets to inadvertently switch off the air conditioner or even bump the car into gear. Leaving your pet in a car by itself can be deadly. No matter how much your pet likes going with you, you should never leave them in a car unsupervised during hot weather.

Make Sure They're Consuming Enough Water

Your cat or dog should always have free access to clean water. This is especially important during hot weather, though, due to the increased risk of dehydration. Like people, pets need to increase their water intake when summertime temperatures soar. Make sure their water dish at home is always full of clean water. Bring water with you when walking your dog, too.

Don't Walk on Hot Pavement

Pavement gets hot fast during the summer months and can cause serious burns to your pet’s paw pads. Black asphalt is the most dangerous surface during the summer and could be an astonishing 60° warmer than the current air temperature. Serious burns can occur within one minute of contact with hot pavement. We suggest avoiding all types of pavement as much as possible in the summer. When you must walk on a paved surface, check the temperature with your hand before allowing your pet to walk on it. If it’s too warm to hold your hand on it for at least 10 seconds, your pet can't walk on it without risking serious injuries to their paws. Purchasing a pair of booties for your dog is a great way to protect their paws when walking on hot pavement is a must.

Keep Your Pet Up-to-Date on Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Preventatives from a Vet in Lewisville

People are not the only ones who love summer. Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes (which carry heartworm) do, too. Making an appointment with a vet in Lewisville is the best way to keep your furry friend current on safe and effective flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives.

Does your beloved pet need a skilled veterinarian in Lewisville? If so, our compassionate team would love to help.  Contact ABC Veterinary Clinic of Lewisville soon to make your dog or cat's appointment.