Did you know that pets can get sunburned? What about the fact that unclean water may cause skin problems? Do you know your pet can drown even hours after playing in the water?

• Using a life jacket for your dog when you’re on a boat or dock together is a really smart idea! Remember, “Dog overboard” can happen and it can be quite scary for your furry friend. If they panic, they might swim toward the motor or get out of reach, which could be really dangerous.
• Many dog breeds lack stamina for swimming, so don’t force them into deep water.
• If your dog enjoys swimming, take precautions to prevent overdoing it or swallowing too much water, as dogs can drown hours later from ingesting water while playing.
• Rinse your dog with clean water promptly after playing in saltwater, lakes, streams, or chlorinated pools to prevent skin issues.
• Offer your dog a safer water option: a small kiddy pool with clean tap water, enough for splashing or cooling off.
• Shield pets’ noses and light skin from sunburn.

Be Your Pet’s Guardian Angel

• Never leave pets in cars during summer; it only takes minutes for overheating and severe consequences.
• Leaving your dog in a closed car is illegal, and you may return to find your windows smashed as someone tried to rescue your pet.
• Many dogs are stolen from unattended vehicles. The fate of a stolen dog seldom has a happy ending for the animal.
• Dogs should ride in a car but wait for cooler conditions unless on a training mission with “NO” stops and good air conditioning.
• Do not let him put his head out the window. Protect his eyes and ears.
• Check the temperature of the sidewalks and blacktop. If it’s too hot for you to walk barefoot, don’t ask your pet to.

Be Aware of Dangerous Encounters

• Many snakes are harmless and help control rodents, but a bite can cause infections and swelling in dogs. Protect your pet and family by keeping your yard tidy. Avoid giving snakes hiding spots near your dog’s play area.
• If your dog chases wildlife, bring them inside until it leaves, especially bears, bobcats, coyotes, or deer, which can attack or lead your dog on long chases, risking them getting lost.
• Exercise caution around wildlife that behaves unusually. For instance, foxes or raccoons may attack without warning if they are rabid.
• If hawks or eagles are nearby, ensure that cats and small dogs are monitored closely. The safest method to safeguard them is to keep them on a leash.
• Bee stings and bites can cause allergic reactions and pain for pets.
• Check your yard at night for skunks. If a dog gets sprayed, DO NOT wet them. Let it sit with a mixture of peroxide, Dawn dish soap, and baking soda.

Be Your Pet’s Food Monitor

• Dogs love picnics because they can socialize and eat food! They seek both what they find and what “friends” give them.
• Many picnic foods, like grapes, onions, garlic, raisins, and sugar-free peanut butter, can be toxic to dogs in large amounts. Remove these foods or closely monitor dogs. Grapes and raisins are safe for cats; keep onions and garlic away.
• Speak with guests, especially children, before summer parties. Remind them about your pet’s special diet, allergies, and any harmful foods on the table.
• Ensure your dog does not get meat with bones, barbecue sauce, corn on the cob, fruits with seeds, chocolate, ice cream, or food on skewers.
• If your picnic involves fireworks, move your pet to a quiet, safe place to muffle noise and lights. A covered crate in a calm area works well. Play music or turn on the TV for distractions like a frozen Kong toy.

Be prepared! Share this list with your family and have a safe, happy summer with your pets. We hope to see you and your pets soon!