Summer is such a fun time with our pets! More outdoor time with the kids out of school and longer
days to take walks in the evening make summer a great time for our pets. But summer also brings
some precautions we need to remember.

• Never leave your pet unattended in direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can raise a pet’s
  temperature quickly as well as cause sunburn and skin cancer just like us. Always provide
  shade and free access to water. Feel free to trim them shorter yourself or at a groomer but
  never shave your dog. That is just asking for sunburn.
• Leaving a pet unattended in a car for just a few minutes during the heat of summer can end in
  disaster. Even with the windows “cracked” the temperature inside the car can soar to way over 100 degrees. When it’s 80 degrees outside the inside of a car can reach over 120 degrees in a matter of minutes.
• When the temperature is very high, don’t let your dog linger on hot asphalt. Being so close to
  the ground, your pooch’s body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. Keep
  walks during these times to a minimum.
• Heat stroke is more common during the summer months. Try to prevent your pets from
  strenuous activity during the heat of the day. The flat faced pets such as persian cats, pugs,
  bulldogs and boston terriers are particularly susceptible to heat stroke and need to be kept in a cool place during the heat of the day. Know the symptoms of overheating in pets, which
  include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse. Symptoms can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomit along with an elevated body of over 104 degrees.
• If you like to take your dog to the beach be sure to provide shade and fresh water. Running in
  sand is particularly strenuous and the tempting cool salt water can make a dog sick if they drink too much. The salt and other minerals can also damage your dog’s coat or dry out their skin so rinse them off with fresh water when you get home.
• There is more access to several chemicals during the summer months. Never leave out any of
  the pool chemicals, fertilizers or insecticides that we routinely use more often in summer. Snail bait is a particularly tasty treat to dogs and should be used with caution. Citronella candles, tiki torch products and insect coils should also be kept out of your pet’s reach.
• Remember that food and drink commonly found at barbeques can be poisonous to pets. Keep alcoholic beverages away from pets, as they can cause intoxication, depression and comas. Similarly, remember that the snacks enjoyed by your human friends should not be a treat for your pet; any change of diet, even for one meal, may give your dog or cat severe digestive ailments. Avoid raisins, grapes, onions, chocolate and products with the sweetener xylitol.

Enjoy time with your pets this summer! Feel free to call Buellton Vet with any questions or concerns.