This weekend marks the unofficial start to summer, the season meant for fun, sun, and spending time outdoors with your pet. While humans are aware of the precautions they need to take prior to playing outside in the Summer, just as many summertime dangers lurk outside for your pet. So that you and your pet can enjoy the season fully, petMD.com has put together a list of the top 5 safety tips for your pets in the summertime.
1. Apply Sunscreen: Like their owners, dogs and cats can become easily burned by the sun if they are outside for more than a few minutes, and especially if they have light skin and a short or thin hair coat. Applying fragrance free, non-staining, UVA and UVB barrier sunscreen or a special sunscreen made for pets can help prevent your pet from being burned this summer.
2. Provide Plenty of Water and Shade: Dogs and cats enjoy the warm weather as much as humans do, and may become dehydrated after extended play outside. Providing plenty of fresh water to your pets, as well as encouraging them to play or take a break in the shade can help prevent the consequences of having a dehydrated dog or cat. Dogs often pant, but in cats that’s a sign of overheating. Cool down your cat immediately with cold water at its pulse points, and if the panting persists, get to a veterinarian right away.
