Keep Your Pet Safe This Summer with These Suggestions from a Vet in Hillsborough

With the summer season coming up fast, now is a good time for cookouts, picnics, beach trips, and hiking adventures. Sadly, hot summer days can be unsafe for companion animals. When the mercury climbs, you need to know how to safeguard your beloved pet. At 4Paws Mobile Veterinary Services, our team never wants to witness any pets experiencing heat-related illness or injuries during the summer. Read on to discover a few pet summer safety tips from a vet serving Hillsborough and the nearby communities.

Don't Take Your Pet With You

Your pet may love going for rides with you, but you shouldn't ever leave them sitting in your car in warm weather. They’d be much happier - and safer - spending the day at home. It only takes around 30 minutes for the inside of a car or truck to reach 120° on an 85° day. Leaving the windows slightly open or parking in a shady spot will not help as much as most people believe. Leaving the car running with the air conditioner switched on isn't really a smart idea, either. Your fur baby could accidentally bump the controls, or your vehicle could shut down. Leaving a pet alone in a vehicle is dangerous and can turn deadly in an instant. It just isn’t worth the risk.

Make Sure They Have Adequate Water

Your dog or cat should always have free access to clean water. It’s even more important in the summer, though. Just like people, your pet needs extra water during the summer. Ensure that their water bowl at home is always filled with clean water. Bring along a container of water and a collapsible dish when walking your dog, too.

Protect Your Pup's Paw Pads

The air temperature isn't the only thing you need to stress about during the summer. Paved surfaces get really hot, too, and can burn your pet. Black asphalt could be an astonishing 60° hotter than the current air temperature. In these situations, it only takes a moment for serious burns to occur. We suggest avoiding all types of pavement, including asphalt, concrete, and other hard surfaces, as much as possible during the summer, especially on hot, sunny days. If walking on paved surfaces is your only option, use your hand to see how hot it is. If you cannot comfortably hold your hand on it for at least 10 seconds, it is too hot for your pet to walk on. Buying a pair of booties is a great way to protect your pet's 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 Hillsborough

Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes - which carry heartworm -  are most common in the summer. Be sure to schedule an appointment with a vet in Hillsborough to keep them up to date on flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives.

If your pet needs a vet in Hillsborough, we'd be honored to lend a hand. Reach out to us now to schedule your furry family member's appointment at 4Paws Mobile Veterinary Services.