Being out with your pets in summer brings them so much joy and let’s be honest, you love it too! Make sure you keep your dogs and cats safe from the top five summer dangers for pets.
1. Heatstroke
Your pets can overheat in warm weather, making it essential to give them access to shade, ventilation and water. According to the Royal Veterinary College of London, animals that are most susceptible to heatstroke are:
- Overweight pets
- Flat faced breeds like Pugs and French Bulldogs
- Pets with thick coats
- Very young and very old animals
- Pets with pre-existing conditions
Symptoms of heatstroke in dogs and cats include panting, restlessness, drooling, red gums or tongue, increased heart rate and vomiting or diarrhoea. Contact a vet immediately if you suspect your pet is suffering from heatstroke.
2. Dehydration
Fresh, clean water should always be accessible for your pets. Dehydration can be deadly for dogs and cats, and the signs can be subtle. These include increased heart rate, excessive tiredness, dark red or pale gums, sunken or dull eyes.
If you take your dog out for long walks and trips, always take a travel bowl along with you. You can order the Huntlea Adventure Food and Water Bowl from The Queen Pet Shop online or visit us in store for more options.
3. Parasites
Ticks and fleas are more common during summer. A walk in the park or a quick run through the bush on a weekend away can bring on a pattern of pests for your fur babies. Ticks and fleas can cause serious diseases in pets like Lyme disease, or cause skin infections and allergic reactions.
Take care where you let your pets roam and use products like NexGard Spectra and Frontline Plus to treat infestations. Visit our online shop for options here.
Read more tips to manage ticks and fleas in our blog here.
If your pets are infected by fleas, an environmental solution like Ultrum Duration works well for killing fleas, larvae and eggs. Spray your bedding, furniture and any other areas you think fleas might be hiding. Order a can from The Queen here.
4. Bee and Wasp stings
Summer brings out the bees and wasps which is great for the flowers but not so great for curious cats and clumsy puppies. While you can have hives and wasp nests removed from your property, sometimes swarms of bees can’t be avoided. Try to be aware of what’s happening in the environment your pet is adventuring in. Keep them away from trees and flowers that attract lots of bees to avoid stings.
Most stings only cause mild reactions like a bit of swelling or skin irritation, but an anaphylactic reaction can happen. Keep a close eye on your pet if they’ve been stung and contact a vet if you think their reaction is serious.
5. Paw Burns
Suburban pavements, parking lots, hot sandy beaches and other surfaces that soak up the heat of the sun can scorch your dog’s paws faster than you think! Be mindful of where you expect your dog to walk especially if you’re wearing shoes and can’t feel the heat of the ground.
To find out whether the ground is too hot for your pet, place your hand on the ground for five to seven seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their paws. Keep an eye out for limping, licking of paws or outright refusal to walk.
Keep your dog’s paws protected with M-Pets Hiking Dog Shoes from our online shop and use the size guide to order the right fit.
Make summer a safe and memorable occasion for your pets by being well-prepared!