6 Summer Pet Safety Tips

In the Razz on the Radio house, we must keep our dogs calm during spontaneous and scheduled fireworks displays in our hometown. Our dog Munson an 8-year-old Jack Russell gets extremely distressed over loud noises especially fireworks. We also have a rambunctious puppy named Olive who is curious about everything in the house. So as we go through the summer months we try to have a plan on how to keep them safe from all of the summer activities we humans enjoy.

Here are 6 tips on how to keep your pets safe during the summer fun. With help from Dr. Amber Karwacki of Heart + Paw:

• Prepare for Fireworks

  Fireworks are a fun part of summer, especially on the 4th of July, but fireworks can be scary to our pets, and can add increased anxiety. The most obvious way to make sure that your pets feel safe is to not take them anywhere that there might be fireworks, and to keep your pet inside on the evening of the 4th. If your dog takes anxiety medication, make sure to get their medication in advance from your veterinarian. Sometimes supplies can run out if everyone comes in for the same medication all at once. You don’t want your pet to go without their medication during a stressful time for them.

• Keep an Eye on the Grill

   With July comes BBQ season, so it is important to know what foods are safe for your pets and what foods to keep out of reach from your furry friends. Some foods that your dog can eat off the grill are plain, cooked, lean burgers, plain grilled vegetables such as sweet potatoes, and plain grilled fish. Some common BBQ foods to avoid are corn on the cob, onions, and avocado. Be mindful of your pet around the grill, they may try to jump up to get food which could cause a burn. Also watch for any grease drippings that they may lick up which could cause an upset stomach or pancreatitis.

• Beat the Heat -

   With temperatures increasing and more time being spent outside, it is important to be mindful of the hot ground on your pet’s paws. To ensure that the ground is safe for walking, go to the area where you plan to walk with your dog and place your bare skin onto the ground for 10 seconds. If you cannot keep your hand or foot there, or it feels very hot, then it is too hot for your dog’s paws. Be very mindful if you have a brachycephalic breed (i.e. pug, French bulldog, Boston Terrier) as they do not do as well in the heat and should only be out for very short trips on hot days.

• Keep Guests in Mind

   If you are planning to have guests over and know that your pet might be anxious in this situation, prepare a separate room with your pets bed and favorite toys where they can go to be away from all the excitement of guests. Ask your veterinarian if anxiety medication or pheromone therapy would help your pet during the holidays.

• Put the Trash Away

   Trash left out on a plate such as bones, fat, toothpicks, and skewers could be dangerous if ingested by your pet. Always make sure that tables are free of trash and food that is not being watched, and that any trash has been disposed of properly in a trash bag that is not accessible to pets. If you know your pet has ingested something foreign, it is best to call your vet right away to prevent serious damage.

• Hydration is Key

  Keeping our pets hydrated is a simple habit that can be forgotten for many of us. Most pets don’t get enough water, especially during the extreme temperatures that are creeping in. It is important to keep fresh cool water available to your pets at all times, so they are able to drink the proper amount. Each time you reach for water on a hot day to keep yourself hydrated, don’t forget your pet!