Hot weather and packed summer schedules can be a refreshing change of pace after dreary PNW winters, but it’s also a time of increased pet stress and—in some cases— frightening emergencies. Luckily, there are plenty of ways you can enjoy summer with your pet and keep them safe!
Check out our tips for keeping pets cool and safe all summer long!
Fireworks
The Fourth of July can be a stressful time for our pets. However, there are easy ways to ensure your furry friends are comfortable on this loud holiday!
- Keep pets inside. Unexpected bangs and booms can scare even the most affable pets.
- If you like it, then you should put a collar on it! An errant door left open by a well-meaning guest can lead to an unexpectedly lost pet. Fourth of July is a good day to put a collar with a tag on your pet if you don’t already do so, even indoor-only cats!
- Set up a safe and cozy space in your home just for your pet and ask guests not to disturb the area. Add soft classical music and a hearty Kong or treat to keep your pet busy and entertained when fireworks start.
Hot Weather
During the hot, dog days of summer, it’s important to take precautions to help keep pets safe and healthy in warm weather.
- Check the pavement before walking. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your pup’s paws.
- Did you know? Paw pads can be soft and more sensitive after swimming.
- Walk early or late outside of the hot daytime hours to ensure your pet stays cool.
- A kiddie pool in the backyard can be a fun way to cool off for water-loving dogs.
- Make use of local cooling centers on extremely hot days and cool off with your pet if you don’t have AC.
More tips for hot weather safety
Water Safety
While the closest your cat might get to the water is your bathroom sink, pups big and small have been known to love a refreshing dip. However, even the most water-savvy breeds should practice good water safety.
- A life jacket can be a lifesaver in choppy water, unexpected conditions, or if your dog is new to swimming.
- Take breaks! Your dog may not signal that they need one but taking breaks to relax in the shade can keep your dog from overexerting themselves.
- Bring plenty of drinking water! A big gulp of ocean water is not the hydration your dog needs, ensure you pack enough for yourself and your pup!
- Watch for water alerts. Alge blooms can be toxic to pets, know before you go!
BBQ Food Safety
Summer is overflowing with delicious foods and lively gatherings. Whether at a picnic in the park or hosting a large BBQ with friends and family, be sure to watch what foods your pet might have access to.
- Common summer foods that are toxic to animals include onions, grapes, avocado, and chocolate.
- Be sure to direct party guests where and how to safely dispose of food scraps, bones, corn cobs, and skewers.
- Our Community Veterinary Hospital reserves a handful of daily appointments for pet emergencies! Call as soon as possible if you believe your pet has ingested something they shouldn’t have.
Call our CVH team at (503) 285-7722
Flea and Tick Season
It’s best practice to guard your cats and dogs with regular flea and tick prevention year-round. But ticks can still stick even if flea and tick prevention is part of your pet’s care. It’s a good idea to have supplies on hand should you need to safely remove ticks from your pet and remember to thoroughly check your pet’s body—ears, toes, and arm pits—after outings in densely wooded areas like hiking.
At-Home Tick Removal Kit:
- Disposable gloves
- Tweezers or a tick removing tool
- Rubbing alcohol
