Summer Pet Safety - Big Y® World Class Market®

Every year during the summer months, there are numerous complaints to law enforcement relating to animals and hot weather. Dogs left unattended in parked cars top the list, followed closely by dogs left outside in the scorching sun without food, water or shade.

Dogs do not have the ability to sweat, therefore if they are left for even a short period of time in a car (windows open or not), their lives could be in danger. With their body temperature normally at 102 degrees, a dog can only endure temperatures barley over 105 degrees for a very short time before they suffer from heat stress, irreparable brain damage or death.

Here are a few other tips to keep your companion animals safe this summer:

If your pet spends lots of time outdoors, make sure there is adequate shelter for protection from the sun/heat. Outside kennels need to be well ventilated and situated in shaded areas. Clean, fresh water must be accessible at all times.

On hotter days, monitor your pets activity and be careful they don't over exert themselves. Watch for signs of heat stress, excessive panting, disorientation, staring or anxious expression and weakness. Bring your pet to a cool area, gradually lower your pets temperature by sponging cool water onto him/her and call your vet immediately.

When the heat and humidity rise, be especially careful with short-nosed dogs (pugs, bull-dogs, etc.) and older animals. Exercise your pets in the early morning and/or evening to avoid the midday heat.

Sun-baked asphalt can burn paws - keep to the grass, but make sure to watch out for pesticide warnings.

Ask your veterinarian about sunscreen for your pets - certain parts of your dog (nose, ears) can get sunburned. Shaving a furry pet for the summer may seem like a good idea, but your pet can actually get a sunburn.

Heart worm prevention is both recommended and available for cats and dogs through your veterinarian.

Fleas and ticks are now out in full force! Talk with your vet about the best prevention to stop your companion animals (and homes) from getting infested by these nasty parasites.

Dogs riding in the beds of trucks are not safe. Tied up or not, getting struck and injured by flying debris, being thrown out of the vehicle and tiny pieces of debris becoming embedded in your pet's eyes are all common hazards.

When you take your dog out for exercise, make sure to bring enough water for the both of you.

Make sure there is always plenty of water available for your pets - water should be refreshed/changed often, and the bowl should be kept in a cool shaded area.