How to Avoid Losing Your Pet During Warmer Months

Summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors with your furry friend, but it’s also a time to be especially mindful of your pet’s safety. The warmer months can increase the likelihood of your pet getting lost or suffering from heat-related illnesses. 

How can you keep your pet safe during the summer months? This post will cover lost pet prevention, July 4th safety, and other summer tips to keep your pets safe.

Lost Pet Prevention

Summer outings and trips increase the chances of your pet becoming lost. Here are some tips to prevent this from happening and help ensure you’re reunited if you should become separated from your pet. 

• Supervise your pet: Supervise your pet whenever they’re outdoors. Never leave your pet alone in a car because temperatures can quickly rise and cause heatstroke.
• Microchip your pet: A microchip is a small device implanted under your pet’s skin, containing information about your pet and your contact information. If your pet gets lost and is taken to a shelter or veterinarian’s office, the microchip can be scanned to retrieve your data and reunite you with your pet.
• Use a collar and ID tags: A collar and ID tags are essential. The ID tags should include your contact information and any important medical information.

How to Keep Your Pet Safe

Summer can be filled with fun and adventure, but it’s essential to keep in mind the potential dangers that come with higher temperatures. These are some tips to keep your pet safe:

• Provide plenty of water: Make sure your pet has access to clean, fresh water at all times, especially during hot weather. Dehydration can lead to serious health problems.
• Be careful of hot surfaces: Hot pavement and sand can burn your pet’s paw pads. Try to walk your pet during the cooler hours of the day, or invest in protective booties for your pet’s feet.
• Keep your pet cool: Dogs and cats can quickly overheat in hot weather. Provide shade and access to air conditioning or fans. You can also offer your pet a cool place to lie down.

July 4th Safety

July 4th is a fun holiday, but it can be frightening and dangerous for pets. Loud noises and fireworks can scare pets and cause them to run away. 

Here’s how you can help keep your pet safe during the 4th of July:

• Keep your pet indoors: Keep your pet indoors during fireworks displays to prevent them from running away. Close the windows and doors and turn on the TV or radio to help mask the noise.
• Provide a safe space: Create a safe space for your pet to retreat to during fireworks. A crate or a comfortable room with a familiar bed or blanket can help them feel safe and secure.
• Talk to your vet: If your pet is particularly anxious or scared during fireworks, talk to your veterinarian about possible medications or treatments to help ease their anxiety.

Summer Tips to Keep Your Pets Safe

Aside from the tips we’ve mentioned above, these are some additional ways to keep your pets safe this summer:

• Watch out for ticks and fleas: Warm weather is flea and tick season. Protect your pet with flea and tick preventives and check them regularly for any signs of infestation.
• Keep poisonous substances away from pets: Common items such as certain insect repellents and plants can harm your pet if ingested. 
• Don’t leave your pet in a parked car: Even with the windows partially open, the temperature can quickly rise to dangerous levels. Don’t leave your pet in the car, however briefly.

Have a Great Summer!

Following the tips above, you can help prevent your pet from getting lost, keep them safe from the heat and other dangers, and ensure they have a happy and healthy summer. 

Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital is here to help you prepare your pet for a fun-filled summer. Please contact us to schedule a wellness visit or to learn more about summer pet safety.