Summer is a wonderful time to get outside, enjoy community events, travel, and spend more time with our pets. But while we may love warm weather and outdoor fun, summer can also bring hidden dangers for our four-legged family members.
As temperatures rise and festivals, vacations, and fireworks fill the calendar, it is important to remember that what feels fun for us may sometimes be overwhelming—or even dangerous—for pets.
Think Twice Before Bringing Pets to Fairs and Festivals
Summer fairs, concerts, festivals, farmers markets, and outdoor events can seem pet-friendly, but they are not always the best places for our companions.
Large crowds, loud noises, hot pavement, limited shade, and long periods of standing can quickly become stressful. Dogs and cats experience the world differently than we do, and what looks exciting to us may feel chaotic and frightening to them.
Hot pavement is another concern. Asphalt and concrete can become surprisingly hot and may burn sensitive paw pads. A good rule of thumb is to place the back of your hand on the pavement for several seconds. If it is too hot for your hand, it is too hot for paws.
If you do decide to bring your dog to an outdoor event, keep visits short, bring plenty of water, look for shaded areas, and watch closely for signs of overheating such as excessive panting, drooling, weakness, or unusual behavior.
Sometimes the kindest choice is leaving pets comfortably at home where it is cool and quiet.
Never Leave Pets in Hot Cars
Most pet owners know this warning by now, but it cannot be repeated enough: never leave animals in parked cars.
Even when outdoor temperatures seem mild, the inside of a vehicle can heat up rapidly. Cracking the windows does little to prevent dangerous temperature increases.
A quick stop at the store, a short errand, or “just a few minutes” can quickly become life-threatening.
Heatstroke in pets can happen fast and may include symptoms such as:
- Heavy panting
- Bright red gums
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Stumbling
- Collapse
If you suspect heatstroke, move the animal to a cooler place immediately and contact a veterinarian as soon as possible.
When temperatures rise, it is always safest to leave pets at home in air conditioning whenever possible.
IF YOU SEE A DOG, CAT OR ANY ANIMAL IN A HOT CAR REPORT AN ANIMAL IN IMMEDIATE DISTRESS (I.E. DOG IN A HOT CAR, INJURED STRAY) PLEASE CALL 314-647-4400. HUMANE SOCIETY OF MISSOURI ANIMAL CRUELTY TASK FORCE.
Preparing for Fireworks Season
For many people, fireworks are a highlight of summer celebrations. For pets, however, they can be one of the most stressful experiences of the year.
The loud booms, flashes, and unpredictable sounds may trigger fear, anxiety, hiding, shaking, pacing, or attempts to escape. Every year animal shelters report increases in lost pets around holidays that include fireworks.
A few simple steps can help:
- Keep pets indoors during fireworks displays
- Close windows and curtains
- Provide a quiet room or safe space
- Turn on soft music, television, or a fan to help mask outside noise
- Make sure identification tags and microchip information are current
Some pets may also benefit from calming products or guidance from a veterinarian if fireworks anxiety is severe.
Enjoy Summer Safely
Summer memories are often made outdoors, but keeping pets healthy sometimes means slowing down and making thoughtful choices.
A cool home, fresh water, shorter walks during the hottest part of the day, and a peaceful place to rest may be exactly what our pets need.
They depend on us to keep them safe, and with a little planning, summer can be enjoyable for everyone, including our fur babies.