Many of us will be going outside with our pets once the warm weather arrives. If you follow a few simple safety guidelines to avoid certain typical summertime dangers, your pet's emotional and physical health will benefit greatly from this time spent outdoors bonding with you.

 

Pets' exposure to heat

Animals are particularly susceptible to heat stress during the hot summer months because:

·      Golden retrievers, huskies, and Persian cats are examples of dog breeds with thick coats.

·      Bulldogs, pugs, and other canines with brachycephalic (flat-faced) faces, as well as Persian or exotic shorthair cats

·      Pets with existing respiratory or cardiovascular disorders

·      Oversized pets

Every pet should have unrestricted access to areas with plenty of shade and cold, fresh water throughout the day. Most pets will benefit from staying indoors with a fan or air conditioner in temperatures of 28°C or above (or in humid conditions), but this is crucial for the higher-risk pets mentioned above. Dogs should only be exercised in the cooler early morning and late evening hours. If your dog appears to be panting profusely, stop immediately.

 

Pet missing

Make sure your pet is correctly recognized with updated microchip registry details (including your current address and contact information) and a collar marked with your best contact number before taking them on summer excursions.

Snakes and spiders

Insects and reptiles are more active when the weather is warmer. Despite the fact that there are numerous effective tick prevention medications available at your local veterinarian clinic, many owners are aware of the risk of tick paralysis, but we rarely think about spiders.

In Australia, red-backs and funnel-webs are the most often encountered deadly spiders. Dog bites can be challenging to identify because the venom doesn't seem to harm dogs as severely as it does humans. Following are some possible spider bite warning indicators to look out for:

 

·      Areas that hurt or are swollen

·      Cramps in the muscles

·      Agitation \ Weakness

·      Paralysis

Both dogs and cats are frequently the victims of snake bites. Depending on the type of snakes in your area, different symptoms of a snakebite may include, but are not limited to:

·      Abrupt collapse, then a seeming recovery

·      Trembled muscles

·      Lethargy

·      Weakness or instability

·      Paralysis

·      Breathing challenges

·      Loss of bowel or bladder control

·      Abnormal bleeding, such as nosebleeds

·      Urine with a dark color

Take your pet to your neighborhood vet right away for emergency care if you believe they may have been bitten by a snake or spider.

As a general guideline, attempt to fence off areas in your garden that are obviously good places for spider or snake nests, like woodpiles, rock walls, or spaces under the house. Keep the grass short and clear the yard of any unneeded debris.

These safety measures might help you and your pet have a fun and safe summer.