5 Summer Safety Tips to Keep Your Pet Healthy and Happy!

Summer brings bright sunshine, extended travel, and wonderful adventures! With owning a pet, there are other considerations to think of for a fun, hassle free season. Whether you are traveling to the beach, park, another province, or staying with relatives, the same guidelines apply for the security of your pet. Here are 5 summer safety tips for a happy, healthy summer season.

1. Home Safety for Your Pets:

• Make sure your pet has access to plenty of fresh water.
• Air flow is very important in keeping a cooler home environment.
• Scan your home for any hazards that younger pets can get into, such as fan cords.
• Don’t tie your pet up outside for extended periods of time. As the sun moves throughout the day your pet may lose their shade.
• Bored pets become anxious, curious, and even destructive. Consider scheduling a pet sitter, doggy daycare, or dog walker for pet companionship. Call us for more info!
• If don’t have an air-conditioned home, having someone check on your pet throughout the day is important.

2. Park Safety for Your Pets:

• Sharp needles are a grave concern for pet owners. Keep a close eye out for needles lying around and use caution when disposing of them. Some parks are equipped with sharps containers.
• Monitor roadways and walkways for cars, bikes, electric scooters, and other obstacles, especially when at a new park your pet may not know as well.
• Always check your pets’ fur for the presence of ticks and other insects.
• Obey posted rules and regulations to respect other park users.
• Watch what your dog ingests: some plants and puddles may be toxic!

3. Water Safety for Your Pets:

• Make sure your pet is not afraid of being in water, (a frightened dog will scratch and claw his/her way to safety). Never force your dog into the water, instead gently encourage him/her or bring a friend with a pet who loves the water.
• Most dogs need more than one exposure to feel secure walking along bridges and docks. Keep them close to you until they are comfortable walking on moving structures.
• Check your pet’s paws and in between their toes making sure they have not been scratched from sharp rocks or shells.
• If boating, make sure your dog isn’t at risk for jumping out while you are in motion. There are various animal life jackets available on the market to keep your pet safe in the water.

4. Vehicle Safety for Your Pets:

• When in a vehicle keep more than one window open for good circulation.
• Keep pet food and a dog water bowl with plenty of fresh water in your vehicle. There are lots of travel dog water bowls and bottles available.
• Neverleave an animal unattended in your vehicle – even with the windows down!
• It is not advisable to have your dog ride in the back of a pickup truck.
• Don’t allow your pet to sit on your lap while you are driving.
• Use a car harness, crate, or pet barrier to keep your pet safe if an accident occurs.

5. Vacation Tips for You and Your Pets:

• Make sure all your pet’s vaccinations and medications are up to date, and their collar has current identification on it.
• Call ahead to make reservations in pet-friendly accommodations and ask what fees are involved. Be sure to call well in advance, space fills quickly!
• Respect the rules and requests of hotels/motels and other people’s homes.
• Clean up after your pet, leaving yards and outside spaces as you found them.
• Keep a large enough area in rooms and vehicles for your pet to travel without being cramped.
• Try and schedule exercise breaks to stretch out your pet’s legs and burn off extra energy.

It isn’t always convenient traveling long distances with your pets or maybe your relatives aren’t able to accommodate your furry friends. If this is the case for you, consider leaving your pet in a dog boarding kennel or have a bonded, reliable member of our Pet City Canada team care for your pet in your home for your next vacation!